The Biblical Warrant for the Diaconate Ministry (An Outline)

#1 The Biblical Roots of the Diaconate Ministry

• 1a. The existence of the poor and needy and the compassion of God. (Matt 25:34-40 ; Gal 6:10; James 1:27)
• 1b. The necessity for the Pastor to concentrate on his primary role (Acts 2:2-4; Acts 6:2)
• 1c. There is a scriptural principle of decency, order, and visible integrity in the affairs of the church. (1 Cor 14:40, 2 Cor 8:20-21).

“Deacons are gift to the poor and needy, Deacons are gift to the pastor and Deacons are gift to the church”

#2 The Nature and Responsibilities of the Diaconate Ministry

• 2a. It is a helping office delegated by the church in managing essential and mundane affairs of the church. (Practical matters)
• 2b. The diaconate cares for and prepares the church where the congregation meets.
• 2c. The deacons were appointed to care for and account for the church’s money and properties
• 2d. It handles and takes care of church utility
• 2e. They handle the benevolence fund of the church
• 2e. They provide the elders and the church with a financial report.

#3 Qualifications for the Diaconate (1 Tim 3:8-10, 12; Acts 6:3)

• 3a. Deacons must be men of proven integrity
• 3b. Deacons must be men who are living in an uncompromised home situation
• 3c. Deacons must be men with a proven ability to rule
• 3d. Deacons must be men with a proven reputation for serving others
• 3e. Deacons must be men of pervasive spirituality full of the spirit and of wisdom

Candidates should be from the congregation and it should be recognized by the congregation.

#4 The Conferral of the Diaconate

• Acts 6 – it was mentioned that the congregation will choose deacons. In Acts (chapter 2) there were 3,000 members,
• Ordination process described in Acts 6
• Congregation chooses the deacons
• Ordination through laying of hands

#5 Administration of the Diaconate

• 5a. Conduct a regular meeting. The Diaconate works as one body.
• 5b. Exercise proper delegation. Deacons have delegation authority. 1 Pe 3:7, Women can be diaconate delegates but not as an ordained office (1 Tim 3:7). Diaconal assistants qualifications (1 Tim 3:11) There are works where women are better suited (e.g. taking care of widows, and elderly women)
• 5c. Observe Orderliness.
• 5d. Provide a report. Deacons are under the oversight and rule of elders.

Even within the diaconate, there can be variety of giftedness in different areas.

Noel Espinosa

#6 The Duties of the Congregation towards the Diaconate

• 6a. The congregation should treat the deacons with respect. Rom 16:1-2 (Paul exhorts the congregation to treat and acknowledge the deacons in a worthy manner.)
• 6b. The congregation should help or assist the deacons (and the diaconate assistants) in whatever way they can (Rom 16:2).

To God be the glory!

Note: This outline is based on our pastor’s series of lectures on the Diaconate ministry during our Sunday School.