Deacon's Ministry
Serve the LORD with gladness;
come into His presence with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2
The Old Testament Background:
In the Old Testament, the pattern of service associated with the priesthood was carried out by the Tribe of Levi, whom God appointed to assist the priests in the work of the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites were responsible for guarding sacred spaces, transporting holy furnishings, maintaining order, and supporting the priests so they could devote themselves to their mediatorial duties (Numbers 3; Numbers 18). This service role was clearly defined by God and consistently entrusted to men from the tribe of Levi; there is no biblical indication that women were appointed to serve in this capacity. While women played vital and honored roles throughout Israel’s life and worship, the office of Levitical service was restricted according to God’s established order. This Old Testament pattern of qualified male servants assisting spiritual leadership provides important background for understanding the New Testament role of deacons as helpers who support the work of overseers for the good of God’s people.
A New Testament Position:
All believers are called to serve God and one another as part of the body of Christ; service is the shared responsibility of every Christian. The role of a deacon, however, is a recognized position of leadership in service, where qualified men are appointed to lead the congregation in meeting its physical and practical needs. Deacons do not govern the church or oversee doctrine, but they organize, direct, and model faithful service so that the needs of the body are met in an orderly and God-honoring way. In this manner, deacons serve under the authority of the elders while helping preserve the church’s focus on prayer, the Word, and care for one another.
The first appearance of what later becomes known as the role of deacon is found in Acts of the Apostles 6, where the apostles address a practical need within the growing church—the daily distribution of food. Qualified men were appointed to oversee this ministry of service so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. While the Gospels and Acts show that women were involved in acts of compassion and support within the community of believers, those appointed to this recognized role were not those who led or exercised governing authority over the process. In keeping with the teaching and pattern of Scripture, our church does not appoint deaconesses; however, if a deacon is married, his wife is welcome to assist him in this ministry of service. Deacons serve under the authority of the elders, and all decisions regarding their ministries are subject to elder oversight and approval.
Six Biblical Principles for Choosing Deacons
Point 1: Acts 6 teaches that the elders of the church are not called to do everything, but are to guard their primary responsibility of prayer and the ministry of the Word. When the practical needs of the congregation increased, the apostles recognized that if they attempted to handle every task themselves, the preaching of God’s Word and intercessory prayer would suffer. Their decision was not a rejection of service, but an affirmation of God’s design for leadership, showing that the spiritual health and growth of the church depend on elders devoting themselves fully to prayer and teaching rather than being consumed by administrative or logistical duties.
Elders focus on spiritual leadership; deacons serve so the Word is not neglected
(Acts 6:2–4)
1 Timothy 3 connection:
“Deacons likewise must be dignified…” (1 Tim 3:8a, MSB)
Explanation:
The word likewise ties deacons to elders while distinguishing their function. Paul assumes the same seriousness of calling, even though the role is different. This supports Acts 6: the church protects the ministry of the Word by appointing qualified servants.
Point 2: When a genuine problem arises in the church, the elders are to take the initiative to see that the problem is addressed and resolved. In Acts 6:2 (not Acts 2:2), the apostles did not ignore the complaint or allow it to divide the congregation; instead, they immediately gathered the disciples and brought the matter into the open. This demonstrates that biblical leadership is proactive rather than passive—elders do not wait for problems to resolve themselves, nor do they delegate responsibility without discernment, but they lead with wisdom, clarity, and concern for unity so that legitimate needs are handled in a way that honors God and protects the church.
When a genuine problem arises, leadership addresses it openly and biblically
(Acts 6:2)
1 Timothy 3 connection:
“They must first be tested; then, if they are beyond reproach, let them serve as deacons.” (1 Tim 3:10, MSB)
Explanation:
Problems are not solved by impulse or reaction. Paul affirms the same principle Luke records: discernment, evaluation, and orderly response protect the church from greater harm.
Point 3: Having established the elders’ responsibility to guard the spiritual life of the church, Acts 6 now turns our attention to the role of the deacons, whose calling is to ensure that the physical and practical needs of the congregation are faithfully met. While elders devote themselves primarily to prayer and the ministry of the Word, deacons serve by addressing tangible needs so that no member of the body is neglected. This division of responsibility reflects the heart of Christ Himself, who repeatedly emphasized care for physical needs, as seen in Matthew 25, where He says, “I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Though the whole congregation is called to love and serve one another, deacons are entrusted with leading and organizing this ministry of mercy, ensuring that physical needs are met in a way that honors Christ and supports the spiritual mission of the church.
Deacons ensure the physical needs of the congregation are met
(Acts 6:1–3)
1 Timothy 3 connection:
“…not greedy for money.” (1 Tim 3:8c, MSB)
Explanation:
Because deacons handle tangible resources and care for people’s needs, Paul stresses integrity with material things. This directly aligns with Acts 6, where daily distribution required trust and fairness.
Point 4: The men chosen to serve as deacons are to be recognized among the disciples as spiritually mature, having already demonstrated lives marked by the evident work of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6:3 emphasizes that these men are confirmed by the congregation to be full of the Holy Spirit, indicating that their spiritual character and discernment are observable and proven over time, not assumed or self-proclaimed. Their hearts and motives must be directed toward glorifying God rather than themselves, showing humility, submission to the Spirit, and a genuine desire to honor Christ in all things.
Deacons must be spiritually mature and Spirit-filled
(Acts 6:3)
1 Timothy 3 connection:
“holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” (1 Tim 3:9, MSB)
Explanation:
Paul reinforces Luke’s emphasis on spiritual depth. A deacon is not merely active, but grounded in faith, guided by conscience, and marked by inner spiritual consistency.
Point 5: The men chosen to serve as deacons were also required to be full of wisdom, because the ministry entrusted to them demanded sound judgment, discernment, and practical understanding. By the time of Acts 6, the church in Jerusalem numbered more than five thousand believers, meaning that the daily distribution of food required careful organization, delegation, and planning on a continual basis. This was not a simple task, but one that required men who could apply God-given wisdom to complex situations, ensuring that needs were met fairly and efficiently in a way that honored the Lord and fulfilled the responsibility He had commanded.
Deacons must be full of wisdom to carry out their responsibilities well
(Acts 6:3)
1 Timothy 3 connection:
“not double-tongued…” (1 Tim 3:8b, MSB)
Explanation:
Wisdom shows itself in discernment, speech, and judgment. Paul highlights careful, truthful communication—essential for managing people, expectations, and daily responsibilities within a large congregation.
Point 6: The men appointed as deacons were chosen by the people, which means they were already well known within the congregation through consistent faithfulness and active involvement in the life of the church. These were not men who appeared only occasionally or who left immediately after gatherings, but individuals who lived in ongoing fellowship with the believers, communicating, serving, and sharing life together. Because they were present, relational, and engaged, the congregation was able to recognize their character and spiritual maturity with confidence, making their selection not a matter of guesswork but the natural affirmation of men who were already involved in and trusted by God’s people.
Deacons are chosen by the people because they are known, faithful, and involved
(Acts 6:5)
1 Timothy 3 connection:
“They must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their households well.” (1 Tim 3:12, MSB)
Explanation:
Paul grounds public service in private faithfulness. The congregation can recognize qualified deacons because their lives are visible, consistent, and already proven in everyday relationships.
The role of Deaconess:
When interpreting the New Testament, it is important to recognize that Scripture sometimes uses the same titles or descriptions in different senses without implying equal authority or office. For example, the book of Acts of the Apostles refers to individuals such as Barnabas as apostles (Acts 14:14), even though they were not part of the Twelve originally appointed by Christ (Acts 1:26). No one understands these men to be equal in authority or role to the Twelve, who are later given a unique and foundational place in the eternal order of the church (Revelation 21:14). With that principle in mind, we also read of women who are described using service-related language associated with the word deacon, such as Phoebe, who is called a servant (diakonos) of the church (Romans 16:1). This description recognizes faithful service, not a position of authority or church office. The office of deacon is later defined with specific qualifications and structure (1 Timothy 3:8–13), while Acts 6 shows deacons appointed to oversee practical needs under apostolic authority. Therefore, references to women serving as deaconesses reflect devoted service to the church—sometimes even in a full-time capacity—without redefining or expanding the authoritative office established in Scripture.
📘 Apostolic Constitutions
The Apostolic Constitutions is a 4th-century church order (compiled c. AD 350–380) that preserves earlier church practices, many of which scholars believe reflect traditions going back to the 2nd and early 3rd centuries. Although it is not apostolic in authorship, it is extremely valuable because it records how the early church understood and applied apostolic teaching in areas of worship, church order, and ministry roles.
📖 Book III: Deaconesses Explained
Book III specifically addresses church order and ministries, including widows, deacons, and deaconesses. The statement you quoted:
“Deaconesses are appointed not for the priesthood, but for the service of women.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, all believers are called to serve God and one another as members of the body of Christ. Within the church, however, Scripture also recognizes that some are given specific titles and positions of responsibility for the orderly care of God’s people. A deacon is a qualified man who serves in an authorized role of leadership in service, ensuring that the physical and practical needs of the congregation are not neglected, as seen in Acts of the Apostles 6 and defined in First Epistle to Timothy 3:8–13. These responsibilities may include full-time staff service and may also involve assisting the elders in ministries such as youth, music, or other areas of practical oversight. A deaconess, by contrast, serves by assisting in meeting the physical needs of the congregation without holding an authoritative office. This service may likewise be carried out in a full-time capacity and may include helping in ministries such as youth, music, or other supportive roles under elder oversight. In this way, the church honors both the biblical order of leadership and the vital contributions of all who faithfully serve.
Final Note on Congregational Music
In keeping with our understanding of Scripture and our desire to maintain clear order in congregational worship, women will not teach or lead instruction in music, nor receive musical instruction, in a congregational setting at GCBCU. Congregational worship is understood to involve public teaching and leadership before the assembled church, and Scripture consistently places responsibility for authoritative instruction and leadership in such settings under qualified male oversight. The apostle Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” (First Epistle to Timothy 2:12), and instructs that church gatherings be conducted in an orderly manner consistent with God’s design (First Epistle to the Corinthians 14:33–35). While women are encouraged to serve faithfully in many vital ministries within the church, including music in appropriate contexts, congregational teaching and leadership in worship remain under elder oversight, so that all things may be done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Qualifications for a Deaconess
A deaconess is a woman recognized by the church for faithful service and godly character, who assists in meeting the practical needs of the congregation under elder oversight.
1. A Woman of Proven Christian Character
“Women likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.”
— First Epistle to Timothy 3:11
She demonstrates spiritual maturity, integrity, and faithfulness in her walk with Christ.
2. Faithful in Service
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (diakonos) of the church in Cenchrea.”
— Epistle to the Romans 16:1
A deaconess is already actively serving before being recognized, showing consistency and reliability.
3. Known for Good Works
“She must be well known for good works…”
— First Epistle to Timothy 5:10
Her life reflects compassion, generosity, hospitality, and care for others.
4. Teachable and Sound in Doctrine
“Older women… are to teach what is good.”
— Epistle to Titus 2:3
She holds to sound doctrine and teaches or assists in teaching appropriately, especially in women’s ministry.
5. Self-Controlled and Respectful
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior…”
— Epistle to Titus 2:3
Her conduct reflects wisdom, discretion, and respect for church leadership.
6. Willing to Serve Under Authority
“They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
— Acts of the Apostles 18:26
She serves cooperatively, assisting and supporting ministry under elder oversight, not independently exercising authority.
7. Tested and Affirmed by the Church
“And let these also first be tested; then let them serve…”
— First Epistle to Timothy 3:10
Her service and character are observable, affirmed, and trusted by the congregation.
Summary Statement
A deaconess is a woman of godly character who faithfully serves the church in practical and supportive ministries, assisting leadership and caring for the body of Christ, without holding an authoritative office.
Those Who Would Be Worthy the Title of Deacons and Deaconesses
The New Testament provides many examples of men and women whose lives were marked by faithful, sacrificial service. While not all held an official title, their actions reflect the kind of character and devotion associated with deacons and deaconesses.
The Good Samaritan
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was; and when he saw him, he had compassion.”
— Gospel of Luke 10:33–35
The Good Samaritan exemplifies mercy, generosity, and practical care for those in need—core qualities of godly service.
Dorcas (Tabitha)
“This woman was full of good works and acts of charity.”
— Acts of the Apostles 9:36
Dorcas is remembered for tangible acts of compassion, especially toward widows.
Phoebe
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (diakonos) of the church in Cenchrea.”
— Epistle to the Romans 16:1–2
Phoebe is praised for her faithful service and assistance to many believers, including Paul himself.
Priscilla and Aquila
“They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
— Acts of the Apostles 18:26
This husband-and-wife team served the church through hospitality, instruction, and personal sacrifice.
Epaphroditus
“He nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete your service to me.”
— Epistle to the Philippians 2:25, 30
Epaphroditus modeled sacrificial service on behalf of the church.
Stephanas and His Household
“They devoted themselves to the service of the saints.”
— First Epistle to the Corinthians 16:15
Paul commends this household for willingly serving others in the church.
The Women Who Supported Jesus’ Ministry
“These women were ministering to them out of their own means.”
— Gospel of Luke 8:2–3
Their generosity and faithfulness sustained the ministry of Christ and the apostles.
A Summary Principle
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
— Epistle to the Galatians 5:13
Hypothetical Examples
Deaconess: Ms. Chantel Jordan serves on our full-time staff and is a tremendous blessing to the church. She is a gifted Bible teacher who faithfully serves in our women’s ministry and provides counsel and encouragement to our youth and young adults. In addition, she joyfully serves each Sunday as part of the worship team. Through her dedication, faithfulness, and love for the body of Christ, she exemplifies a servant’s heart and a deep commitment to building up the church. “They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”— Acts of the Apostles 18:26
Deacon: Mr. David Chen serves on our full-time staff and is a faithful blessing to the church. He oversees hospitality ministries, ensuring that members and visitors alike are warmly welcomed and cared for. He joyfully serves behind the scenes to meet practical needs, coordinate volunteers, and support church gatherings so that ministry may function smoothly. In addition, he has a deep love for evangelism and regularly participates in personal witnessing, sharing the gospel faithfully within the community. Through his humility, diligence, and love for people, he exemplifies the heart of a deacon who serves Christ by serving others.