The Bible teaches that deacons lead by serving—Acts 6.
The qualifications for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual’s character, but they differ in aptitude. The elders are to be able to teach while the deacons are to be able and proved as servants.
Deacon Qualifications: 1 Timothy 3:8-12
Individual of dignity Above reproach
Not double tongued First tested as servants Not addicted to wine Spouses must be faithful Dignified
- Temperate
- Not fond of sordid gain
- Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience Husband of one wife
- Manages household well
In the New Testament, the word usually translated “serve” is the Greek word diakoneo. It refers to an attendant, a waiter, or one who ministers to another. From this word we get the English word “deacon.” We first see the word “deacon” used this way in the book of Acts. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables” (Acts 6:2). The men who were giving themselves to feeding the flock by preaching and teaching realized that it wasn’t right for them to leave those activities to wait tables, so they found some other men who were willing to serve, and put them in place to minister to the church’s physical needs while the elders or pastors ministered to their spiritual needs.
These roles are essentially the same. Elders or pastors are to “preach the word…reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2), and deacons are to be appointed to take care of everything else. This might include taking on administrative or organizational tasks, ushering, being responsible for building maintenance, or volunteering to be the church treasurer. It depends on the need and the gifts of the available men.
The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly listed or outlined; they are assumed to be everything that does not include the duties of an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach, and exhort.
“For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).
The practical duties at OBF would include but are not limited to organizing and maintaining oversight according to the OBF Missions Statement and Policy for Service.
They may also include giving leadership in the organization of;
- Sunday School teachers and material
- Ushers/offering and schedules Welcomers
- Prayer volunteers for after service Communion setup
- Sound and Web ministries Property and Security of facility Emergency aid if needed
There may be other practical areas of service that will be needed in the worship and maintenance of the church.