Deacons

What Is A Deacon?

Deacons became a part of the ministry of Christian churches soon after the Church was formed in Jerusalem.  The first disciples recognized that God equipped his people with different talents and called them to different role within each congregation. In accordance with biblical precedence, Presbyterian Churches set apart three offices: Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, Elders, and Deacons.  The following points may help you understand what a Deacon is.

• Deacons are ordained officers in the church, but they are not political leaders.

 

• Deacons are called to minister to God’s family with sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ (Book Of Order, G-6.0401).

 

• The Deacons’ primary concern is caring for those within and beyond the community of faith, who are in need, whether they be physically sick or injured, lonely or mistreated, or spiritually distressed.

 

• The Deacons’ ministry is one of care, love, compassion, and prayer. (Book Of Order, G-6.0402).

 

• Deacons are expected to be people of faith, dedication, and good judgment who try to do their best to serve God.  Accordingly, Deacons are to be persons with “spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment” (Book Of Order, G-6.0401).