February 17, 2022

Acts 6: 1–4 (NIV)

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

Regardless of their title, real leaders influence others.*

Independent Christian Church congregations are free to set up their church policies and governance according to their own interpretation of scripture and their specific needs. I have been a member of congregations who were led by a “board,” consisting of elders and deacons who were elected by the other members. The church I belong to now has determined that it is more consistent with the example of the New Testament church to select elders who meet the qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 6-9, and who serve as the spiritual leaders of the congregation. Deacons are appointed to fulfill the role of servants, thus freeing the elders to give their attention to “prayer and the ministry of the word.” As we are told in these verses in Acts, it wouldn’t be right to neglect the ministry of God in order to wait on tables (or organize ushers, drive the church bus, chair a committee, park cars, etc.).

That having been said, let’s not think less of the role of the deacon than we should. First, let’s keep in mind that all members of the church should be deacons in that we should all be servants. As for the office of deacon, the qualifications as spelled out here in Acts by the Apostles, and again in First Timothy by Paul, are just as stringent as those of the elder. “Full of the Spirit and wisdom,” and “worthy of respect, sincere . . . keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” That’s much more than we would require of a mere waiter!

So, the Apostles’ proposal to appoint deacons was met with approval by the “whole group” (imagine a congregation where decisions are unanimous!) and so they chose Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. Remember how I said that we shouldn’t downplay the role of deacon? Are you aware of anywhere in the New Testament that lists the elders of a congregation? And did you take note of the first name on the list? Stephen – the first person to be martyred for his faith in Jesus. Dying for his faith is not a choice most deacons will have to face, but living that kind of life of faith is what is required of every servant of Christ.

Churches are not to be built around superstars but constructed of variously gifted member-priests who offer themselves as spiritual sacrifices.*