Deacon

What it means

The word means "servant". In Acts 6 the apostles asked the church to choose seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the daily care of widows, so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Most churches see in this the beginning of the diaconate.

Paul greets "the overseers and deacons" at Philippi, naming two offices, and sets out qualifications for deacons alongside those for elders: dignity, sincerity, sound faith held with a clear conscience, faithfulness at home, and testing before they serve. Deacons are not required to be able to teach, and they do not govern the church; they serve it.

In practice deacons care for the poor and needy, look after the church's property and money, and organize practical help, under the oversight of the elders. Like elders, they are held to the standards of their office, and a faithful church has a way to correct or remove a deacon who does not meet them. Whether women may hold the office is a separate question on the site.

In Scripture

• Acts 6:1-4

  Acts 6:1-4

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  Seven men were chosen to oversee care for widows so the apostles could give themselves to prayer and the Word.

• Philippians 1:1

  Philippians 1:1

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  Paul greets the saints at Philippi together with the overseers and deacons, two distinct offices.

• 1 Timothy 3:8-10

  1 Timothy 3:8-10

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  Deacons must be dignified, sincere, holding the faith with a clear conscience, and tested first.

• 1 Timothy 3:12-13

  1 Timothy 3:12-13

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  Deacons must be faithful in marriage and manage their households well; those who serve well gain good standing.