What does the Bible say about deacons? 

The Bible passages below can be used in sermons, prayers, pastoral care, or worship planning focused on the work of deacons.

• Acts 6:1-6, church leaders selected to distribute food to those in need
• Romans 16:1, Phoebe, a servant/deacon of the church in Cenchreae
• Philippians 1:1, greetings to the saints in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
• 1 Timothy 3:8-13, the qualifications of deacons: serious, honest, temperate, faithful, and so on​​

Sermon ideas about the deaconate

Caring for those in need

Sermons about deacons can point out that many see the office of deacon as originating in Acts 6. The apostles said they could not wait on tables (Greek verb: diakonein), as this work would take time away from their primary ministry of prayer and preaching. Thus, seven people were appointed — the most famous being Stephen, who was soon martyred for the faith — to carry out the practical ministries of caring for widows and the poor.  

After Acts 6, the words deacon and deaconess occur only six more times in the New Testament, four of which are in 1 Timothy 3, where Paul gives instructions to Timothy on the qualifications for the office of deacon. Over time, many churches developed the diaconate as a primary office in the church alongside of elders and pastors. 

In non-church settings

Sermons about deacons can also mention that outside specific church settings in the ancient world, a deacon was a slave or a servant who served by taking care of the details of meals and hospitality and performing other practical household chores. 

Excerpts about deacons 

Following are sample excerpts from Zeteosearch.org sermon resources about deacons: 

"The appointment of deacons, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, was a response to the needs of fellow Christians and the desires of the Twelve to be more available for prayer and the proclamation of the word." Article about Scripture by John F. Kavanaugh from the Sunday Website   

"The word 'deacon' means, literally, waiter or servant. So those who are deacons are, indeed, butlers, charged with the mundane task of delivering food." Scripture meditation by Martin Copenhaver from Day 1

Worship ideas about the deaconate 

Following are sample excerpts from Zeteosearch.org worship resources about deacons: 

"The ordination of deacons is an important moment in the African American church because setting aside persons for the work of deacon is an essential component of the ministry of the church." Service Outline by Delores W. Brown from African American Lectionary