Deacon Expectations

What is a deacon? Deacons are servants of the Church (Philippians 1:1; Matthew 20:26). The main role of this office is to free the elders to shepherd the Church through prayer and the ministry of Word (Acts 6:1-7).

What are the personal expectations of a deacon?

(1)  Biblical Qualifications: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 forms the apostolic expectations for each man considered as a deacon. He must be of notable respect; that is, he must have a sustained reputation for integrity in his family life, social life, business life, and spiritual life. Character is elevated above skill.

(2)  5 Practical Expectations:

• Fully endorse the mission of Randolph Street Church
• Affirm the membership statement of faith and submit to the elder statement of faith
• Support corporate gatherings and ministry efforts through regular participation
• Consistently grow through personal reading, assigned reading, training classes, etc.
• Submit to the elders and work with other deacons in a spirit of unity and gospel-centeredness

What are the ministry expectations of a deacon?

(1)  Care Responsibilities - In Acts 6:1-7 deacons were chosen to preserve Church unity by caring for Church members in physical ways. Most deacons will primarily lead the Randolph Street care ministry.

• Consistently schedule some within your Care Group to visit the widows under your care.
• Pray for your families daily, along with learning their names, birthdays, etc.
• Check that your families are attending the corporate gathering each week.
• Make sure each family in your Care Group understands that you want to know if they have needs.
• Care Groups will serve as our prayer chain. Emergency prayer will be passed through our deacons.
• Enlist gifted men and women in your Care Group to assist you in peaceful and emergency situations.
• Communicate any reimbursement expenses with the Church administration office.
• Remain in close contact with your designated elder and be available for periodic meetings.
• Think of unique ways you can demonstrate care to the group.
• Constantly seek to identify and be an example to future deacons in your Care Group.

(2)  Task Responsibilities – In Acts 6:1-7 deacons were chosen to preserve Church unity by caring for physical and temporal needs that were too great for the elders to properly fulfill.

• Some responsibilities include caring for the temporal needs of the membership, the needs of the facilities/properties, attend to accommodations for public worship, and any other role necessary.

How does a man become a deacon at Randolph Street Church?  The process may vary but there are several key components to men being recognized as deacons at Randolph Street Church:

(1)  Elder Appointment: Our elders are responsible for identifying potential deacon candidates. Our elders are constantly looking for men who are already engaged in this service-oriented ministry and whose desires and character match the Biblical description of a deacon.

(2)  Examination & Training: Each candidate for deacon at Randolph Street Church must go through an extensive training process led by our elders.

(3)  Membership Affirmation: Upon the completion of the examination/training period, the consent of the candidate and the unanimous approval of the eldership, the candidate must be affirmed by the membership. This affirmation is a public statement of recognition that this candidate is indeed a servant-leader of this local Church. Deacons serve a three-year term and may be reappointed by the congregation upon unanimous approval of the eldership.