WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT DEACONS

The Story of the First Deacons:

Acts 6:1–7

“1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

The Qualifications of the Office of a Deacon:

1 Timothy 3:8–13

“8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Selecting deacons is one of the weightiest responsibilities of a pastor, church leaders, and a church family. As go the leaders of a church, so goes the church.

The word “deacon” literally means “servant.” The verb form of the word “deacon” literally means to serve or to wait on.

The New Testament church arranged for the office of deacons for the purposes of caring for and meeting the needs of the church family (see Acts 6) and for supporting the overall health and forward mission of the church.

The first deacons were selected because of congregational murmuring resulting from neglected needs. Those selected were appointed to minister to the needs which resolved the murmuring and ensured that the church family was well cared for. As the deacons assumed these responsibilities, the pastors were able to focus on their roles of “the ministry of the word and prayer.” You could summarize it by saying deacons ministered to physical needs while pastors ministered to spiritual needs.

The men selected in Acts 6 were qualified as: men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit, capable of administrating responsibilities, full of faith. As they selected and delegated responsibility to these men, the church family was well cared for, the word of God grew, and the number of believers greatly multiplied.

Practically speaking, deacons and their wives were peace-making, engaged, spiritually mature servants of Jesus who were already supportive of the church and its leaders. They were not troublesome people, issue oriented, or driven by personal agenda. They were faith filled, optimistic encouragers who lived honorably and served effectively to allow God’s work to thrive.

Deacons were supporters and facilitators of gospel ministry and gospel ministers.

Our present church leaders are happy to recommend the following new deacons who have been interviewed, vetted, and who are willing to embrace this new role of service to our church. These couples have demonstrated spiritual maturity, faithful stewardship, missional devotion, and a spirit-filled demeanor within our church family.

After reviewing the names below, please click the link to log in and enter your responses in the affirmation of our new deacons.

Jeff & Mildred East

Jeff and Mildred East connected with Emmanuel during COVID in March 2020. They attended online until the church opened again and they could attend in person, becoming members in March 2021. Jeff and Mildred serve faithfully on the Greeters Team.

Peter & Mary Paranzino

Peter and Mary Paranzino have attended EBC for approximately five years. Peter is presently a part of the support staff helping both Pastor Steven and Pastor Sherwin. Peter also teaches in small Groups on Wednesday nights.

DEACON AFFIRMATION

Our present church leaders are happy to recommend these new deacons who have been interviewed, vetted, and who are willing to embrace this new role of service to our church. These couples have demonstrated spiritual maturity, faithful stewardship, missional devotion, and a spirit-filled demeanor within our church family. Please click the link below to log in and enter your responses in the affirmation of our new church budget and new deacons.

Existing Deacons

Mike & Kathy Crowley

Mike and Kathy Crowley have been at EBC for over 40 years. Kathy leads an eGroup one night a week, and Mike is presently involved with the Usher Team and the Bread Delivery Team.

Lawren & Kathryn Owens

Lawren and Kathryn Owens have been at the church for almost five years. Kathryn is a part of the Emmanuel Worship Team, and Lawren serves on the Care Team.

Mike & Nana Zemlok

Mike and Nana Zemlok have been members at EBC for seven years. They have supported the EBC Kids ministry, the Care Team, and the Kitchen Team. Mike and Nana have two children: Beka, who is 23 years old, and Nicholas, who is 12 years old.