Deacons play a vital role in the church, serving alongside pastors and helping maintain the congregation’s spiritual health. While much focus is placed on pastoral leadership, deacons are no less essential to the church’s mission. No single passage outlines the exact duties of a deacon, but several themes emerge from Scripture, particularly in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3.
Acts 6 provides the foundational account of deacons in the early church. As the number of believers grew, so did logistical challenges, leading to disputes over the care of widows. The apostles addressed the issue by appointing deacons—those “full of the Spirit and wisdom”—to handle these practical concerns so that pastors could focus on teaching and prayer. This passage highlights three key responsibilities of deacons: solving problems, preserving unity, and promoting faith.
Problem Solvers
Growth in the church brings challenges. In Acts 6, the rapid increase in believers led to friction, requiring wise and Spirit-filled leaders to mediate and maintain order. Deacons help resolve conflicts and ensure the church functions smoothly.
Preservers of Unity
The early church faced cultural divisions between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews. Deacons played a critical role in maintaining unity by addressing these tensions with wisdom and godliness. As 1 Corinthians 1 reminds us, Christ is not divided, and neither should His church be.
Promoters of the Faith
The work of deacons directly impacts the spread of the gospel. Acts 6:7 notes that after deacons were appointed, “the number of believers greatly increased.” By serving the church faithfully, deacons enable the broader mission of reaching people for Christ.
The Character of Deacons
Paul provides clear qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons must be worthy of respect, sincere, not greedy, and committed to the faith with a clear conscience. Unlike pastors, they are not required to be teachers, but they must demonstrate integrity, wisdom, and a servant’s heart.
Deacons are entrusted with sensitive information and must exercise discretion. They hold the pastors accountable while also assisting with administrative and financial responsibilities. Their personal lives must reflect strong faith and leadership, and they must manage their households well.
Deacons are not power holders but servant leaders. Their role is a calling, not a position of prestige. When they serve well, they earn respect and grow in faith (1 Timothy 3:13). Their ministry strengthens the church, supports pastors, and ultimately glorifies God.
In short, deacons ensure that the church remains healthy, unified, and mission-focused. Their faithfulness allows pastors to teach and lead while ensuring that practical needs within the church are met.
While churches will have differing views on the role of deacons, a vetting process should be in place before selecting them to serve. What do you ask deacons when interviewing them for the position? I’ve included several potential questions to help guide the discussion. A downloadable version is available as well.
Theological and Doctrinal Questions
-
- Can you share your testimony of salvation and how you came to faith in Christ?
- How would you explain the gospel to someone who has never heard it?
- What do you believe about the authority and inspiration of Scripture?
- How do you view the role of the deacon in relation to the pastor(s) and the church?
- How do you interpret 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7 in relation to the qualifications and responsibilities of a deacon?
- What is your understanding of the role of the local church in a believer’s life?
Character and Personal Life
-
- How is your personal walk with Christ? Describe your daily devotional and prayer life.
- How do you lead your family spiritually?
- Are there any areas of personal struggle or temptation that we should be aware of?
- Do you have any unconfessed sin or unresolved conflicts that could affect your service as a deacon?
- How do you handle disagreements and conflicts, particularly within the church?
Church Involvement and Service
-
- Are you currently discipling or mentoring anyone in the church?
- What do you believe is the most pressing need in our church right now, and how would you address it as a deacon?
Practical Ministry
-
- How do you handle serving those in the church who have different preferences or personalities than yours?
- How would you minister to a church member going through a crisis, such as illness, financial hardship, or family struggles?
- How do you support and encourage the pastor(s) and their ministry?
Final Considerations
-
- Are you willing to be held accountable by the pastor(s) and fellow deacons?
- Why do you feel called to be a deacon, and what do you hope to accomplish in this role?
- Is there anything in your life—past or present—that, if known, could disqualify you from serving as a deacon?
Posted on April 14, 2025
As President of Church Answers, Sam Rainer wears many hats. From podcast co-host to full-time Pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church, Sam’s heart for ministry and revitalization are evident in all he does.
More from Sam
6 Comments
We have deacons that have served for many years and have been at this church all their lives. They are willing to work but they also think everything must have their approval for it to happen in the church. They seem themselves as the authority.
They have been very good to me but they also want me to run everything by them and get their approval before making any changes. Would you address this or not?
A lot depends on your bylaws and unwritten expectations of the church. We do not have this kind of structure, but others churches do. Since it’s part of your culture, I recommend getting the support of the deacons before making changes. If you try to force it, things could get sideways.
Thank you Sam.
All those passages definitely show the co-laboring aspect between elders and deacons. The office of deacon is imperative to the health of a church. However, too many churches use deacons as a checks and balance office rather than for their distinctive role. Do you believe deacons submit to elders? I am thinking of Hebrews 13:7, 17 as an argument that a congregation submits to elder authority. I’m a not speaking of elder-rule but rather to a plural elder-led model. I believe many church view Baptist polity in particular as being similar to the (3) branches of the US Government, which very much sees their role as bringing accountability. I do not believe the Bible allows for this type of church structure, nor do I see scripture giving this type of “veto” power to deacons (there is very little data on deacons). My concern is this: the problem of deacons seeing themselves as the gatekeepers of a church. I understand scripture to give the ultimate authority in certain matters of doctrine to the church (recognized, credible pastors, deacons, and members). But the Lord has given oversight to His elders over the church (this assumes they are acting in accordance as under-shepherds), including deacons, who reasonably submit to them. Do you understand my concern?
All good thoughts. Yes, your concerns are valid. However, don’t conflate accountability with authority. I have authority over my deacons, but I am also accountable to them.
Sam, you state in your article how deacons keep pastors accountable. Will you give me some scriptural support for this assertion? Certainly in a congregationally governed church all membership keeps elders accountable, including deacons, but you seem to be asserting this as a duty of deacons.
Sure, the idea can be reasonably supported from Scripture when we consider the roles and relationships of pastors (elders/overseers) and deacons in the early church. The biblical pattern shows deacons as spiritually qualified servant leaders who help ensure the integrity, unity, and health of the church—functions that inherently include a level of accountability.
Acts 6: Deacons serve as a buffer to protect pastoral focus and promote healthy church dynamics. If pastors veer from integrity or neglect the flock, it stands to reason these same deacons should speak up.
1 Timothy 3: The similarity between the qualifications for elders (vv. 1–7) and deacons (vv. 8–13) suggests a mutual accountability culture—deacons aren’t subordinate in character or trust, even if their function differs.
Philippians 1: Paul greets both overseers (pastors) and deacons, showing a clear structure of co-laboring leadership in the local church.
Ephesians 5:21 While elders shepherd and deacons serve, both roles are meant to work together for the good of the body and the integrity of its leaders.
Healthy churches have mutual accountability between the two offices: pastors and deacons. I believe proactive accountability measures are one of the biggest reasons why church leadership structures become unhealthy.