A Deacon Catechism
A Deacon Catechism
Q. 1. |
What is a deacon? |
A. |
An official representative of Christ, the great Servant. |
Q. 2. |
Where did the diaconate begin? |
A. |
In Acts 6, when the church got too large for one group of officers. |
Q. 3. |
What do deacons do? |
A. |
They free the elders to give attention to their work of prayer, ministry, and government by the Word of God; and they manage church temporalities and ministries of mercy. |
Q. 4. |
Where do we find the qualifications of a deacon? |
A. |
They are given generally in Acts 6:3 and specifically in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. |
Q. 5. |
May women be ordained as deacons? |
A. |
No. Office in the Christian church is confined to men; but women have always helped deacons with their work. |
Q. 6. |
How do deacons make their decisions? |
A. |
As a body (known as the Board of Deacons), in communication with one another, and always under the final authority of Holy Scripture. |
Q. 7. |
How are our deacons trained? |
A. |
They go through a course of study in doctrine as it applies to diaconal work, in the qualifications of a deacon, and in the deacon’s various duties; they are also tested to find out if they serve faithfully. |
Q. 8. |
How do deacons assist others? |
A. |
By a combination of relief in emergency situations, assistance in rehabilitation when necessary, and discipleship that helps those in need to develop in living all aspects of their lives to God’s glory. |
Q. 9. |
Do deacons have people to whom they are specifically responsible? |
A. |
Yes. To the poor who come within the sphere or our ministry, to brothers and sisters who become providentially impoverished, and to widows, orphans, and the fatherless. |
Q. 10. |
How should I respond to appeals from the Board of Deacons? |
A. |
As if Christ Himself is calling you to that assistance. |
Q. 11. |
How should a person respond to the assistance that comes from deacons? |
A. |
As if Christ Himself is assisting him or her. |
Q. 12. |
What things should I look for in a prospective deacon? |
A. |
Godliness, good sense, and the heart of a servant. |
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