THE OFFICE OF A DEACON

What is a deacon?

The deacon is one of the ordinary and perpetual officers in the church set forth in the New Testament (I Tim. 3:1). The office is one of sympathy and service after the example of the Lord Jesus. A deacon is an ordained person who performs particular functions in relation to the various needs of the people of God.

It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. They must be willing to assume, in addition, such other duties as may be delegated to them by the Session concerning the evangelistic, missionary, stewardship, fellowship, and educational life of the church.

Those elected as deacons must be willing to attend the regular monthly meetings of the Board and faithfully fulfill assignments.

What does a deacon do?

Chapter VI in the Form of Government in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) lays out in very complete fashion the task to which the deacons are called. In summary, it may be said that it is “the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress.”

Deacons are the ministering/healing arm of our church in its relationship with our congregation and the world.

How is it done?

The Board of Deacons meets in regularly stated monthly meetings and those additional times when special meetings are called. The meetings are usually well-ordered and last an hour.

In addition to the meetings, each member will be assigned various duties throughout the year, such as:

·         Calling on shut-ins and persons in extended care facilities

·         Enlisting greeters for Sunday mornings several times a year

·         Delivering flowers occasionally following worship

·         Calling on prospective members occasionally

·         Transporting disabled members to church functions.

In general, deacons are assistants to the pastor in ministering to the members of our church and our community.