1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-6

Big Picture: Elders lead ministry, deacons facilitate ministry, the congregation does
ministry. Deacons facilitate congregational ministry under the leadership of the elders.
Deacons do not make “direction-setting” decisions. That is the New Testament model,
and that biblical clarity in deacons’ role and function is invaluable for promoting peace
and unity in the church.

Question: What does the Bible say deacons should do? What is their function?
Answer: Deacons are qualified model servants who assist the elders by

• guarding the elders’ ministry of the word and prayer.
• organizing the church’s service to others (especially to the needy)
• seeking to preserve church unity.

Deacons are NOT “the people in charge of all the practical stuff, while the elders are in
charge of the spiritual stuff.” While their roles often relate to practical matters, they are
not an equal body to the elders set up to oversee one sphere of church life, while the
elders oversee another.

Question: Who should be a deacon? What are a deacon’s qualifications?
Answer: 1 Timothy 3:8-13