Deaconing
What does it really mean to be a deacon in the church?
This week, our church is ordaining a young man for the role of deacon. I am always overjoyed when anyone is called by God and His people to serve in this capacity. With his ordination coming up this Sunday, I want to share from the Word of God what we’ve been discussing about what it means to be a deacon.
In many churches today, the role of deacon has shifted from its original purpose. Scripture, however, provides us with a clear view of what a deacon is meant to be. The English word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning servant or minister. Deacons are called to be the servants of the church. This doesn’t mean that only deacons serve or that pastors do not serve. In fact, both pastors and deacons are servants (or ministers), but with different roles. Pastors serve in the ministry of the Word and leadership, while deacons serve in meeting needs and administration. Essentially, deacons are the lead servants of the church, tasked with fostering unity and ministering to widows, shut-ins, and those in physical need within the congregation.
Understanding the role of a deacon as a servant of the church is just the beginning. The Scriptures offer us deeper insight into the nature of this calling, highlighting both the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. As we explore further, we’ll see how being a deacon means more than simply holding a title—it’s about embracing a life of sacrificial service, much like Christ Himself. Let’s look at a few key aspects of deaconship, drawn directly from Scripture.
Deaconing as a Concept
I’ve added the suffix "-ing" to the word "deacon" because I believe it communicates something important about the role. We often speak of "pastoring" or "ministering," but the term "deacon" has often been treated merely as a title. The words we use shape how we think about the concepts they represent. By not using "deacon" as a verb, we limit the word to a title rather than recognizing it as an ongoing action. Deaconing should be understood as something one does, not merely something one is.
Deaconing: A Call to Suffering and Reward
In Matthew 20, Jesus responds to the request of James and John's mother, who sought positions of honor for her sons in Jesus' kingdom. In response to her bold request, Jesus asks the two men, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" (Matthew 20:22, ESV). Here, Jesus is referring to His own impending suffering. Soon, He will be arrested, falsely accused, beaten, stripped, crucified, and left to endure the physical torment of the cross.
Being a servant—or a deacon—is not merely about acts of kindness; it’s a call to suffer and die to oneself. This truth is underscored by the fact that the first martyr in the early church, Stephen, was a deacon. Yet Jesus teaches that this suffering leads to greatness, as seen in His words: "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave" (Matthew 20:26–27, ESV).
Finally, deaconing—truly functioning as a lead servant in the church—is eternally rewarding. Jesus said: "The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:11–12, ESV). To be the least in this life means experiencing suffering and challenges, but in the kingdom of God, a greater reward awaits those who serve faithfully.