In the Book of Acts we get a glimpse into the first major crisis in the Church. Things were not going well in the congregation, and the Apostles were being pulled from Prayer and the Word. God already had a solution, and what could have destroyed the first church congregation actually gave birth to a POWERFUL ministry that is still in operation today.

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1. WHAT IS A DEACON?

The word Deacon in Greek means a “Servant”, or “One called to serve”. Philip started as a Deacon before God promoted him to an Evangelist. Stephen, the first martyr, was also a Deacon.

Deacons are not self-made but God-recognized. It’s not a position you strive and compete for, but one that God bestows upon you through Church leadership.

The early church looked for Deacons who had qualities that scripture lists in this order:

1. Well Respected

2. Full of the Holy Spirit

3. Full of Wisdom

4. Full of Faith

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3. THERE IS AN IMPARTATION RESERVED FOR DEACONS

Acts 6:6 “These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.”

There is a grace that can be imparted through the laying on of hands of a Church leader that Deacons can operate in. In turn, those who operate under the Deacons (helps ministry) can get under into this grace. The Church will always be co-dependent on eachother to function properly.

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4. DEACONS ARE VITAL TO WINNING SOULS

This side of running the Church is just as vital to winning souls, as the end result of implementing Deacons was Acts 6:7, “So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.”

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5. DEACONS RELEASE MINISTRY GIFTS INTO THEIR TRUE CALLING

The Ministry Gifts are the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. When Deacons embrace their practical ministry, it frees the Pastor and church leaders to remain devoted to the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4).

Some serve by leading in spiritual authority, while others serve by handling operations. Both are holy, and one empowers the other.

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6. HELPS MINISTRY VS DEACONS

In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul lists “helps” alongside miracles, gifts of healing, and government. Helps ministry is not an afterthought, but it’s a spiritual gift that sustains the Body.

The ministry of helps and the ministry of Deacons overlap heavily. Many believers are already “doing the work of a deacon” when they quietly serve behind the scenes: setting up chairs, cleaning the church, greeting people, feeding the poor, or running sound.

Philippians 2:5–7 shows that Christ Himself “took the form of a servant.” If Christ embraced service without title, every believer can imitate Him with the same attitude.

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7. DEACONS TURN CONFLICT INTO SUSTAINED CHURCH GROWTH

The appointment of Deacons began because of tensions between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking believers.

Deacons turned that division into unity and growth. Without them, the Church might have been become fractured early on.

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8. DEACONS BECOME A LAUNCHPAD FOR GREATER MINISTRY

Stephen went from Deacon to the first martyr (Acts 7) and testified boldly before rulers. Philip went from Deacon to Evangelist (Acts , and sparked a revival in Samaria.

Unlike Apostles who often preached publicly, Deacons first served behind the scenes; quietly, faithfully and practically. Their role reminds the Church that true leadership begins with service. It starts with your attitude when no one else is watching. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all” (Mark 10:43-45).

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9. DEACONS PROTECT AGAINST NEGLECT

The first crisis in the Church was widows being overlooked (Acts 6:1). Maybe look to the Pastor alone for this kind of care, but the Church is one Body with each person serving different functions.

The Deacons show the Lords heart to care for the vulnerable among us. Their service makes sure that no one falls through the cracks, and that practical needs are treated as sacred ministry.

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10. DEACONS CAN FLOW IN SUPERNATURAL POWER

Stephen, though appointed to serve tables, moved in signs and wonders (Acts 6:8). Serving practically doesn’t limit the Holy Spirits ability to flow in and through you, in fact serving is often preparation for a greater anointing and calling; one that operates from a pure place of love and care for others.

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FOR THOSE WHO FEEL THE CALL….

If you feel this call, don’t wait for a title or position at your Church, just start serving. Ask your pastor where help is needed. Show up early, stay late, set up, clean up, greet, pray.

Do it with a good attitude, without grumbling or complaining. Be faithful in the small, hidden places. That’s how Stephen and Philip began, and that’s how God opens the door to greater ministry. Serving faithfully with a Christ-like attitude is the starting line.