 The ministry of the deacon has it’s origin in the first months of the church Jesus began building in Jerusalem. Acts 6:1-8 describes it:
- Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
- So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
- "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
- "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
- The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
- And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
- The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
- And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
Deacons are men and women of God who are appointed by the leaders of the church to serve the people of the church. A deacon recognizes and responds to the practical needs and concerns that arise in the daily life of the church.
Acts 6:3 defines the qualities deacons should possess- “…good reputation, full of the spirit and wisdom…” This verse also describes their role- “… whom we may put in charge of this task…” Deacons have a measure of authority delegated to them by the church leadership to take charge over practical matters.
The benefits to the church are twofold:
Leaders are free to pursue prayer and the ministry of the word and are thus much more effective in their ministry of equipping the saints.
The saints are served by men and women carefully selected and fit to the task.
The net result of this divine division of duties is described in Acts 6:7, God’s word spread and more people became disciples.
The deaconate ministry at Morning Star Christian Church of Austin is summed up in the saying “Every member a minister”. Serving is leading. Serving builds a strong sense of ownership and belonging. Every member is welcomed and encouraged to seize the opportunity to serve.
One example of these opportunities is the Care Ministry. Care Ministry team members follow up on all visitors. They thank them for attending and serve them by providing them with attention and information. Care ministers are ordinary people in the congregation who take it upon them selves to ensure that all our visitors are greeted and made welcome. They are equipped to answer most questions our guests normally have.
Other opportunities include: ushering, childcare, cleaning and preparation crew, maintenance projects, and book and tape service… The list is endless.
As head deacon my desire is to serve all our members by helping them find their niche and begin serving Christ through serving the church.
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