Discovering and Developing Your Deacons

Several questions related to discovering and developing men as Deacons for the local church are posed to help Pastors and church leaders identify, enlist and engage servant-leaders. The answers presented for each question show how the process is undertaken.

‘Should a church even have Deacons?’ Based on the founding and development of the first century church we see that God intended for the Church to have Deacons. If we follow the pattern of the early church documented in Acts 6, we discover that every twenty-first century church also needs Deacons.

‘How do you know when a church needs Deacons?’ How do we know when to actually begin the process? There are two or three clear indicators for the Pastor or church to assess. When the church has begun to multiply, it will soon become evident that one or two Pastors or staff cannot effectively minister to the whole congregation. Then there are the matters of conflict or growing pains that come with growth. With growth and conflict, there arises the need for clear communication and collaboration of ministry. Pastors and Deacons can work closely together to move the congregation forward in a healthy way.

‘Who takes the initiative in discovering the Deacons?’ More established churches will have bylaws or policies in place that will outline how to elect Deacons, including who starts the process. Younger churches or new church starts almost always face this question. Just as the apostles initiated the process in Acts 6, so the Pastor or area missionary can initiate the process today. The current lay-leaders, following the Pastor’s lead, can assist in the process.

‘What characterizes the man who would be a good candidate?’ Ten proposed characteristics are drawn specifically from Acts 6:3 that pinpoint the kind of person who might be a good candidate. These characteristics are identified and thoroughly explained. The following is a summary of the characteristics:

1. He must be a genuine believer.
2. He must be selected by others.
3. He must be an active member of the church.
4. He must see himself as one of a group.
5. He must be a man.
6. He must have a good reputation.
7. He must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
8. He must possess divine wisdom .
9. He must be a servant-leader.
10. He must be a hard worker.

‘What qualifies a man to be a Deacon?’ The biblical qualifications for the Deacon are listed and explained. Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13 are the two most common passages used to identify the qualities needed in the life of a Deacon. There are at least fifteen qualities listed in the two passages.

‘How are Deacons selected, elected and ordained?’ Typically the process calls for a few basic steps:

1. A Pastor should provide adequate instruction for the church to make good decisions.
2. There should be congregational involvement in identifying candidates with the membership given opportunity to name men who they believe to be qualified.
3. There should be a Pastor-Deacon assessment whereby candidates are interviewed, usually with their wives, to determine qualifications and availability.
4. The Deacon candidate should do a self-assessment, perhaps with his wife, to determine if this ministry is something God is leading him to do.
5. There should be a recommendation from the Chairman of Deacons or the Pastor (in a new church) that a qualified man be nominated and elected by the church.
6. There should be group training and pastoral orientation for elected candidates.
7. There then can be official ordination of the candidate(s).

‘How many Deacons should a church have?’ The early church in Acts 6 elected seven. But seven is not a magical number. The Pastor and/or current Deacons will make a similar judgment call. They will assess the needs and organize the ministry so that the right number of Deacons will be elected

‘What are the vital signs of a godly Deacon?’ These vital signs need to be a characteristic of every believer but especially with the servant-leader who would set a good example before God’s people. We use the acrostic D.E.A.C.O.N. to list six vital signs of a godly Deacon.

Devoted to the Lordship of Christ
Equipped for the ministry of Christ
Adapted to the purpose of Christ
Conformed to the likeness of Christ
Open to the will of Christ
Numbered in the body of Christ

‘What are the spiritual disciplines in the life of the Deacon?’ Effectiveness in service hinges directly on these personal spiritual disciplines. Here is a simple summary of four spiritual disciplines:

1. The discipline of Prayer...
2. The discipline of Worship...
3. The discipline of Proclamation...
4. The discipline of Giving...

These disciplines will prove to make or break a Deacon’s ministry.
 
‘How can Deacons serve alongside the Pastor?’ We provide four unifying qualities that will help bring the two together.

The Four Unifying Qualities intended to bring the Pastor and Deacon together are:

1. Same mindedness
2. Same love
3. Same feelings
4. Same purpose 
 
With these qualities mutually adopted and willfully applied, the Pastor and Deacon will unite around shared ministry expressions. The Ministry Expressions include, but certainly are not limited to:

1. Encouragement
2. Consolation
3. Fellowship
4. Compassion

‘What is the biblical charge to the Deacon?’ We set forth four charges to the Deacon:

1. The Deacon is charged to Consistently Display His Commitment.
2. The Deacon is charged to Obediently Live in the Spirit.
3. The Deacon is charged to Diligently Apply God’s Wisdom.
4. The Deacon is charged to Faithfully Assume His Responsibility.

Discovering and developing your Deacons is not an easy task. However, identifying, enlisting, equipping and engaging servant-leaders (i.e. Deacons) for the local church is a significant part of what it means to be a Pastor. Every community needs a church, every church needs a Pastor and every Pastor needs good, godly, supportive Deacons. As the King James Version puts it, “look ye out among you” for your first…or next Deacon.