Question 44 :: What is the role of deacons?

Answer:

Deacons are leaders in the church called apart to serve the physical and administrative needs of the flock.

Children: Deacons are servant leaders in the church.

Acts 6:2-4

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 

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Commentary:

Deacons are men set apart for service to the church body. The responsibility of deacons is to administer to the physical needs of the flock of God (the church), being aware that they will give account to the Lord for the exercise of their leadership. Deacons were first instituted in Acts 6, where the apostles required help in making sure the Christian widows were treated fairly. In order for the Apostles (elders) to focus on “prayer and ministering of the word,” deacons were selected. When they had identified men full of faith and the Holy Spirit, the Apostles laid hands on them to commission their service. Duties of deacons might vary from local church to local church based on needs and context.

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Further Study:

Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:9-13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-14; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.