We have gathered top books on Deacon Ministry for you to read. The word “serve” in the New Testament is typically translated from the Greek word diakoneo, which literally translates to “through the dirt.” It describes someone who serves others, such as a waiter or attendant. The English word “deacon” is derived from this word. We first see the word “deacon” employed this manner in the book of Acts. “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables,” the twelve declared, calling all of the disciples together (Acts 6:2).
The men who were devoting themselves to feeding the flock by teaching and preaching came to the realization that it was improper for them to abandon these pursuits to wait tables. As a result, they found other men who were willing to serve and assigned them to take care of the physical needs of the church while the pastors or elders took care of their spiritual needs. They made greater use of everyone’s talents and the resources that were provided. Additionally, it encouraged more individuals to assist and serve one another.
These roles are practically the same for the biblical church today. According to 2 Timothy 4:2, deacons are should be selected to handle everything else while elders and pastors “preach the word…reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” This could involve ushering, taking on organizational or administrative duties, maintaining the facility, or volunteering to serve as the church treasurer in a contemporary church. The gifts of the available men and the need will determine this.
It is considered that a deacon’s duties encompass everything except preaching, teaching, and exhortation, which are the obligations of an elder or pastor. Scripture, however, lays out the requirements for a deacon’s character. According to 1 Timothy 3:8–12, they must be blameless, the spouse of one wife, a decent manager of the family, reputable, honest, free of alcoholism, and not avaricious. The Word says that being a deacon is a blessing and an honor. According to 1 Timothy 3:13, “those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
Below are Books on Deacon Ministry:
Deacons (How They Serve and Strengthen the Church) – Matt Smethurst
Deacons Are Shock Absorbers – 9Marks Journal
Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons – Thabiti M. Anyabwile
Lay People And The Ministry – Dag Heward-Mills
The Deacon (Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy) – Cornelis Van Dam
