THE DEACON: An Ancient Office For The Glory of Christ and His Church

By Allen Garard and Mark Garard

This book digs deep into the biblical office of the deacon by exploring the person, nature, and function of the deacon. Because the deacon is an officer in Christ's church, it must function according to His intentions as laid out in His Word. While we primarily examine the explicit details, we find that the implicit details are also helpful as we shape our understanding of the person and work of the office.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9781667865775

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Mustard Seed Foundation Press

Springfield, Missouri

© Allen Garard and Mark Garard. First Edition, October 2023

All biblical references are from the KJV unless noted otherwise.

Permission is hereby granted by the authors of this work to briefly quote from

this book in reviews and other publications.

Cataloging data:

Garard, Allen 1949

Garard, Mark 1955

1. Deacons, New Testament Church

2. Church Polity, Officers

3. Biblical Studies, United States, Deacons

ISBN 978-0-578-86736-6

eBook ISBN 978-1-66786-577-5

Printed and bound in the United States of America

Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Nature And Function Of The Office

Chapter 2: The Value Of The Office

Chapter 3: The Biblical Qualifications For The Office

Chapter 4: The Process Of Selecting Qualified Individuals

Chapter 5: Getting Organized

Chapter 6: The Neglected

Chapter 7: A Dialogue On Teamwork, Part 1

Chapter 8: A Dialogue On Teamwork, Part 2

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

While we cannot acknowledge every contribution along the way (there have been many), and we run the risk of overlooking some, we nevertheless want to express our gratitude to a few individuals who made major contributions to the completion of this book.

First, we are thankful for our parents, both of whom are at home with our Lord. God blessed us with parents who lived out diaconal work before our eyes, showing kindness and extending hospitality for many who desperately needed their love and compassion.

Second, we must acknowledge and thank our wives, who have loved us, encouraged us, stood by us, and served with us these many years as we labor together in the work of the Lord.

Third, we express our indebtedness to the late Terry Wolever, the longtime editor of Particular Baptist Press. Terry was the first to read our original manuscript. He not only made early editorial contributions, but constantly encouraged us to finish the work, a work he said he was blessed to read.

Next, we want to acknowledge both Jonathan Garard and Mary Madearis for their financial contributions that made the printing of this book possible.

Above all, we are grateful to God who has burdened our souls for the well-being of the church. Our prayer is that the Head of the Church will use this material to encourage those who labor in the office of the Deacon. May He be glorified!

FOREWORD

This book is the fruit of many years of study, labor, and life of two men whom God has blessed to enjoy a very close relationship. Yes, they are brothers by birth and enjoy the blessing of family relation. But they are also blessed to be brothers by second birth, as well as united in faith and practice. It is really a unique blessing that has enabled them to work closely together on the subject of this present title, though not laboring together in the same church. They have both been grounded in solid biblical doctrine that is consistent with historic Baptist confessions.

Al and Mark Garard are lovers of Christ and lovers of His church. This has been demonstrated in their lives as they have been used over the years in planting new churches, renewing existing churches, and strengthening those that are more mature. Their hearts beat for building up the church of Jesus Christ. They have served in a number of local Baptist churches to this end and continue today to serve as elders with a heart for establishing sound New Testament church order.

With their collective years of experience working out the principles set forth in the Word of God and learned through intense reading and research, they have come together to put in print what they have compiled over the years. While this book is the result of intense work, it is truly a labor of love, as these brothers desire to pass along to other churches that which they have learned and practiced in their own ministries.

These men are not writing from merely a theoretical perspective. They are not short on academic study and diaconate theories, but they are not writing for academia. They are very aware of the varied perspectives that exist among various faith communities. They are driven not so much by setting forth arguments for a particular position as they are by helping churches develop men who are divinely equipped with proven character to carry out the vital function of the diaconate in a local congregation. They have come to see this office to be much more than a position in a church. It is a gift that Christ has given for the proper maturing of any New Testament church. They know that, if men serve well according to the principles set forth in the Scripture, the church will be edified in very practical ways and the elders will have liberty to give themselves to the tasks of prayer, preaching, and shepherding the flock.

Because of my respect for the character of these men and their proven love for the church, I can heartily recommend them and trust that what they have written will be of great benefit to the church. I know Al and Mark well enough to say without hesitation that their greatest joy will come from knowing that this volume has been a help to those who either aspire to serve or are already serving as deacons.

May the Lord give these brothers the desire of their hearts as you benefit from their written effort and your church is strengthened as a result.

For the glory of Christ, the Head of His Church,

Kyle White

Pastor of Community Baptist Church

Elmendorf, Texas

Introduction

Two thousand years ago, world leaders, project designers, engineers, architects, and builders collaborated to produce some of the most amazing structures ever built, ancient structures that once stood proudly as testaments to human achievement. Today, they either stand in ruins, or they are completely gone, eroded by time, natural elements, and human progress. There are a few that still stand, but they continue to erode, and one day, given enough time, they will exist only on the pages of books or in someone’s fading memory.

There is one ancient structure, however, that continues to stand and defy the onslaughts of every effort to destroy her. That structure is the church. If the remnants of ancient buildings are landmarks to the genius of their human builders, then the church is a testament to her divine builder, Jesus Christ. Jesus declared, I will build my church, and He serves as both the Cornerstone and Head of the church, to the eternal glory of the Father who designed it all.

The church has suffered attack, both from without and within, and Satan has attempted to bring her to her knees in defeat, yet she triumphantly continues to push back against every evil force hurled against her. Today, churches are being planted, renewed, and strengthened throughout the world and will continue to exist until that appointed day when God will draw all things to a close, Christ will be revealed from heaven, and the church will be presented in all her glory to the Father.

We are reminded of the words of that glorious hymn by Arthur Coxe, drawn from Isaiah 28:6, O Where are Kings and Empires Now? This hymn reminds us that, in contrast to the crumbling foundations of this world’s kingdoms, the church has an unshakable foundation.

I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation stone.

O where are kings and empires now

Of old that went and came?

But Lord, Thy Church is praying yet,

A thousand years the same.

We mark her goodly battlements,

And her foundations strong;

We hear within the solemn voice

Of her unending song.

For not like kingdoms of the world

Thy holy Church, O God;

Tho’ earthquake shocks are threatening her,

And tempests are abroad;

O Unshaken as eternal hills,

Immovable she stands,

A mountain that shall fill the earth,

A house not made by hands. Amen.

Until that final day when God makes all things right, the church stands, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets—Christ Jesus himself being the Cornerstone. The apostles were first, then the prophets, then church planting evangelists, then pastor teachers, and finally, every member of the Body of Christ equipped to minister to one another so that the church grows, matures, and is strengthened to carry the spiritual battle forward (Eph. 4:11-13).

As the master designer and architect of the church, God has given the church two officers, one to oversee and lead the church spiritually (pastors) and one to lead by serving the church in practical matters (deacons). It is the practical office of the deacon that is the focus of this book.

Solomon said, [O]f making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh (Eccl. 12:12). Coming from the wisest of all men, it begs the question, Why write another book on an old subject? Briefly stated, here are our reasons.

We wrote this book, first of all, because we love the church. Perhaps the title of the book is a little misleading. Ultimately, this is a book concerning the church but not everything about the church. Specifically, it’s about the office of the deacon. But the deacon functions in the context of the church. It is neither an independent office nor a para-church office. By opening the door into the office of the deacon, we will inevitably explore other church issues, like servanthood, love, mission, and unity. Everyone who loves the church ought to enjoy studying this often misunderstood and under-appreciated office.

Secondly, we wrote because we think it is needed. We’re not throwing shade on every other book on the subject, not at all. There are a number of helpful books that need to be read by anyone who desires to know more concerning the person and work of the deacon. However, after many years of preaching and teaching through the Bible, teaching and reteaching on the offices of the church, planting churches, and installing both elders and deacons, we believe there is more to be said.

While we give priority to what is clearly stated in the Scriptures, we also give attention to what is left unstated. You will know this as the difference between the explicit and the implicit. We think the implicit—those things implied by the explicit statements—need to be explored more fully. This takes us into the world of the missing details that everyone wishes were explicitly stated. We do that in this book.

Thirdly, we wrote because of our suspicion that the days ahead will place a high demand on the church generally and the office of the deacon particularly. Whatever your view on final things, whether the Lord’s return is imminent or far off, the world is spiraling downward at an alarming speed. While we have a positive view of the final outcome, we have a negative view of man’s ability to get himself out of this mess, and the world will inevitably turn against the church.

Both world history and current events tell the story of the persecution of the church. We think the future will tell the same story. Hardships will come. While the spiritual leaders of the church will shepherd us through the attacks against our faith, the servant leaders of the church (deacons) will minister to us in the physical realm. Like the chosen seven in Acts 6, they will care for the needy and neglected. With these things in mind, we think the work of the deacon will be vital in the future. Therefore, preparation must be made in the present. This book is meant to help the church meet both present and future demands.

Finally, we wrote this book because we wanted a practical, how-to operations manual to put into the hands of our own deacons. You will find our suggestions for an Operations Manual in Chapter 5.

Our hope is that you will find this volume helpful as you flesh out every nuance of the office in your ministry. Whether you are a pastor looking for a training tool or a deacon looking for a more meaningful ministry, we think you will find help in this book.

God willing, we will carry our study into a second volume to explore various topics that cannot be covered in one book. To pack it all into one volume would only prove Solomon’s point: it would be weariness to the flesh. In Volume 2, we will cover such topics as serving with the right attitude, the necessary skills for diaconal work, the deacon and missions, the relationship between pastors and deacons, the deacon’s reward, the question of deaconesses, the deacon in church history, social justice and the deacon, facing situational challenges, and a few more interesting subjects. Perhaps one of these topics will pique your interest.

As you can see, Volume 2 will deal primarily with practical issues related to the office. Think of it this way: Volume 2 will be like a second semester course on the office of the deacon, diving deeper into the subject than almost any other available study. Our goal, in both volumes, is to think and act biblically as we fulfill God’s intentions for the office. May He be glorified!

Chapter 1

The Nature and Function of the Office

In this first chapter, we are going to ask you to think about words. Not just any words, but critical words found on the pages of Holy Scripture. Words have meaning. They have history. We are not at liberty to make a word mean whatever we want it to mean. Additionally, the meaning of a word is not determined solely by its definition. Usage is also important to our understanding of a word. Ultimately, as we note later, usage, not etymology, determines the meaning of a word. This is all the more true when they are biblical words. Biblical words are God’s words, and their usage is intentional.

We will consider things like the meaning, history, usage, and the literal and figurative ideas contained in these words. We will look at the influence of both the Greek and Jewish cultures on their meaning. At times this may seem tedious. However, we believe that this examination and the information it yields is invaluable as we strive to understand the nature and function of the office of the deacon. As you work through the information in this chapter, it may seem like a box of puzzle pieces at first. However, each piece is necessary, and when connected, they create a biblical picture of the person and work of the deacon.

Whatever we understand about the office of the deacon, we must be sure that it is a biblical understanding. Therefore, the Scriptures will keep us from straying too far from God’s original intention for the office.

As we begin our study, please read the following Scriptures to acquaint yourself with the relevant passages: Acts 6:1-7, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

If you were to quickly look over the books written on the subject of the deacon, you would find that most of them have something to say about the nature of the office. There’s a good reason for this. Our understanding of how a deacon ought to function is largely dependent on our understanding of the nature of the office. What this means is, if we’re not clear in our understanding of the nature of the office, we cannot know with certainty what deacons are to do. God’s Word gives us everything we need to know about the nature and function of the office in that one word: deacon.

In order to carry on an intelligent and profitable conversation on any subject, we must agree on the definition of the terms we use. Since the study of the nature of the office is critical to our understanding of how the office functions, it seems important that we begin by defining both of these terms. We’ll not only define these terms, but we will also offer what we hope are some helpful illustrations.

We begin with the word nature. According to Webster, nature refers to the [e]ssential qualities of a thing or person; that which makes it what it is.¹ For instance, the nature of a bird is very different from the nature of a fish. The bird has all the essential qualities for flight. These qualities distinguish the bird from other animals. A fish, on the other hand, has a nature suitable for living in water. The fish possesses all the essential qualities for aquatic life but not flight. Neither would live very long if they tried to function in a way that is not agreeable to their nature. The point we’re making is that nature determines how something or someone will function or behave.

Let’s shift our attention to the word function. Webster defines function as performing, doing, executing . . . anything. He also refers to function as a discharge; performance; as the function of a calling or office.² Implied in the word function, then, is the notion that certain specific duties must be performed in order to faithfully carry out the responsibilities of a calling or office.

This relationship between nature and function is biblically illustrated in what is referred to as human nature. Take sin, for instance. Why does every human sin? We all sin because we have a sinful nature. No one has to be taught to sin; it is in our nature to do so. Meaning that, one of the essential qualities of being human is that our sinful nature causes us to behave as rebels against God and serve ourselves. Only God’s grace can set us free from the bondage of our old corrupt nature and enable us to behave, or function, with a new nature that takes on the image of God’s Son.³

Thinking of the relationship between nature and behavior (function), one of our all-time favorite books is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. As you read this allegory of the Christian life, you soon discover Bunyan’s keen insight into human nature. He insightfully illustrates the inseparable link between nature and behavior through the names he gives the leading characters.

Bunyan gives the characters names like Christian, Hopeful, Talkative, Pliable, and Obstinate. These names were intentionally chosen to reveal the nature of the characters in his story. By naming a character Pliable, we can be sure this person will cave in under pressure, which he does of course. The same is true when we read about Obstinate. He is stubborn and unyielding even in the face of reason. Bunyan captures a character’s most dominant trait (essential characteristic) in a single word—their name—and we not only understand their behavior, we could have predicted it as well. How? Experience! We know that an individual’s nature (talkative, pliable, stubborn, hopeful, etc.) is a good predictor of behavior.

In case we’ve lost you, what does all of this discussion on birds, fish, human personality, and characters in Bunyan’s story have in common with the office of the deacon? The bottom line is this: nature determines function.

This is a critical point. If we can determine the nature of the office or the essential characteristic of what it means to be a deacon, then we can also determine how a deacon is to function, those specific duties that must be completed.

Everything we need to know about the nature and function of the office is contained in that one word: deacon. And perhaps most importantly, if a deacon fails to function according to the nature of the office, he will fail to faithfully execute and fulfill God’s intention for the office.

Having defined both nature and function, we are now ready to think about the term deacon. To provide a framework for our study, we will look at this word through four lenses. These lenses are just a tool to help us organize the material and focus on essential information.

Before we look through the lenses, we want to make it clear where this investigation is going. The goal is to emphasize a vital truth that can easily be overlooked, which is, deacons are servants (nature), and God’s original intention for the office is that of service (function).

We hope the following lenses will make this truth clear.

FIRST LENS: Their Name

Under this lens, we take a closer look at the word deacon. If we are to understand God’s intention for the office of the deacon, it is essential that we focus our attention on the name God chose for both the office and the person who holds the office. Whatever conclusions we reach concerning this office, they must agree with the meaning of the word. In this case, it’s the inspired word deacon.

God frequently chose names for the purpose of clarifying the essential characteristics (nature) and the resulting behavior (function) of the person holding the name. We’ll offer a few examples.

First, consider the word angel. This name is given to the spirit beings created by God. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word means a messenger.⁴ God gave them a name that is translated angel to describe their essential characteristic (nature), which is manifested in their behavior (function). They are messengers of God.

Another example is found in the names God gave to one of the officers in the church: the Pastor. Several Greek words are used to describe both the office and the officer. The English word bishop, episkopos in the Greek,⁵ conveys both the nature and necessary function of those who hold this office. This name tells us that he is to be overseer, or superintendent.⁶ W. E. Vine points out that epi means over and skopeo means to look or watch.⁷ This name identifies an essential trait of those who hold this office - they watch over the church. We won’t take the time, but the same would be true of the words elder and pastor. The Spirit of God chose these names to describe both the nature and function of those who are placed in this office.

Of all the names given in the Bible, by far the most important are the various names for God. Each one is to be studied and reflected on if we are to have an appropriate sense of His nature and ways. A sense that leads to awe, wonder, and praise. Names like Yahweh, Adonai, El Elyon, El Shaddai and others. Collectively, they reveal who God is and what He is like. His names reveal His nature, attributes, characteristics, and help us to understand His actions. Not a complete understanding, but a beneficial understanding non the less. To the point, His names correspond to his necessary actions.

We use these examples to illustrate that the name deacon is a lens through which we gain insight and better understanding of the nature and function of the office.

As we will detail below, the nature and function of the office is service. That is what this word means: serve, servant, service. In fact, there is no other way for deacons to fulfill their appointment unless they serve. How do we know this? It’s found in their name! Whatever comes to mind when you hear the word deacon, must be consistent with both the nature and necessary behavior of the office as God intended.

As we look at the name (deacon) that is given to the office, we need to focus our attention on the Greek word diakonos. Gathering, organizing, and researching all of the available information can be very tedious, but it is important if we are to have a working knowledge about the word that the Holy Spirit gave to the New Testament writers. A quick search reveals there are various forms of this Greek word, and together they appear a total of 102 times in the New Testament. We will briefly look at these various forms.

First, the noun form: diakonos

This word is used a total of thirty-one times in the New Testament. It is translated twenty times as minister, eight times as servant, and three times as deacon (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8,12).⁸ The basic meaning of this Greek word is translated in the words minister and servant. It literally means an attendant, a waiter and speaks of anyone who waits on or serves others. As for the translation minister, the definition of the English word may help us out here. Webster’s Dictionary defines the primary meaning of minister in the following way: an agent appointed to transact or manage business under the authority of another.⁹ Perhaps this explains why the translators chose minister over servant so often. Regardless, the Greek word diakonos is a noun that refers to a servant, one who serves or ministers to others.

But what about the three times it is transliterated deacons? For that, we will have to focus our lens a little. Referring to its use in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8, 12, Wesley Perschbacher states, [T]here is, however, a strict application of the term to a specified class of officers in the church, who, in distinction from all others, bear this name.¹⁰ Alexander Strauch agrees by saying, [T]he word diakonos is plainly used three times in the New Testament to refer to the holder of a specific office (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12).¹¹

It is clear this noun form refers to the person who is appointed to the office of a servant. Diakonos in these references focuses primarily on the person in their capacity as a deacon, yet at the same time, it implies what must be their necessary activity. They are called deacons because it is the nature of the office to function as servants.

Second, the noun form: diakonia

This Greek word is found thirty-four times in the New Testament. It is translated minister twenty-eight times, serve four times, relief one time, and one more time as office.¹² Thayer says this word refers to those who execute the commands of others.¹³ In these references, the focus is once again on the person doing the work: a servant who ministers to others.

Third, the verb form: diakoneo

This word is used a total of thirty-seven times in the New Testament. It is translated minister twenty-four times and serve ten times. Two times it is translated the office of the deacon (1 Tim. 3:10, 13) and one time serve tables in Acts 6:2.¹⁴ Thayer defines this verb, to provide, take care of, distribute, the things necessary to sustain life.¹⁵ The verb diakoneo in these references focuses on both the activity of the office and the activity of the person who is placed in the office. Concerning 1 Timothy 3:10, George Knight writes,

[T]his context most likely means [to] "serve as a [diakonos]," i.e., enter into the church office for which they have been tested (so also BAGD s.v. 5). This use of the verb helps us to understand how a group of church officers received as their title the noun [diakonos], which states in a substantive the task that the verb [diakoneo] says they are to engage in. The relationship of noun and verb may well indicate a semantic link with the Seven of Acts 6.¹⁶

Let’s bring this information concerning the name together. Looking at the various forms of the Greek word diakonos, we discover something very important. The name reveals the essential characteristic (nature) of the office and, therefore, should be the characteristic behavior (function) of every person who is placed in the office. All three Greek words say the same thing: deacons serve, minister, provide relief, attend to the needs of others. This is who they are (nature) and what they must do (function). Deacons exist to serve!

For some who already hold this office, or those who are being considered for the office, this may sound a little intimidating—You exist to serve! But we would encourage you with this thought: the Apostle Paul wore the title servant as a badge of honor. He uses these same three Greek words to describe his life and work as an apostle. He uses the word diakonos to characterize his own ministry in 2 Corinthians 3:6, Ephesians 3:7, and Colossians 1:23. He uses diakoneo to describe his work in Romans 15:25 and 2 Corinthians 3:3. And he uses the word diakonia to portray his life as a servant in 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 1 Timothy 1:12.¹⁷ Paul had no reservations about characterizing himself as a minister. It might be intimidating, but you will be rubbing shoulders with perhaps one of the greatest servants of the church after Christ Himself.

As further encouragement, we think it is very likely that Paul was ministered to by deacons and their families as he and his companions labored in church planting (1 Cor. 16:15; Rom. 16:1-2). Perhaps the reason for their service to Paul was that Paul himself was so attentive to the practical needs of churches and personally led efforts to raise support to help those with needs.

While our focus is on the servant nature of the deacon, which is so evident in Paul’s life, it should also be found in every spiritual leader (Titus 1:8), those who are called to be spiritual overseers of God’s flock.

Only God knows how many times pastors have led the relief effort to help those who lacked basic necessities or have taken money out of their own pocket and put it into the hands of someone in need. It’s hard for us to envision a shepherd who does not possess a servant nature, a nature that was so evident in both Christ and the apostle Paul. Both use the word diakonos to describe their work.

This picture of a compassionate servant pastor was etched on our minds as young boys. Our dad was a truck driver for thirty years, and the company he drove for was conveniently located across the street from our church. After Sunday evening services, he would walk across the street to the terminal and begin his overnight runs to the Twin Cities, Minneapolis-St. Paul. We can still see our mom loading up her four sons and one daughter into an older, and often unreliable, car and making that long trip home across town.

The pastor of our church was a man by the name of Harold Roland. He was a very simple but tenderhearted man. We have vivid memories of him following Mom home because he was concerned about our old car breaking down along the way.

There was a special act of kindness he occasionally showed, one which we as young boys could only hope he would soon do again. A few blocks from our home, there was a new McDonald’s restaurant. Occasionally, about ten minutes after we arrived home, Pastor Roland and his wife would pull into our driveway with a bag full of hamburgers and fries. Finances were very tight for our growing family, so this generous and rare treat left a deep impression on us. The impact of his kindness was even more amazing to our parents because they knew something we didn’t—Harold and his wife had very little money themselves. Yet, we can still see his brimming smile as he plopped the bags on the dining room table. We didn’t have to be called! All that was left was for Pastor Roland to give thanks.

Growing up, we heard many sermons from Pastor Roland, but none of them remain in our memories. Yet the impact of this servant left an indelible imprint on our lives. While we may not remember any of the sermons he preached, we do remember the message of his life. The message is that humble spiritual leaders, like Paul and Harold Roland, are ever ready and willing to serve their flock. As soon as they see or hear of a need, whether spiritual or physical, they jump into action, either personally or through the ministry of the deacons.

We vividly remember the day our mom received the phone call informing her that Pastor Roland passed away. She wept for several days. It may not have been clear to us then, but it is now. She wept because she lost both a beloved pastor and a dear friend, someone who watched over us, ever ready to help, someone the entire family loved and someone she knew loved and served her entire family. That’s what servants do—they serve.

As we look through the lens of this name, deacon, we get a clearer picture of the nature and function of the office. The various forms of the word all reflect the same thing: deacons serve! In Acts 6:1, the noun form diakonia is used to describe the kind of care that was missing. In Acts 6:2, the emphasis is