Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

• The primary service of the office of deacon involved charitable works among the believers, supplying the needs of the saints, and administrating resources for the benefit of the community, especially those who were neediest and most vulnerable among them. The office, however, cannot be limited only to doing works of charity and compassion. The deacons of the NT were deeply spiritual individuals who functioned in the whole range of evangelism, teaching, and ministry.

I. NT Meanings of the Term Diakonoi (plural for diakonos )

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A. Word meanings for diakonoi (deacon, one called to serve and help)

Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord—men who are meek, truthful and tested, and are not lovers of money. For they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore, do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. ~ Didache (c. 80-140, E), 7.381. David W. Bercot, ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs . Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1998, p. 190 .

1. References in the extra-biblical literature writings of the word meant “waiter,” “servant,” “steward,” or “messenger.”

2. The term diakonos , and its cognates occur many times in the New Testament, as do its synonyms. Diakonos and its related terms speak of the service or outward duty of a bondservant doulous —those who are committed to service and help.

3. Diakonoi was used often in the NT context, but later came to be applied to a distinct group of officers who served in the context of the Church.

4. Before the term came to refer to Christian leaders performing the work of service in the Church, it was used in a general sense of believers who were called to live as servants ( diakonoi ).

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