Deacon-Detailed Description.pdf

Detailed Description of the Office of Deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church

In May 2007, the elders defined a deacon at Bethlehem as an administrative officer within the church who is set apart to ensure that …

1. The elders are freed up to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word
   The overseer qualification of being “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2) is noticeably absent from the list of deacon qualifications (v. 12). However, a deacon is not necessarily prohibited from preaching or teaching; Philip was referred to as an evangelist (Acts 21:8), and Stephen was preaching while he was being stoned to death (Acts 7:1–52).
2. The practical needs within the church are met at corporate and individual levels.
   When the widows were being neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1–3), the disciples appointed seven men to serve tables, so that the preaching the Word could continue. Those appointed were asked to focus on people who were part of the flock.

We believe that the phrase gune hosautos (1 Timothy 3:11) is best translated as “women likewise” (referring to women deacons) rather than “their wives” and thus that the office of deacon is open to both biblically qualified men and women. To learn more about why we are inclined to think the office of deacon was held by both men and women in the New Testament, read “Rethinking the Governance Structure at Bethlehem Baptist Church” by Pastor John Piper.

Appointment, Structure, and Oversight of Deacons at Bethlehem

Candidates for the office of deacon are presented by the elders and called by the congregation. Deacons operate within the existing structures of the church, under the oversight of the elders. Men and women appointed to serve in this office will be organizational deacons (who ensure practical needs are met at the corporate level, including finances and property) or congregational deacons (who ensure practical needs of individuals and families are met).

At Bethlehem, the office of deacon is primarily an administrative office of equipping others within the church to meet practical needs. We limit the office to people who deploy others in this way, rather than appoint all staff members, communion coordinators, and greeters as deacons.