Acts 6: 1-7a –
“1In
those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among
them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being
overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So 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. 3Brothers,
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 4will give
our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’
5This
proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and
of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and
Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these
men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7aSo the
word of God spread.” (NIV)
The ministry of the deacon and deaconess are the nearest thing to
New Testament ministries we have in our church. I know these people to be full
of the Spirit and wisdom and possessed of a determination to meet the needs of
the people of the church and community.
Deacons hold the keys to the church. Notice verse 7a from the Acts
6 quote, ‘So the word of God spread.’ The apostles prayed and laid hands on the
deacons and the word spread. The inference here is that the apostles had the
time to devote to the word of God. The deacons opened the door for the word of
God by their service and keeping the people in the hands of a caring ministry.
Romans 16:1 & 2 –
“1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a
deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2I ask you to receive her in the Lord in
a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for
she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
I have considered writing a post on the Deacons’ ministry on an
off since I began writing Calvary’s
Thread. Upon reading a letter from my friend Kerry in our monthly church
newsletter I find that I need to write this. She has inspired me to
share thoughts on the office of Deacon and the people ordained to it. Her
letter is thoughtful and open and reveals the heart of the deaconess/deacon.
She states in regards to the deacons, “They are the face, hands and feet of God
here in our church and our neighborhood.” A deaconess herself, Kerry writes of
her personal need and the deacons’ who rallied around her and then, in the
midst of that great need, offers herself in service to others. This is the true
heart of a deacon.
I serve the church as an elder and have taught and lead in several
niches in the church. I am in awe of our deacons and admire them and their
seeming tirelessness. They need our prayers and deserve them so that they can
be refreshed while serving to be refilled with the Spirit as they pray and wait
on God. Each time they serve a person in need they serve Jesus himself. We need
to pray for growth in wisdom and discernment so they are directed to people in
need, both great and small. I hope they see Jesus in every person they serve a
meal to or help in times of trouble.
It is relatively simple to find reference to deacons by name and
deed in the New Testament. Philip and Steven set the bar high in Acts. Phoebe
is named as a deaconess and her excellent service is praised by Paul in Romans.
As important an office as elder is, it is difficult to find accounts of elders’
exploits for the Gospel. I have found references to elders named in salutations
and references to elders being given instructions by apostles but not much in
the way of specific actions. Both Peter and John refer to themselves as
‘fellow’ elders so perhaps we can confer great words and deeds upon the office
of elder in that way.
The ministry of the elder is given over time and at a pace to provide
a deep foundation. The ministry of the deacon is immediate and impactful in
ways that open doors and bring spiritual healing and an openness to the elders’
instruction and leadership.
Paul speaks of deacons and he tells us to recognize them. I go on
to say we need to aid them when they ask it of us and pray for them always.
I Corinthians 16: 15-18 – 15“You
know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and
they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you,
brothers, 16to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in
the work, and labors at it. 17I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus,
and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18For
they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”
In His grip,
jerry
