Deacons in the Church: A Servant Role
Truths to Discover
The word deacon originates from a Greek word (diakonos) that describes the work of a servant in general and may be translated as a “minister,” “one who serves,” or “a court servant” (as in the servant of a kind). Other possible translations are an “attendant,” “assistant,” or “aide.”
This word describes any person devoted to carrying out the commands, doing the will, or meeting the needs of another person who holds a higher-ranking or superior position over him.
Paul described himself as a “servant of the Lord” (Rom 1:1; Col 1:25). He also described Apollos, Timothy and other believers the same way (1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 3:4; 1 Thess 3:2).
Matthew used this word broadly to describe servants who carried out the orders of a king (Matt 22:13).
John used it to describe waiters who served food and drink to people at a banquet (John 2:5, 9).
Ultimately, Jesus urged all his followers to adopt this servant mindset throughout life, serving others and taking the lowest position (Matt 20:26, 28; Mark 9:35; Luke 22:26-27).
This full range of meaning describes the essence of a deacon’s role in a church. While all Christians should behave like a servant, deacons must devote themselves expressly and officially to meet the specified needs within their church.
Questions to Discuss
- How does the meaning of deacon correct wrong perceptions of this role?
- Deacons are servants to whom? Church members, pastors, Christ, someone else?
- What makes Christ’s teaching about being a servant so stunning and profound?
- How can deacons provide the rest of a church with an example to follow?
- How do deacons differ from other church member?
