What is the Role of Deacons in the New Testament Church?

Very little has been written on the role of deacons in the church. The church as a whole has been somewhat left in the dark exegetically as to the practical functions of the deaconate. The word deacon literally means “table waiter” or servant, but this is not to be understood as a derogatory term. The office was reinstituted for the purpose of caring for the poor and needy of the church. Deacons are to care for the physical needs of the poor in mercy out of love for Christ and the reminder of the image of God imprinted upon every person. And, this ministry of the deaconate becomes a testimony to the world at large of the gospel.