In the official salutation of Paul the apostle to the Philippians (1:1)
it is clear that deacons were officers of the church and were fully
recognised by the apostles. Service, in the sense of caring for the
needy and administration of funds, as opposed to preaching or teaching
is implied in the original Greek word used [diakonos]. This does not
exclude the deacon from witnessing or preaching but such a ministry on
the part of the deacon will be as a result of a personal gift or ability
and not necessarily as a result of his/her deaconship. The origin of
this office in the Church can be traced to the “attendant” of the Jewish
synagogue (Luke 4:20) and it is fair to conclude that such duties as
the preparation of the house of God for worship and all that a Church
service may require, and the general care of the house of God with all
contained therein, are the responsibility of the deacon. A place of
honour is afforded the deaconship in the administration of the church in
general (Philippians 1:1). Deacons therefore are recognised in the
Church, and shall be elected to office as set forth in these Rules.
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