Those who serve well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus (I Timothy 3:13). 

If I were a newly ordained deacon, I would be eager to learn my craft, to honor my Lord, and to serve my church.  So, here are some of the things I would do:

–I would stay on my knees, asking the Father to purify me, to grow me and make my motives holy, and give me a heart to serve.  I would ask Him to teach me and to send godly people into my life to instruct me in this new avenue of ministry which He has opened up.

–I would read Luke 17:7-10 again and again until it became part of my DNA.  I would resolve never to seek appreciation or expect honors.  Deacons are servants. But, while I would not seek honors, I would be quick to express appreciation to others around me.  That is no contradiction, as it’s found all through Scripture.

–I would seek out the godliest, most effective deacons now serving our church and latch onto them.  I would pick their brains, and ask if I could work with them until I learned all they could teach me. I would accompany them on their visits and take notes (when I returned home) of all they said.

–I would read the scriptural passages about deacons again and again.  The primary two are found in I Timothy 3 and Acts 6.  Then, I would study the four gospels for every reference to servants and find what they are to do, how they are to behave, the attitude they are to project, and so forth.

–I would look for a good book on the subject of deacons.  (And since I have written one– “Help! I’m a Deacon!”– I would hope my pastor is putting one of those in the hands of each deacon.)  Since they cost $15 each (and, the mailing costs are around $5), perhaps you could buy one and pass it around.

–I would not go into this work with an agenda of my own, but would want to see what the present deacons are doing.

–I would see if the church’s constitution and bylaws are available, and become familiar with them.  If the church leadership is not abiding by them–you would be amazed how often they are ignored–I would have two conferences quickly: first, with the pastor to ask “Did you know this?” and “What do you want the deacons to do?” and second, with the chair of the deacons to ask “Are you aware of what the bylaws say?”  Then, I would pray for guidance.  What I would not do is sit back and say, “Well, I’m just a beginner, maybe they are smarter than me.”  They may be, but that’s not the point.

–I would support my pastor and ministerial staff and look for every opportunity to express that support.

–I would memorize Hebrews 13:17 and would go out of my way to honor these servants of God called to lead the church. Their accountability to Him is mind-boggling and the last thing they need is stress or burdens from me.

–Then, I would ask the Lord to help me honor those deacons (and other servants in the church) who serve well.  As appropriate, I would brag on them, pray for them, and look for ways to call attention to the good work they are doing.

–Finally, if I happen to spot a deacon or two with unholy motives, unbiblical theology, or control issues, I would prayerfully seek guidance on what to do.  In most cases, it is healthier and safer for a deacon to rein in another deacon rather than for the pastor to get involved.  Often, that out-of-control deacon’s wrath will quickly be directed toward the pastor (after which nothing good comes!).  Deacons can help the preacher and bless the church by standing up and doing the courageous thing.  But do nothing without lots of prayer and sound counsel.

Thank you for serving, Deacon.  You mean the world to the Kingdom.