Deacons differ from elders, whose first role is to teach and pastor God’s flock.  The Greek word diakonos was used of a house servant who did whatever was necessary including running errands.  Deacons enable the practical functions of the church family, enabling the elders to lead and teach without the added responsibility of practical administration.  In Acts 6:1-7, seven such men were appointed to oversee the distribution of food to poor families.  They were ‘hands on’ helpers and organisers.  But the practical and spiritual work of the church are not separate.  Deacons and elders have complementary roles, but both must be godly people with a good grasp of the gospel and practised in discipleship.

Like the elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7), deacons should be people whose lifestyle commends the gospel, and who are disciplined with alcohol and money.  The text is not clear if the women referred to are the wives of male deacons or if they are female deacons, but all those women must also be godly disciplined people.  Malicious talk will never build up the body of Christ.  Self-control in the home is the first qualification for serving in the church, unlike the unproductive gossips and busybodies who Paul highlights in 1 Timothy 5:13.

Like the elders, Paul also told Timothy to test the characters of the deacons before letting them serve the church (1 Timothy 3:2-7).   The pressure of extra spiritual responsibilities will often stretch elders and deacons, their spouses and their families, to the limit.  At that point, character weaknesses will show through.  Of course, every believer has weaknesses, but those who have not considered that it is necessary to discipline their lifestyles to be like Jesus will be a much greater liability to the church.

Deacons should think of themselves as servants.  They should not consider that they have personal power in the church because of their, or their spouses, responsibilities; neither should they be wild or gossips.  People need to be able to trust them.  Instead, they should delight in serving the church for Christ’s sake.  Churches need clear and disciplined leaders, who are good role models in the family of God; and practical processes need to be well managed.  Every believer who has any responsibility in Christ’s church should therefore ask His help to be the right sort of person, so that the gospel will be attractive to others who have yet to welcome Jesus (Titus 2:10).