Acts These arrangements facilitated the provision of earthly needs in addition to the spiritual discipleship provided by the Apostles and elders. But as the early Church grew, some members of the community were neglected. Greek Jews complained to the Apostles that widows in their families were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The criteria for candidacy was that they be of good reputation, wise, and full of the Spirit. Acts The Church selected seven of their own, including Stephen who would be the first Christian martyr; Acts and Philip believed to be the evangelist who ministered in Samaria and witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch; Acts But no one could receive any donation from this fund if he already possessed a week's food in the house.
This fund. In addition, there was a daily collection of food from house to house for those who were actually in emergency need for the day. This fund was called the tamhui or the tray. It was this practice that the first deacons inherited and performed.
At first the money for the poor had been administered or at least supervised by the apostles Acts , but when the number of the disciples grew to five thousand men Acts , the job became too much for them, and deacons were elected to help.
Another indication of the deacon's role is inherent in the name itself: "servant. This does not mean that it is a lowly or unimportant office. The qualifications are quite high. They indicate that the deacon must be morally pure, spiritually mature, doctrinally strong, and able to handle money responsibly. In addition, he must be a good example in his family life and his deportment in the community.
He is one to be respected in the church. No other directions are given in Scripture concerning the work of the deacon. One thing is clear: it is not the job of the deacon to rule the church. Just as there is no such thing in Scripture as a board of elders, there is no such thing as a board of deacons. Authority in the church comes from the Lord to the congregation. Deacons may be authorized by the congregation to serve the church in various ways, but these should be under the same headings found in Scripture.
They should help the pastor or pastors with their ministry and help meet the physical needs of the congregation. Lea and Griffin conclude from 1 Timothy that "deacons likely served in an undefined way to assist the overseer, but they may not have been deeply involved in church financial affairs.
It says that the deacon: "shall minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. To this board may be delegated. The vote should be an expression of the prayerful will of the church, affirming elected candidates in their role. It also provides a safety check for both church and nominees. Think it over. Talk to those close to you.
Talk to the pastors, or existing deacons, or ex-deacons about what is involved. Make a decision on whether you are ready and willing to let your name be put forward. Remember that the appointment process is a means of testing things out with the church, not validation or rejection of you as a person!
They begin their service straightaway and are welcomed and prayed for at the first convenient communion service. New deacons are taken through an induction and information session with the Pastor and Church Secretary.
It is important, therefore, for members to be involved in appointing deacons by thinking and praying about it and by participating in the process. Who are the deacons? What do they do? Working with and supporting the Pastors, the task of the diaconate is to offer: Spiritual leadership — praying through and discussing key issues in the life of the church and empowering church members to own and develop the ministry and mission of our fellowship.
Pastoral concern — contributing to the wider pastoral network of care, welcoming people at the door on a Sunday and serving people at Communion. When do they meet? Within a congregation, deacons set examples of compassion and stewardship.
The deacons also help with educating and nurturing youth within and outside of the church. Samantha Laros is a reporter for the "Daily Globe" newspaper in Shelby, Ohio, where she covers education, breaking news and features.
Laros earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Kent State University. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages.
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