The Office of Deacons

What Deacons Are Not

• Deacons are not pastors. They are not overseers appointed by God to direct, to lead, and to establish the vision for the local church. 
• Deacons are not merely a committee. A committee is usually a group appointed by the church for the purpose of carrying out a specific duty. Deacons have a plurality of duties determined by the needs of the church. Those particular duties are not highly defined in the Scriptures. 
• Deacons are not a board. A board has executive power; it has the right and power to rule. The New Testament saints never seemed to have anyone over them except the Pastor/Elder. 

Furthermore, the work of deacons is a spiritual ministry, not necessarily a work of corporate business or finances. 

What Deacons Are 

Deacons are the selected servants of the church to do whatever work must be done within the church to meet the needs of the people and to free up the pastor for prayer and for the ministry of the Word. Deacons do not hold teaching or ruling authority in the church but exercise responsibility for the physical needs of the congregation. 

Primary Responsibilities of Deacons 

The functions of deacons vary from church to church. But the basic principles are laid out in Acts 6. In our church, the following are the duties of deacons: 

1. Assist the Pastor and Elders in resolving problems among the church members 
2. Lead and facilitate the execution of church services and gatherings 
3. Ensure safe and peaceful gathering of the saints 
4. Facilitate the distribution of helps and assistance to members in need
5. Secure the facilities and properties of the church 
6. Keep the congregation informed on important internal information and updates.

Ministry Teams under the Deacons 

1. Ushering Team 
2. Church Service Team 
3. Benevolence Team 
4. Peace and Order Team 
5. Follow-up Team 

Suggested routine for the Deacons 

1. Prepare the church’s regular gatherings
   • prepare the program 
   • prepare the place
2. Visit non-attending members
   • know their situation 
   • determine how to address, if necessary 
3. Accommodate the guests and visitors from other churches
   • know them and their background 
   • know their purpose for attending the service 
   • refer to elders, if necessary 
4. Follow-up on guests
   • know their response to the Word preached 
   • offer the ministry’s other services (prayer, home Bible study, counseling, etc)
5. Meet regularly for planning and addressing concerns
   • plan the services 
   • plan the visitation 
   • plan the follow-up 
   • address members in need 
   • address facility and equipment needs 
   • others