What is a deacon? What does a deacon do? These questions might seem simple, but they're actually harder to answer than you may think! Many people's ideas about deacons are based more on what they've been told and what they've seen modeled (which may or may not be good) than on what the Bible actually says.

So what does the Bible actually say about deacons? The answer is...not much really.

Different forms of the root word from which we get our word "deacon" ("diakonos") are used often in the New Testament. The word is usually translated "servant", "minister," etc. The word is only used in a formal sense, referring to a designated office in the church, a few times.

The "office" of deacon in the New Testament.

• "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons." (Philippians 1:1)
• "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives [or women] likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
• "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (or deacon) of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well." (Romans 16:1-2)

From these passages we can conclude that some things are certain, some things are likely, and some things seem to be left to the discretion of the church regarding deacons.

Things that are certain regarding deacons:

• Deacons and elders have separate and distinct roles in the church. They are addressed separately in Philippians 1 and 1 Timothy 3. They are given different qualifications in 1 Timothy 3. Additionally, we see "job descriptions" and "warnings" given to elders that are not given to deacons, further differentiating the two offices. These include things like oversight of the church, guarding against wolves and false-teachers, and shepherding the flock. (see Acts 20:28-30, 1 Peter 5:1-5)
• Deacons must be mature believers who exemplify godly conduct and Christlike character. They must be "gospel people." If married, deacons must be faithful to their spouse in every way. If they are parents they must be known as people who raise their children in a way that honors the Lord. (see 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
• Deacons serve the church and do good for people. This is evident in the choice of the word used to describe them: "servant." The role of deacon is not an "honorary title", it is a calling to serve others in the body.

Things that are likely regarding deacons:

• The role of deacon is open to a wider group than the role of elder. We can assume this based on the fact that the requirements are less stringent, (deacons aren't required to be "able to teach", for example), and based on the number of passages we see regarding elders vs. that of those regarding deacons.
• The role of deacon is open to both men and women.
• In our view the best way to translate the word "gynaikas" (wives/women) in 1 Timothy 3:11 is "women". This means that Paul was laying out qualifications for both men and women to serve as deacons.
• The use of the word "diakonos" (deacon/servant) to describe Phoebe in Romans 16 is best understood as a title. This means that she was a deacon in her church.
• Deacons are not instructed to do anything that women are not permitted to do in the New Testament.
• This is certainly an issue that creates disagreement among believers, but it need not be one that causes division. Much of the "heat" around this topic seems to be unwarranted when we consider what the bible actually says about deacons.
• For more information see the the sermon "Deacons" on www.thecompasschurch.net/teachings

Things that seem to be left to the discretion of the church regarding deacons:

• How do deacons serve in a local church?
• How many deacons should a church have?
• How long does one serve as a deacon?
• Etc.

What role will deacons play at Compass?

Deacons will assist the elders of the church in caring for and meeting the needs of the people of the church. The primary work of deacons will be to pray for, check on, and practically serve the body of believers.

How will deacons be chosen?

• Deacon candidates can volunteer to serve or be nominated by a member of Compass Church. This can be done by submitting your name or the name of another to any of the church's elders at any time for consideration.
• Upon volunteering or being nominated one of our pastors will schedule an interview with the candidate to talk through the biblical qualifications for the role of deacon. After this the candidates name will be presented to the entire elder body for consideration.
• If chosen, a man or woman will be assigned to a specific elder who will help them begin serving in this calling.