Introduction
This past week we had the privilege of installing a new deacon, and we are grateful that Nick has joined us in this work. The message accompanying his installation addressed why God has given such men to the church. For those who have spent most of their time within Reformed circles, the role and responsibilities of deacons may seem straightforward. However, having traveled in other ecclesiastical orbits, I have learned that churches often conceive of the diaconate quite differently.
In the next three posts, I want to highlight three common errors churches make in how they understand and employ this important office. The goal is not to take aim at others for sport, but rather to call us all back to the Scriptures as we seek to be the church God has called us to be.
Error #1: Deacons Are Not the Governing Body
When I first became a Christian, I joined my local Baptist church. As I settled into the life of the congregation and came to understand its polity, it became clear that while the church was congregational in form, the real authority, oversight, and shepherding were vested in the deacons. According to this model—common in many churches—the deacons functioned as the primary governing body. But how does this view align with Scripture?
If one considers the biblical data regarding deacons—which must be admitted is limited—the idea of deacons serving as the governing authority of the church is out of step with Scripture. The New Testament identifies two distinct offices in the church: elders and deacons. Oversight and authority are explicitly entrusted to the elders (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1–4). Deacons, by contrast, are tasked primarily with service, meeting practical needs within the church and assisting the elders in their work (Acts 6).
This distinction is further clarified by the qualifications for each office. While the character requirements for elders and deacons largely overlap, one key responsibility is notably absent from the qualifications for deacons: the ability to teach. Paul requires that elders be “able to teach,” but no such requirement is given for deacons (1 Timothy 3). This is not an oversight, but a reflection of the differing responsibilities assigned to each office.
Why This Matters
Is this merely a matter of names or semantics? If it is not, what are the practical consequences of organizing the church in this way?
There are several. First, the church is called to order itself according to God’s revealed will, not according to convenience or tradition. Faithfulness includes structuring the church as Scripture prescribes. Second, when churches are led by deacons rather than elders, unscriptural offices are often created to compensate for the imbalance. In deacon-led churches, tasks that properly belong to deacons are frequently shifted to newly invented roles—such as trustees—further muddying the waters.
Finally, the church is impoverished when it is governed by men who are not biblically qualified for that task. Deacons are indispensable servants of the church, but when they are placed in a role Scripture does not assign to them, both offices suffer and the church is weakened.
Conclusion
Next week, we will consider the second error: the idea that deacons are “junior priests.” In the meantime, I encourage you to read and reflect on the biblical passages addressing the offices and responsibilities of the church:
- Acts 6:1–7 — The appointment of the Seven and the distinction between word ministry and service
- Acts 20:17, 28 — Elders charged with oversight and shepherding
- Ephesians 4:11–13 — Christ’s gift of shepherd-teachers for the building up of the body
- 1 Timothy 3:1–13 — Qualifications for elders and deacons
- 1 Timothy 5:17 — Elders who rule and labor in preaching and teaching
- Titus 1:5–9 — Elders appointed to exercise oversight and instruction
- Hebrews 13:7, 17 — Obedience and submission to church leaders
- 1 Peter 5:1–4 — Elders called to shepherd the flock under Christ the Chief Shepherd
God has not left us in the dark on these matters, and we are not free to structure Christ’s church according to our own preferences.