Committee of Deacons Elected

Starting a series on church government the committee of deacons is first examined.

Growth in a church can cause problems, but problems can lead to opportunities and these opportunities can become blessings from God.

This is what happened in the early church, when the second tier of office, the committee of deacons (or diaconate) came into being.

Rev Ken Elliott looks at four aspects of this.

1. THE PROBLEM THAT IT FACED
   Due to the rapid growth of the early church, an oversight occurred Greek members did not receive material provisions (food etc.)

2. PLAN THAT WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED
   The problem had to be addressed, but the apostles’ priority was the preaching of the Word of God. So the congregation were permitted to elected seven men to deal with material provisions.

3. THE PERSONNEL INVOLVED
   Men with a good testimony, endured by the Holy Spirit and with wisdom.
   Dignified, not double tongued, not given to much wine and not out for self profit.

4. THE SUCCESS OF THE PLAN
   i) The harmony of the church was reserved
   ii) The priority of the ministry was preserved