What are Deacons for?

Deacons are one of the most misunderstood roles in the church. We discuss the differences between deacons and elders, the qualifications for the role, and how deacons can help oversee practical responsibilities such as budgets, maintenance, education, and logistics. The conversation also addresses questions like whether deacons are elders in training, who should appoint them, whether churches can have deacons without elders, and whether Romans 16:1 justifies deaconesses. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - What is a deacon, and what are the qualifications? 10:59 - Differences between elder and deacon qualifications, and what that tells us about the roles 18:20 - Is the deacon role a stepping stone to eldership? 23:24 - What kind of work is deacon work vs. elder work, and how much should the elders exercise oversight? 38:24 - Is it an ongoing role, or task-based? 43:09 - How are they to be appointed? 48:59 - Can you have deacons if you don't have elders? 56:09 - Why Phoebe wasn't a "deaconess" With Will Harrub, Jack Wilkie, and Joe Wilkie Come hear us at the Engage Conference in Waxahachie, TX September 11-13! cocbrownstreet.org/engage Visit our sponsor at cobbpublishing.com Check us out at focuspress.org and jackwilkie.co Join us for the Deep End and more at focuspress.org/plus