Question:  What function should a deacon have in a church?  I need biblical reasons.

            James

Answer:  Dear James,

            The question you ask is an administrative one, based upon the Bible, of course.  The role of deacon is not specifically defined in the Bible.  We first read of deacons in Acts 6 – the choosing of the seven.  They were chosen at that time to perform more spiritual acts of service – the Bible uses the generic term “to wait on tables”.  The 12 apostles did not wish to neglect the spiritual ministry, and needed help with administrative matters.

            Today the role of deacons varies widely from congregation to congregation and from denomination to denomination.

            Acts 6 tells us the seven deacons were chosen (among other things) because they were “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”  I Timothy 3:8-13 also given criteria to be used in choosing deacons.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht