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HPBC Pastoral Statement on Deacons

01.20.21 | Pastoral Statement

    1. The New Testament often uses the word “deacon” (or servant) to refer to anyone in the capacity of serving, including Jesus (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45), the apostles (Acts 6:4), individual Christians (1 Timothy 4:6), church members in general (Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:12), angels (Hebrews 1:14), and even demons (2 Corinthians 11:15).

    2. In addition, the New Testament also uses the word “deacon” to refer to a specific biblical office (1 Timothy 3; Philippians 1:1).

    3. The clearest biblical text on the office of deacon emphasizes the importance of the character of a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13). A deacon knows God (v.9), has godly character (vv.8,10,12), serves others (v.10), and reaps a great reward (v.13). His qualifications largely mirror those of a pastor with the exceptions of being able to teach the Word and not being a recent convert.

    4. The office of deacon is distinct from the pastoral office and recognized by the local church (Philippians 1:1).

    5. While the New Testament gives little detail regarding what deacons do, we believe Acts 6 provides at minimum an example or even prototype of the office of deacon. In Acts 6:1-7, multiple men with proven character (“full of the Spirit and of wisdom”) were chosen by the church to serve in a particular area of need so that the apostles could direct their energy towards prayer, the ministry of the Word, and the general oversight of the church. In the example of Acts 6, the men were chosen to serve in a way that protected and preserved the unity of the church and were appointed by the apostles to this task. Due to the size of the task given to them, these men likely led others in this service. They could be considered “leaders of servants.”

    6. “Leaders of servants” is a helpful phrase in regards to the deacon role. Deacons are servants by the very definition of the word (diakonos means “servant” or “ministry”). They minister in the church by serving in areas delegated to them by the pastors/elders/overseers so that pastors can direct their energy towards their role of teaching, overseeing, and shepherding the local church. Deacons are also examples of service. They are chosen from among church members based on their exemplary character of faithful service. Therefore, part of their task is mobilizing and leading others in humble, faithful service by example and by word. Deacons take initiative within the areas of service delegated to them by pastors, whether noticed or not. Serving well in this way leads to a great reward, including a good standing before others and great confidence in their faith in Christ (1 Timothy 3:13).

    7. Because all members are called to serve (Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:12), the deacon office specifically is for those who will lead others well in this faithful service/ministry in particular areas delegated to them by the pastors/elders/overseers. These defined areas of service may shift and adjust due to pressing needs (as in the example of Acts 6), but the role of every deacon remains the same: to lead others in faithful service/ministry for the ultimate goal of God’s glory and the building up of the church (Acts 6:7).