Foundation of the Deaconate
All Christians are
called to be servants; every member of the church is to be a servant to one another after the example of Jesus Christ who
came to serve his people (Mark 10:45;John 13:2-17). The nature of the Christian church is that of being a servant people.
Deacons are lead-servants
who co-ordinate the service of the church to one another and as helpers to the elders must fulfill their duties with and in
submission to the elders.
Summary Definition
Deacons (and deaconesses) have the high responsibility of administering the business and secular affairs and benevolent
concerns of the Church. This enables the elders to devote themselves without
undue distractions to the ministry of prayer and the Word. Deacons are primarily responsible for the ministry of mercy
and stewardship in the congregation.
Qualifications
Deacons are to be spiritually
mature persons with proven Christian character and solid doctrinal knowledge who evidence the spiritual gifts of helps and
mercy. They should possess spiritual wisdom that enables them to deal with people and money efficiently and graciously in
compassionate and wise ways that enhance the unity of the body (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Phil.1:1; Romans 16:1).
To the office of deacon,
which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen men of spiritual character, honest reputation, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit,
warm sympathy, and sound judgment.
Duties
Deacons are called to:
To relieve the elders
so that they are able to exercise spiritual oversight of the flock.
Administer the business
and practical affairs of the church.
This includes maintaining
the church buildings, property, and premises.
The church treasurer
is usually appointed from among the deacons.
Engage in the ministry of mercy toward those in physical need,
especially in the church body. Of particular concern are the needs of widows, orphans, the poor, strangers, the friendless,
and others especially vulnerable to oppression and exploitation . . .
Method of Selection
We believe that the Lord Himself calls pastor-elders
and deacons for the teaching, care and administration of the church.
This call is revealed through the church when
the church has elections which recognize these ministries in obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Deacons are nominated
from among the congregation when the elders determine the need exists and they are selected by vote of the congregation with
the approval of the eldership.
Those called to be deacons must be willing
to serve. After they are called they are to be dedicated to their service with prayer and by the laying on of hands by the
pastor-elders and current deacons in the presence of the congregation. This should occur after the selected ones have testified
to their faith and call.
Those so ordained to this ministry perform
their service under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in line with the Scriptures according to the order of the church, under
the oversight of the elders, and answerable to the congregation.
By Wayne Conrad
Wayne Conradİ2001
FCC
by authoritization of elders
October 5, 2001
