Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
—I Timothy 3:8-10

For the

Ordained Deacon

We suggest using these resources in addition to training at your local church:

Read & Study

The Bible: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Listen

Watch

Rev. Bill Shishko, “Diaconal Leadership Today”

Rev. Eric Watkins, “Mercy Ministry in a Social Justice World”

Connect

Mr. Luke Fawcett, “Strategies and Guidelines for Diaconal Ministry”

Join the private OPC Deacons’ page on Facebook.

Get the Mercy Minute Newsletter

If you are a deacon in Christ’s Church…

you have been called by God to a high office indeed. You serve a vital role in protecting the church’s primary calling of the ministry of the Word. You represent to the church our God’s deep concern for the poor among his people, and particularly our Savior’s own compassion toward the poor in his earthly ministry. And you have an opportunity to lead the church of Christ in adorning her witness to the world with deeds of mercy to accompany words of gospel truth.

you also need to recognize what is the most basic reason for your office. Acts 6 makes clear that the broadest reason for the existence of deacons in the church is to preserve and protect the church’s primary calling of the ministry of the Word and prayer.

—excerpts taken from “If You Are a Deacon” by Rev. Nathan Trice, 2014 Ordained Servant