Responsibilities of Deacons

1. Rom.12:4-8– “4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. 6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

2. Responsibilities of Deacons Some Misconceptions Deacons are “Junior Elders” NOT overseers but servants Deacons are “Elders in Training” Viewed as a stepping stone Serving as a deacon is an end in & of itself Deacons are the only servants We are ALL servants in the cause of Christ

3. Responsibilities of Deacons As seen from the word “Deacon” Used 30 times in the NT Minister(s) – 20 times Servant(s) – 7 times Deacons – 3 times Means: “one who executes the commands of another…”

4. Responsibilities of Deacons As seen from Acts 6:1-6

5. Acts 6:1-6– “1 Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word. …”

6. Acts 6:1-6– “1 Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word. …” • “serve as deacons” – 1 Tim.3:10

7. Acts 6:1-6– “1 Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word. …”

8. Responsibilities of Deacons As seen from Acts 6:1-6 Not called deacons but did work of a deacon Appointed “over this business” Limited authority delegated to them These men served: Apostles Congregation Ones in need

9. Responsibilities of Deacons They are to be examples Men of high caliber were/are needed Acts 6:3; 1 Tim.3:8-13 Why? So work would get done in an honorable and upright fashion To set an example of faithful/willing service

10. Responsibilities to Deacons Be aware of them and their assigned duties

11. Ken Cushing Dave Evans Jim Guidry Michael Dykes Bobby Gunn Gary Holt Brian Jackson Mike Young

12. Responsibilities to Deacons Be aware of them and their assigned duties Cooperate and be willing to help them Respect and love them

13. 1 Tim.3:13– “For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”