| Deacon / Deaconess - In many churches deacons and deaconesses work closely with the church board and Pastor(s) to assist with the church's physical properties, finances, legal matters, and member needs. Deacons are the backbone of the church's physical and emotional support. Each congregation needs to define precisely what the deacon's and responsibilities are. Often, these include:
- Minor repairs to the church facility
- Coordination of all maintenance and cleaning duties
- Assist with transportation needs
- Assist with the collection of offerings
- Serve on the church board (as designated)
- Visitation of shut-in
- Assist with Communion Service and Ordinance of Humility
- Assist with special meals for the bereaved
- Assist with request from the poor and homeless
- Prepare the baptismal pool for baptism
The Role of a Deaconess
Deaconesses were included in the official staff of the early Christian churches. When writing to the Romans, Paul referred to one godly woman in this way. "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." —Romans 6:1,2. * Here the word "servant" is also rendered "deaconess."
While each congregation needs to define the role of its deaconesses, some churches have described them as follows:
- Help with the poor
- Be positive role models (in attitude in lifestyle)
- Provide hospitality
- Lend emotional support
- Counsel teenagers (issues such as teen pregnancy)
- Build relationships with new members
- Assist with baptism of female candidates
- Call shut-ins and sick members
- Assist with Communion preparation
- Visit with, and prepare food for bereaved families
|
