Advice for Deacons

Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, "It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.” - Acts 6:2-3 HCSB

I very much appreciate the ministry of the diaconate and the tremendous burden that they carry for God’s church. I also understand that they have many things that they must keep in mind as they serve the Lord.[1] However, may I offer a few pieces of advice?

A minister of God serves as an ambassador.[2] Deacons represent the sovereign King of kings. Therefore, a healthy appreciation for excellence and professionalism should be the hallmark of Hashem’s stewards. Deacons must always be in pursuit of excellence. Whatever you do, try to do it as professionally as you can. Do not settle for second best when serving the Master.[3]

Periodically reexamine your practices under the light of the Scriptures to be certain that you are actually following their principles and not the world’s.[4]

Learn how to give gifts people want. Serve them in a way that they will accept. Learn to express love appropriately. Lack of knowledge in how to display our love can actually end up developing frustration in those we serve.[5]

Every act, every thought, every statement, every vote, every suggestion must be tested by the following question: “Will this glorify God?”[6] After all, loving God not only as an expression of the heart but as an expression of our intellect and physicality should be the ultimate goal of every Christian.[7]

One of the principles that must rule deacons’ every act is that of confidentiality. The default setting for church officers should be silence![8] With the exception of criminal activity or matters of church discipline, information that has been given privately must not be revealed without that person’s permission.[9] Do not let non-critical information be known that may cause harm to the unity of God’s people.

The principle of “tzedekah” or “right living” entails doing the right thing at the right time at the right place for the right reason. Good intentions are simply not enough. They must be accompanied by wise acts, impeccably timed with consideration of the context.

Just because you know something doesn’t mean you should act on it immediately. Carefully think about it first, and perhaps go see the person it effects in private to make sure you have your facts straight.[10] Be cautious, trying to understand the possible ramifications of what you are about to do.[11] Thinking things through and asking advice beforehand will have the added bonus of allowing you to present things in as gracious and palatable manner as possible which will allow you to be as persuasive as possible.[12]

[1] 1 Timothy 3:8-10
[2] 2 Corinthians 5:20
[3] Ecclesiastes 9:10; 11:6; Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:23
[4] 1 Thessalonians 4:1; Proverbs 18:15; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6
[5] Philippians 1:9-10; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:10
[6] 1 Corinthians 10:31
[7] Matthew 23:37-38
[8] James 1:19; Proverbs 17:27-28; 21:23
[9] Proverbs 11:13; 25:23
[10] Proverbs 12:23; 13:16; 25:7-10
[11] Proverbs 14:8, 16; 29:20
[12] Proverbs 16:21, 23-24