1. God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”

2. Duties
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
There is a special group of men in the local church known as “deacons.”
There is a general sense and a special sense in which “deacon” is applied.

3. Duties General sense in which “deacon” is applied:
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
General sense in which “deacon” is applied:
- Jesus (Rom. 15:8) - The apostles (2 Cor. 3:6). - Evangelists (1 Tim. 4:6). - All faithful Christians (Jn. 12:26). - Civil authorities (Rom. 13:4). - False teachers (2 Cor. 11:15). - Women servants of the church (Rom. 16:1). - Waiters at a feast (Matt. 22:13).

4. Duties Special sense in which “deacon” is applied:
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
Special sense in which “deacon” is applied:
- Special servants of the church (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13).

5. Duties Is every Christian a deacon?
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
Is every Christian a deacon?
- In a general sense, this is true.
- In a special sense, not every Christian is a deacon.

6. Duties No specific duties are directly stated.
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
No specific duties are directly stated.
The nature of their duties relates to the physical needs of a church.
- This is seen by what their duties do not include.
It does not include the work of preaching.
It does not include the work of oversight.

7. Duties No specific duties are directly stated.
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
No specific duties are directly stated.
The nature of their duties relates to the physical needs of a church.
- This is seen by what their duties do not include.
- This is seen by their relationship to the elders.

8. Duties No specific duties are directly stated.
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
No specific duties are directly stated.
The nature of their duties relates to the physical needs of a church.
- This is seen by their qualifications.
- This is seen by the meaning of the word “diakoneo.”

9. Duties No specific duties are directly stated.
God’s Ministers
“Serving Tables”
No specific duties are directly stated.
The nature of their duties relates to the physical needs of a church.
Deacons need to be allowed to serve, should be expected to serve, and should have the desire to serve.

10. Duties God’s Ministers “Serving Tables”
Seeing to and carrying out the benevolent work of the church.
Taking care of the finances.
Seeing to the upkeep of the church building.
Making sure that everything is in order for the worship service.
Taking care of ordering and distributing Bible class materials.