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

IV. Authority and Functions of the Diaconate (Deacon Office)

A. Deacon as an official office within the Church, Phil. 1.1

B. General ministry of service in the community (what we can infer from Acts 6.1-6)

1. Charitable works to the neediest members of the Christian assembly

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2. Social service and meeting needs of the body

3. Monetary and just administration of resources for the benefit of the community, especially those who are most vulnerable

C. The ministry of deacon must be perceived as a spiritual ministry of leadership.

There were present there Tertius and Pomponius, the blessed deacons who ministered to us, and who had arranged by means of a gratuity that we might be refreshed by being sent out for a few hours into a more pleasant part of the prison. ~ Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas (c. 205, W), 3.700., Ibid.

The office of the deacon must never be understood or limited exclusively to doing works of charity and acts of compassion.

1. Stephen

a. Acts 6.5

b. Acts 6.8-10

c. A person of spiritual power and stature, did great signs and wonders among the people