What is a deacon?
The English word “deacon” comes from the Greek diakonos, which means servant or minister. The word is used in the New Testament both in a general sense (anyone who serves) and, in some passages, for a recognized role in the church. Philippians 1:1 shows that by the time Paul wrote, churches had overseers and deacons.
Christian traditions use the term differently. In many Baptist, Presbyterian and other Protestant churches, deacons are lay leaders who care for practical and pastoral needs. In Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches, deacons are an ordained order of ministry. Keep that in mind as you read the passages below.
Acts 6:1-6, the seven
Acts 6 is often seen as the background of the diaconate, although the passage does not itself use the title “deacon” for the seven. A complaint arose that Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food (for more on God’s concern for widows, see helping the widows and orphans: Bible verses). The apostles asked the believers to choose seven men “of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (verse 3, KJV), so the apostles could give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them.
Two features are worth noticing. First, the work was practical care for people in need. Second, the seven were chosen for spiritual qualities, not only for skill. Some traditions treat these seven as the first deacons, and others as a model for the role without equating them. You can also see in Acts 6 that Stephen and Philip went on to share the gospel, so serving and witness were not sharply separated.
1 Timothy 3:8-13, qualifications
Paul lists qualities for deacons: they should be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine or dishonest gain, and should hold “the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” (verse 9, KJV). They should be tested first, and be faithful in marriage and manage their households well (verses 10-12).
Notice that most of the list is about character rather than abilities. Those who serve well, Paul says, “obtain to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith” (verse 13, KJV).
Philippians 1:1 and other verses
- Philippians 1:1. Paul greets all the saints at Philippi “with the bishops and deacons” (KJV), showing both roles existed.
- Mark 10:45. Jesus says he came not to be served but to serve. The servant pattern behind the word “deacon” begins here.
- John 12:26. Anyone who serves Jesus must follow him.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11. Each person should use the gift they have received to serve others.
- Galatians 6:2. Bear one another’s burdens.
Duties of a deacon
The New Testament does not give a detailed job description, so churches have developed their own. Commonly, deacons:
- care for the practical needs of members, such as visiting the sick, helping those in financial difficulty, and coordinating benevolence;
- support the pastor and elders so that they can focus on prayer and the word, echoing Acts 6;
- help with property, finances and church services, depending on the church’s structure;
- in some traditions, assist in worship, baptism or communion, and in ordained diaconates, may preach or proclaim the gospel.
Local church constitutions differ, so your own church’s guidelines are the best guide to what its deacons do.
Deaconesses and women in the diaconate
The Bible raises a question here and Christians answer it differently.
- In Romans 16:1, Paul commends Phoebe, who is called a diakonos of the church at Cenchrea. Some translations render this “servant” and others “deacon” or “deaconess.”
- In 1 Timothy 3:11, Paul gives qualifications for “women” (or “wives” in some translations) in the same passage. Interpreters disagree whether he means deacons’ wives or women deacons.
Some churches ordain or appoint women as deacons or deaconesses, and others limit the office to men while welcoming women’s service in many other ways. Early church history includes women deacons in some regions, as many historians note. Readers are encouraged to study the passages and speak with their own church’s leaders.
Deacon vs pastor and elder
In many Protestant churches, the distinction is roughly this:
- Pastors and elders (also called overseers) are mainly responsible for teaching, shepherding and oversight (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). See our study on Bible verses about elders.
- Deacons are mainly responsible for serving practical and pastoral needs, supporting the work of the elders.
Notice that 1 Timothy 3 requires an overseer to be “able to teach” but does not list that for deacons. That said, structures vary. In some churches a single pastor leads with a board of deacons. In others, elders hold the main governing role and deacons serve under them. In Catholic and Orthodox churches, deacons, priests and bishops are separate orders.
What is Romans 12:21 saying?
Romans 12:21 says, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (KJV). It sits at the end of a chapter about genuine love, blessing those who persecute, and not repaying evil for evil. It is not a verse about deacons specifically, but it summarizes the spirit of service: responding to wrongdoing and need with practical goodness. Many church leaders, including deacons, apply it to how they handle conflict and care for others.
Questions for reflection
- What do Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3 tell us about the importance of character in service?
- Why did the apostles delegate practical care instead of doing it all?
- How can your church recognize and thank people who serve behind the scenes?
- Read Mark 10:45. How does Jesus’ own example shape your idea of serving?
Related: the Spirit-empowered organizing of practical work also appears in our study of the gift of administration.