Tab Notes Answers To Tough Questions By Pastor Roosevelt Wright, Jr.

What is required for a person to be a deacon? What are a deacons duties?

  The first Letter to Timothy lists the qualities that deacons should have, with the recommendation that they be tested before they are entrusted with their functions: they must be dignified and honest, faithful in marriage, and must manage their children and households well, "holding fast to the mystery of faith  with a clear conscience" (cf. 1 Tm 3:8-13).

The deacon had a role in the early Church

   The Acts of the Apostles (6:1-6) speak of seven "ministers" for service at table. In the early centuries the deacon carried out liturgical functions.
In Lord's Supper celebrations and worships he read or chanted the Epistle and the Gospel;

• he brought the offerings of the faithful to the celebrant;
•  he distributed Communion and brought it to those absent;
• he was responsible for the orderliness of the ceremonies and at the end dismissed the assembly. He prepared candidates for Baptism,
• he instructed new converts  and assisted the pastors in administering this ordinance.
• In certain circumstances he himself baptized.
• He has also been known to teach and on some occasions deacons have preached. (Stephen)
• he cared for the poor, widows, orphans and helped prisoners.

   There were several women who served as helpers to the ministers. Usually referred to as "servants" the Greek interpretation of which is the same word for "deacon"- diaknos. The women who are deacons, minister mostly to the needs of the female members of the body of Christ while the men minister to the males. This is mostly by custom not by scriptural dictate. They scriptures make no distinction whatsoever in the gender of those served.
   Female deacons, called "Deaconess" in modern times, serve in the same capacity as men, since there is no distinction between male and female, in terms of service, in the sight of God. A "deaconess" is a deacon that happens to be a female.
   The role of deaconess in African-American churches varies. Generally, deaconess:

•    Assist in the preparation of the Lord's supper
•    Prepare female candidates for baptism
•    Instruct new converts
•    Care for the poor, widows, orphans and help prisoners
•    In addition, female deacons assist their pastors by ministering to the congregation in other ways which, depending upon the pastor, may include:
•    Distribution of communion elements
•    Participating in the worship by reading scripture and leading chants
•    Representing the interests of women in the decision making assemblies of the church

What are a deacons responsibility to support the pastor? What if the pastor is doing something wrong, should they continue to support him?

   The deacon and deaconess are the pastors ears, hands and feet. They assist him in reaching out and ministering to the personal needs of a growing congregation, freeing the pastor to study, preach, and adequately administer the total ministry of congregation.
   The deacon or deaconess are appointed by the pastor and confirmed by the church. It is natural then that they share his vision and in many respects share his spiritual perspective. As they move among the membership, deacons and deaconesses share the pastor's vision, explaining its details and answering questions.
   Deacons and deaconesses are the pastors advisors. Their input is invaluable because they are closer to the rank and file members in most cases than the pastor himself. The wise pastor seeks input and advice from his deacons and deaconesses. The pastor, once given orders to move by the Holy Spirit, weighs the advice of his deacons and deaconesses as he considers the best methods, times and procedures to carry out his divine directives. On occasion, deacons and deaconesses may differ with the pastor over a matter or procedure of policy. Each deacon and deaconess owes the pastor the benefit of private consultation and public support.
   Deacons care for the pastor's personal needs. It is the responsibility of the deacons and deaconesses to provide for the adequate support of the pastor and his family. Pastors are humble men, by nature. They will rarely ask the church for assistance. The deacons and deaconess keep the pastor's needs before the congregation to insure that he is free from secular "bread and butter" concerns as he ministers to the congregation.