Deaconess
A view held among orthodox Christians
The practice of appointing women to assist the deacons in mercy ministry without ordaining them to the office.
Also called: deaconesses, women assist deacons
What it means
Many churches that keep the office of deacon for men still recognize that much of the church's practical care is best done by women: visiting widows and sick women, caring for mothers and children, and helping where a man's presence would be inappropriate. They appoint women to assist the deacons, sometimes called deaconesses, without laying hands on them or giving them a vote in the deacons' decisions.
The practice has roots in the early church, which had an order of widows devoted to good works and, in some places, women who assisted at the baptism of women. It honours the service of women like Phoebe while reading 1 Timothy 3:12 as reserving the office itself for men.
The site shows this as a middle position between opening the office to women and having no recognized role for them. What matters most is that the church is clear about what it practises and why.
In Scripture
Phoebe served the church and helped many, and Paul asks the church to receive and help her.
Enrolled widows were known for good works such as hospitality, washing the saints' feet, and relieving the afflicted.
Women connected with the diaconate must be dignified, temperate, and faithful.
Older women are to train younger women, a ministry suited to women.
Where it comes up
On this site: Women deacons
Related terms
DeaconHistoric orthodoxy
An officer of the church appointed to lead its ministry of mercy and practical care, so that the elders can give themselves to prayer and the Word.
Women deaconsA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that the office of deacon is open to qualified women as well as men.