Deacons

In the Bible, the term "deacon" is derived from the Greek word "diakonos," which means "servant" or "minister." The role of deacons is primarily established in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed seven men to serve and manage the distribution of food to widows, thus allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. This indicates that deacons were chosen to assist in practical matters within the church, ensuring that the needs of the community were met, which underscores their role as servants.The qualifications and responsibilities of deacons are further elaborated in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, where Paul outlines the moral and spiritual standards expected of them, such as being dignified, not double-tongued, and holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Deacons are thus seen as vital to the functioning of the church, serving both the congregation and the leadership, and contributing to the overall ministry of the church by providing support in various capacities. This servant leadership model reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized servanthood as a key principle in His ministry (Mark 10:45).