The office of Deacon

In Acts 6 we are told that the early church in Jerusalem was increasing in numbers, but as numbers increased, so did certain problems. Apparently the Greek-speaking widows were being discriminated against and the Hebrew widows were receiving special treatment. The apostles deemed this an important matter, but they did not want to neglect their primary calling of prayer and ministry of the word, so we find them choosing seven men to serve in this task of overseeing the distribution of material gifts for those in need. Here we find, in all likelihood, the formation of the diaconate. Some scholars suggest that because Steven and Philip later engage in preaching that we have some other temporary office being established here, but I do not find that persuasive. 

The Greek word diakonos simply means "servant" or "minister"and sometimes it is properly translated that way. But we also find also in the New Testament the office of "the deacons" mentioned along with "the elders" (Phil 1:1, I Tim 3). The duties of a deacon consist in insuring that the material needs of the church are met. The Lord not only wills that his people be ministered to in their spiritual needs but also our physical needs as well. James reminds his readers that pure and undefiled religion is caring for orphans and widows (1:27). He also questions the authenticity of one's faith if they ignore a fellow believer who is poorly clothed or lacking in daily food (2:15-17). At the end of his letter to the Galatians, Paul instructs his readers to "do good to everyone" as they have opportunity, "especially," he adds, "to those who are of the household of faith" (6:10).

This command of the apostle to give "special treatment" to Christians brings up an interesting question concerning the duties of deacons. Does the New Testament give any instructions for deacons to engage in their official ministry outside of the church. In other words, is it part of the ministry of a deacon to oversee a soup kitchen or relief organization or hospital? Now, let me be clear, I am not speaking of the obligations of individual Christians who have the opportunity to do good, certainly, we ought to help others, no matter who they are, because they are made in the image of God. However, when we seek to determine from the New Testament what it is that deacons, in their official calling, ought to spend their precious time and resources on, I personally do not see any warrant to go outside of the household of faith. To further support my thesis, when we do see churches in the New Testament donate to the needs outside of their local congregation, they raise money for other churches, as is the case for the donation to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. As Christians living in one of the most materially blessed nations on earth, we ought to be mindful of our millions of brothers and sisters in the Lord who live in abject poverty around the world.