The New Testament gives clear indication Deacons in the local church (1 Tim. 3:1-13).In the early church, Deacons are those who rendered service in the church. In other words, a Deacon is a servant. Deacons give needed assistance in the various ministries of the local body of believers. (1 Tim. 4:14; Heb. 13:17),

Duties and Service

According to Scripture a Deacon has many duties and roles for service within the church (Matt. 20:16-28). outlined below are some duties of a Deacon:

A. Caring for the people, other Christians and especially for other members of the congregation, for three reasons, first, for the physical well being of those concerned, second, for their spiritual well-being, and third: as a witness to those outside (Jn.13:13).

B. To head off disunity in the church (Acts 6:1-4). To build up one another and encourage one another (Rom. 1:11-12) for the common good, edifying and uniting the church in the ministry of Deacons (1 Cor. 14:26).

C. To support the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:3). Deacons will serve the church as a whole by helping with responsibilities that the main teachers cannot perform. They should fundamentally encourage and support the ministry of the Elders.

D. Assist the Elders in administering the Lord’s Supper (Jn. 12:2; Lk. 10:40, 17:8; Acts 6:1-2).

Qualifications 

Along with Elders, Deacons have specific qualifications that are clearly outlined in Scripture. Each member of the Council of Deacons should be an active member of the church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The qualifications for deacons can be divided into two different categories: personal character and spiritual character.

Personal Character:

(a) Men of dignity, reverent, they must be worthy of respect, serious minded, not treating serious things lightly (1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:2).

(b) Not double-tongued; not a malicious gossip (1 Timothy 3:8).

(c) Not addicted to wine; they are noted for their sobriety (1 Timothy 3:8).

(d) Not fond of gain and greedy for money (1 Timothy 3:8; 6:9).

Spiritual Character:

(a) Must hold “to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,” must have convictions based on the knowledge of true biblical doctrine (1 Timothy 3:9).

(b) Must be men already tested and proved to be faithful (1 Timothy 3:10).

(c) Morally pure in every way (1 Timothy 3:10, 12).

(d) Leads his family well and the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12).

A Deacons Wife:

(a) Reverent, serious in mind and character; not silly or flippant about important matters (1 Timothy 3:11).

(b) Not slanderers, must not be malicious gossips (1 Timothy 3:11).

(c) Temperate, alert, vigilant, clear-headed, sober (1 Timothy 3:11).

(d) Faithful in all things, absolutely trustworthy in all aspects of their lives and ministries (1 Timothy 3:11).