Deacon/Deaconess Ministry Description

for St. Thomas Lutheran Church, ELCM

The Rev. Rob Taylor, Pastor

Introduction – The Diakonal Ministry

The Diakonal Office of ministry is almost as old as the Apostolic Office itself. In fact, many of the first Deacons were disciples of the Lord Jesus. Acts 6:1-7 is the passage often cited for the beginning of the Office of Deacon in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Although the people chosen for the office were not specifically called "deacons" until later in 1 Timothy and 1 Titus, they were the forerunners of the noble office within the Church. The Office of Deacon (diakonas) grew out of the experience of the first church in Jerusalem.

The purpose for which these persons were chosen was to solve a problem that arose among the church fellowship. The church fellowship was growing so large, the apostles couldn’t do everything needed to care for the people and to devote themselves to prayer for the flock and the preaching and teaching of the word. The apostles appointed persons gifted for caring ministries and installed them to the office of service (diakonas). Thus a natural division occurred between the office of the word and the office of caring for the needs of the congregation. The creation of the diakonate preserved the harmony of the church and cared for the needs of the people. Therefore the Office of Deacon exists today to care for the people of the congregation and to enable the pastor to feed the flock faithfully and to be able to spend the necessary time in prayer for God's direction and inspiration in leading the church. Relationship of the Office of Deacon to the Body of Christ today.

Certainly the Deacon/Deaconess’ primary relationship is with the Lord. Without that vertical relationship the horizontal relationships will be distorted. A Deacon/Deaconess should always be concerned about his or her walk with the Lord. Next in importance is their knowledge and understanding of their role in relation to their family, pastor, church committees, and the church membership at large.

1. Family - A Deacon/Deaconess should give family their first priority in devotion, care and ministry.

2. The Pastor – A Deacon/Deaconess serves under the leadership and spiritual direction of the pastor. They should therefore be loyal to their pastor in prayer support, encouragement and fellowship.

3. The Congregation of St. Thomas Lutheran Church looks to the Pastor for overall leadership and administration of the ministry of the church. The church therefore expects the deacons to respect the office of pastor and to welcome the unique opportunity to learn from and serve with the pastor. As a deacon functions in the practical ministry of the church, the pastor is freed to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

4. The Board of Deacons and the Office of Deacon/Deaconess exists to serve the needs of the congregation. It does not give counsel to nor have control of any committee actions. The New Testament does not provide any examples of the Deacon/ Deaconess body functioning as a board of directors or as administrators of the church's business affairs. That is the business and responsibility of the Church Council. Deacons are servants first and last. Out of courtesy, committees report to the Board of Deacons concerning actions or recommendations for information and feedback. The Board of Deacons may indicate support or give counsel, but not instruct committees as to what they can or cannot propose to the church for official action.

5. The Office of Deacon/Deaconess is to be active in ministry to the church family, and to promote peace, harmony and a spirit of cooperation and unity among the membership. The primary relationship of the Office of Deacon to the church is as follows:

    a. Deacons are to be problem solvers and preservers of church harmony.

    b. Any Deacon, selected and called by the Holy Spirit, chosen by the church, dedicated by personal choice, forfeits the right to promote in any fashion a division in the life of the church.

    c. The Office of Deacon protects and fosters church fellowship.

    d. The Office of Deacon exists to enable the pastor to feed the flock faithfully and to be able to spend the necessary time in prayer for God's direction and inspiration in leading the church.

Qualifications:

The position of deacon in Acts 6 is an elected one and not one a person appoints to themselves. The local church should call a Deacon/Deaconess to serve in that position. Therefore according to Acts 6 and 1 Timothy, the Biblical qualification for the office of Deacon are divided into two categories:

1. Spiritual Qualifications per Acts 6:3-6:

    a. A person of "good standing" spiritually with the congregation.

    b. Full of the Spirit

    c. Full of wisdom

    d. Full of faith

2. Moral Qualifications per Timothy 3:8-13:

    a. Serious

    b. Sincere

    c. Self-controlled

    d. Not greedy, but content

    e. Steadfast in faith

    f. Willing to serve

    g. Good marriage or abstinence in singleness.

    h. Manages children and household well

    i. Not prone to gossip

    j. Temperate

    k. Faithful in all things

    l. Worthy of respect

Nomination, Selection, and Ordination Process of a Deacon/Deaconess

    1. Candidates should be members of the congregation for a minimum of one year.

    2. Deacons can be nominated by ballot at the time Church Council Members are elected.

    3. Before continuing, the person nominated must accept the nomination.

    4. The Pastor and other deacons shall meet with candidates and outline the Biblical qualifications for becoming a Deacon.

    5. The Board of Deacons shall test and confirm and ratify every nomination.

    6. After the candidate has met with the Board of Deacons and has accepted the nomination, their names shall be published in the church circular. Any church member with an objection to the nomination may do so in writing to the Pastor. The Pastor will review the objection and if necessary, will include the Board of Deacons to review the objection and make a determination.

    7. After completion of the candidacy process and completion of the Deacon/Deaconess orientation program, the candidate will be recommended to the Pastor by the Board of Deacons and presented to the church for ordination.

    8. Persons of other Lutheran denominations who have previously served in the office of Deacon/Deaconess shall be a member of the church for one year, submit their name to the Pastor for consideration, and submit to an interview with the Board of Deacons and Pastor. The candidate must be approved by a consensus vote of the quorum present at a regular meeting of the Board of Deacons and the Pastor.

    9. A person is not a voting member of the Board of Deacons until they have been ordained to the Office of Deacon/Deaconess.

Ordination of a Deacon/Deaconess

The ordination and commissioning of a Deacon/Deaconess is performed by the "laying on of hands" according to the Word by the regularly ordained Pastor of the congregation, and/or the President of the Ministerium, and/or the Elder of the Board of Deacons. It is performed within the context of Word and Sacrament worship. The ordination of a Deacon/Deaconess is designed to be a meaningful time of commissioning to faithful service instituted by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ and attested by the Holy Spirit for great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Service Periods of a Deacon/Deaconess

1. A Deacon/Deaconess shall remain active as he/she annually indicates his or her desire and commitment to serve, is regular in attendance at the deacons' meetings and participates in the ministries of the deacon body and church. If a deacon is absent from six (6) consecutive deacons' meetings without acceptable explanation, he will be declared inactive, and a replacement will be sought.

2. Periods of voluntary inactivity shall not exceed two consecutive years. After two consecutive years of inactivity, the opportunity to reactivate themselves will be forfeit.

3. If a Deacon/Deaconess is inactive for more than two consecutive years with no explanation, they may be declared inactive.

4. An inactive Deacon/Deaconess may be declared active again after notifying the Board of Deacons of their desire, meets with the Pastor and Board of Deacons for an updated orientation, and is approved by a consensus vote of the quorum present at a regular meeting of the Board of Deacons.

Practical Duties of a Deacon/Deaconess

The duties of a Deacon or Deaconess rest in the caring ministries of the church. At. St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Deacons and Deaconesses are expected to:

1. Consistently support the ministry of the church including the pastor and other staff.

2. Faithfully attend worship.

3. Maintain active involvement in the different programs and ministries of the church, such as adult education, Sunday School, youth activities, Advent and Lent activities, and other such programs, worship events, and activities as their schedules permit.

4. Encourage the participation of others in the different ministries, programs and activities of the church.

5. Consistent commitment to good stewardship.

6. Willingness to shepherd new members.

7. Commitment to ongoing personal and spiritual growth through discipleship.

8. Commitment to evangelism among the lost, visitation of the sick, shut-ins and the fallen away amongst the membership of the congregation.

Responsibilities of a Deacon/Deaconess

As set forth by the New Testament, Deacons/Deaconesses are to recognize their roles as ministering servants of the church. They are to be members of this church whose character and qualifications shall be as specified in I Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-6, and Titus 1:6-9.

1. Regular Responsibilities - The deacon body shall serve under the leadership of the Pastor and assist the Pastor in performing duties in order to free him/her for the ministry of the Word. The Deacons will support and work with the Pastor as follows:

    a. To assist in leading the church in the achievement of its goals and mission;

    b. To minister the gospel to believers and unbelievers alike;

    c. To care for the church's members and others in the community;

    d. To have a consistent Christian witness in living and stewardship of their time, possessions, and treasures.

    e. To demonstrate a Christ-like character in consecration, loyalty, prayer support and faithfulness to the local church program;

    f. To visit the sick, needy and indifferent of the church;

    g. To encourage and strengthen new converts and the spiritually weak;

    h. To attend deacons' meetings regularly.

    i. To be available at worship services for assisting the pastor in leading worship, greeting members, and receiving new members.

      1. When a Deacon/Deaconess is unable to perform their duties due to age or health restrictions, they may request to be placed on Deacon’s Emeritus status, which exempts them from regular duties. They may have a respected voice and vote in the Board of Deacon’s meetings.

      2. The meetings of the Board of Deacons shall be restricted to active Deacons/Deaconesses of this church body, Deacon/Deaconess Emeritus, the pastor and ministerial staff. Regular meetings will be determined by the deacon officers in consultation with the Pastor and meetings of the deacon body will be scheduled no less than once a quarter.

      3. Duties and responsibilities of Deacon/Deaconesses are restricted to the affairs, duties and responsibilities of the congregation of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and its members only.

      4. The Office of Deacon/Deaconess and person’s suitability to the office are regularly supervised by the Pastor and Board of Deacons.

      5. Disciplinary actions against any Deacon/Deaconess deemed necessary by the Pastor or the Board of Deacons shall be conducted in consultation between the Board of Deacons and the Pastor.

      6. The Pastor maintains the final authority over the Board of Deacons, but in any decision, as is the policy of this church body, every effort must be made to achieve a consensus decision.

Conclusion

"For those who have served well as Deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 3:13). The office of a Deacon is a noble office within the Church, but it demands a high level of commitment, a mature knowledge of the faith and dedication to fellowship and service. It can, however, be one of the richest and most rewarding experiences in anyone’s walk with the Lord.