What Is a Deacon?

Dating all the way back to the time of the apostles, God’s church has been led and served by elders and deacons. To learn more about the role of elder, check out our article: What is an elder? 

So what does the Bible say about the the role of deacons? What are the qualifications for being a deacon and what exactly do deacons do?

What are the qualifications? 

Some might be surprised when reading the qualifications for deacons. Scripture does not lay out a detailed list of skills deacons must possess. Instead, Scripture focuses on the character of a deacon.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

— 1 Timothy 3:8-13

While we know that no man is perfect, Scripture does raise a high bar. You may notice that the passage opens with the words “Deacons likewise.” This list of qualifications follows on the heels of the qualifications for elders, and the author tells us that there are similarities between these lists, that they both raise a high bar for the character of men in these offices. 

Deacons must be honest, sober, not greedy, have a clear and strong faith, be tested in some way such that their faith and character are proven, and a deacon’s home should reflect the leadership of a godly man (v8-13). Because a husband and wife are one flesh and a team, Scripture also says their wives must be of great character (v11). 

Does a deacon have to be married and have children?

While Scripture says that deacons must be the husband of one wife and manage their children and households well, this should probably not be taken to mean that a deacon must be married and have children. Rather, the phrase “husband of one wife” could also be translated: “one woman man.” The point is to say that married deacons should be faithful to their wives. One reason supporting this view is that the Apostle Paul himself was neither married nor had children. 

What if a deacon’s children walk away from the faith?

The word used for children in these passages typically refers to children still living at home under their father’s authority. While fathers should pray for their children and train them up in the way of the Lord, adult children are responsible for their own actions. 

What about divorce?

Scripture provides teaching for rare circumstances when divorce is biblically permissible. When divorce or remarriage occur within those biblical instructions, the elders of a church may determine that a man is still a “one woman man” qualified to serve in the role of deacon. 

Does a deacon have to be male?

Scripture teaches that men and women are equal in value, yet distinct in role. God has given men a unique calling to lead in the home (Ephesians 5:22-33) and in the church (1 Timothy 2:12-14). While it is clear in Scripture that the role of elder is a unique calling of qualified men, there has been some debate about the role of deacon. 

Whereas elders clearly fall into the category of teaching and exercising authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12-14), the role of deacon is more of a servant’s role. In addition, there is some debate over the use of the word διάκονος to describe a woman named Phoebe in Romans 16:1, since this word can be translated as “deacon” or simply as “servant.” 

Whereas there may be room for differences on this issue in churches where the role of deacon functions as a servant who does not teach or exercise authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12-14), the desription in 1 Timothy 3:12 of a “husband of one wife” does seem to indicate that Paul envisioned men serving in this role. 

What does a deacon do?

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

— Acts 6:1-6

This passage is considered the first appointing of deacons in the early church. In those early days, the church was trying to teach and preach the Word as well as live it out. The twelve apostles realized that in order for them to remain focused on the ministry of the Word (teaching & preaching), there needed to be a group of people dedicated to another kind of ministry, a ministry of service. Those original deacons were chosen in order to care for the widows in the church, to distribute resources of the church to care for those in need, to put hands and feet to the Word that was being taught through physical service. 

What is the job description of a deacon?

Scripture doesn’t give us a detailed job description for deacons. Instead, it paints a picture of humble servants, providing for those in need within the body of Christ and setting a godly example. For this reason, local churches have some variation in the structures and tasks given to deacons. For one example, you can find linked below the job descriptions for Deacons at Peace Church. 

A Final Word

If the church is to remain faithful to the Lord and bear fruit for His glory, then the church must have servant-leaders who are qualified, called, and equipped. Such servants provide a godly example to the church, serve those in need within the church, and enable the church to preach the Word as well as live it out. May the Lord continue to raise up godly deacons among his flock to care for them until Christ returns.