“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business….” (Acts 6:3).
The original trouble-shooters–the Lord’s S.W.A.T. team perhaps–in the New Testament church were the deacons.
They still are best at this risky business.
In deacon training conferences we point out that deacons “ride drag” for the congregation, a reference to the old West when cowboys would move the herd to the railhead. Someone is riding point, showing the way, others are riding flank to keep the herd from spreading out too much, and then some are riding at the back of the group of cattle, bringing up the rear. Those assigned to ride drag were usually the lowliest hands, the newest hires, or someone in trouble with the boss. Their job was to keep the herd moving, to handle any animals in difficulty (headstrong, caught in briars or a ditch, etc), and such. In so doing, they ate the dust of the entire herd and emerged covered with grime.
The word “deacon,” we’re told, comes from the Greek diakonos, meaning literally “through the dust.”
When problems arise within the congregation, when some church member is unhappy and spreading dissent, as a rule the worst person to deal with the cancer is the pastor himself. Why? Several reasons…