Administrative Policies
The pattern of church leadership that the New Testament follows finds its seeds in the earliest period. In Acts 6:1-6 we read of the frustration of some members of the early church for not having their needs attended to. Because the church had grown so large, the twelve apostles were not able to handle all the physical needs of the body and proclaim the word. They knew that if they neglected the ministry of the word the church would suffer: “It is not right for us to give up preaching the word of God to serve tables” (v 2). They asked the congregation to choose seven men—men of good reputation and sound character—to perform this task of serving tables. The verb “serve” in v 2 is διακονέω (diakoneo). The cognate noun is διάκονος (diakonos), from which we get “deacon” (cf. 1 Tim 3:8). This word διάκονος does not always have such a technical nuance in the NT. It simply means “servant” in many passages (e.g., Matt 20:26; 22:13; John 2:5; Rom 13:4), “minister” in others (e.g., 2 Cor 3:6; Eph 3:7; Col 1:25).
The question then arises: How should we relate Acts 6 to the doctrine of ecclesiology and to a proper understanding of church leadership? Three options present themselves: Acts 6 gives an essential pattern of church leadership, a valid option of church leadership, or an incidental description that is perhaps irrelevant for church leadership. Further, a combination of these three may be in place (e.g., the number seven seems to be incidental, while the character qualifications of these servants seems to be essential).
Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae" (NRSV). It is of course possible that Phoebe was a servant in the church, a minister of sorts. Whether the term is meant to be taken technically is difficult to tell. - Rom 16:1
Tychicus . . . is a beloved brother, a faithful deacon, and a fellow-slave in the Lord." See discussion at Eph 6:21. - Col 4:7
Epaphras . . . is a faithful deacon of Christ on your behalf." The same problem occurs. This most likely refers to Epaphras as a minister, not a deacon. Col 1:7
Contact
- Living Faith Church Effururn/Water Resources Warri, Delta State
- 0806 060 9542
- info@warrilfcdeacons.org
