While the articles I have provided do not consider every question that could be raised concerning deacon ministry, I hope that what has been presented provides accurate and adequate help in determining the biblical framework from which a local church’s deacon ministry must flow.  It is not enough to simply affirm that the Bible speaks about deacons and then produce one’s own program for deacon selection and ministry.  Every church’s deacon ministry should reflect the priorities and principles set forth in what Scripture does state concerning such a ministry.  Ministries that do not develop and promote and give adequate attention to the role of deacon leadership do an injustice not merely to the position, but to the Word of God that describes the necessity of the position.

As a point of review, I will suggest a number of conclusions that reflect the overall biblical parameters for deacon selection and ministry.

1.      A local church should determine the specific needs within its ministry that require the work of deacons, so as to assist the pastors and ensure that they are able to give adequate time and attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

2.      A local church should then determine the areas of ministry that the diaconate will have charge over.  This should be clearly stated so that the congregation, the pastors, and the deacons all understand what the responsibilities will be.  Again, Scripture is very general when referencing the specific functions of deacons, allowing each unique ministry to develop servant leaders in accordance to the specific needs among them.

3.      A local church could then determine how exactly the deacons would go about fulfilling the needs and responsibilities determined among them.  A specific but flexible plan should be devised that can change as the ministry changes and gives clear direction to each deacon.

4.      The number of deacons should be determined.  How many deacons will it take to accomplish all that is needed by the particular ministry demands and how many are qualified to meet such a demand?

5.      A plan should be proposed to the congregation as well as a reminder from the Pastor as to the specific qualifications set forth in Scripture in regard to deacons.  The plan should clearly communicate the goals and tasks of deacon ministry, with special emphasis placed upon what God’s Word says qualifies one to serve in this capacity.

6.      The congregation should then be allowed to choose those who they desire to serve them as deacons – those they believe not only will be capable of fulfilling the plan proposed, but those who are viewed to fulfill the biblical qualifications.

7.      The Pastor(s) of the church should examine the men chosen and train them as needed.  The pastor(s) should also publicly affirm those the congregation has brought forth to serve as deacons.