What Do Deacons Do?

Church Questions

by Juan R Sanchez, Juan R. Sánchez

Concise, Scripture-Centered Guide Addresses Common Questions about Diaconal Service in the Church Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Church Questions is a series by 9Marks that seeks to provide Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment. In this concise booklet, Juan Sanchez explains the essential role deacons play in the life of the church. He addresses topics such as why churches need deacons, how deacons carry out their role, who is eligible to be a deacon, and how diaconal service exemplifies the character of Christ. Valuable for church leaders and members alike, this resource helps readers understand what the Bible has to say about this important church office and why its ministry is indispensable.

Genres: Church, Christian, Ecclesiology, Theology, Nonfiction, Leadership

64 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2022

Reviews

[Matt]

I love how Juan draws from personal experience and describes the diaconal task as twofold: protecting and prioritizing the *mission* of the church, and preserving and promoting the *unity* of the church. Memorable and helpful.

[Josh John]

What do Deacons do… according to Scripture. That’s the key question that matters more than answering the question more broadly of what deacons do in the modern church. Very helpful.

[Jimmy]

What are deacons and what do they do in the church? Here in this booklet author and pastor Juan Sanchez answers this question. This booklet is part of the Church Questions series put out by 9 Marks. I was helped by some of the titles in this series so I thought I read this one also. I thought this booklet was helpful.
After the intro the booklet answers “What is a Deacon?” followed by a section titled “How Do Deacons Carry Out Their Job?” Five items are listed here. Next is a section answering “Who Can Be a Deacon?” that goes over the qualification of a deacon that is based upon 1 Timothy 3. Then this is followed by a discussion of the question of whether women can be deacons and a section of how deacon service shows us the character of Christ. This booklet ends with “So What Now?” that gives some application to all, be it to those who are not deacons and those that are deacons. A “Recommended Resources” list end the booklet.
The author is a pastor and I appreciate that he wrote this pastorally. Those reading this review should know that the author does believe that women deacon is permitted and he communicated that this is in the context that deacons are not one that rule over others. Depending on your interpretation it is important to know the author’s perspective. Concerning the rest of the book I think there’s much that most Christians would agree with. I also appreciated the booklet’s closing applications as it helped me to think more better application to incorporate into my own teaching series on the qualifications of deacons.

[Ariana Scott]

Fantastic book ! So helpful and put much into perspective for me as I strive to have a servants heart and be a deacon in the church. “Jesus is both King of kings and Deacon of deacons” 😭🙌🏾🙌🏾

[Mark]

The Bible doesn't say much about deacons, so even in just 44 pages, the author has to do some speculation. (I don't disagree that "Deacons take initiative," but the author seems to be saying he got this from looking at the early church.)

I was surprised to see that a Southern Baptist would say he believes that women can be deacons, but then I turned the page. "If a church is going to have women deacons, then it must also have a clear understanding of biblical manhood and womanhood...God has designed (women) to have different roles in the home (Genesis 1-2)." (p38)

I don't think Gen 1-2 teaches male/female roles in the home, but it's clear that even in a book about deacons, 9Marks can't just leave a statement "I now believe that a woman can serve in this capacity" without qualifying it.

[Lisa Castro]

Good, concise explanation of the office of deacon. Our church is planning to implement deacons and provided this book to all members so they can have a better understanding about the role and why our leadership is moving this direction. It is an easy, short enough read for all members to read and understand.

[Daniel Arter]

This is an excellent quick read to get the basics of the diaconate down. It briefly explains who ought to be deacons and what deacons ought to do in a very simple, straightforward manner.

Sanchez does an excellent job at helping the reader see how a properly functioning church structure is absolutely beautiful.

[Ben Clouston]

We use this book to give to new deacons to clarify their role/office in the church. This little book is not a burden to the reader and makes it argument precisely. The most recent deacon I gave this book thanked me for giving it to him, as it made it clear what he was to do as a deacon.

[Ellianny Sánchez De Martínez]

This book provides a wealth of insight into an often misunderstood office, shedding light on its true significance and function with clarity and depth. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding.

[Troy Nevitt]

Sanchez does a good job honouring deacons and encouraging churches to care for their deacons as well. He has good insights and gives helpful thoughts. I think I have a few questions (I expect they wouldn't be answered in depth in a book like this), but it's still a helpful starting point.

[Travis Hood]

Fantastic (and concise) overview of the role and qualifications for deacons. There is certainly more that can be said, but this is the ideal first resource for a someone looking to understand what the Bible teaches about this church office.

[Montgomery Loehlein]

I really enjoyed this. I think this would be a great first hand out for any potential Deacon candidates.

[Will Turner]

great little intro to deacons.

[Anete Ābola]

Have you sought in the Bible what deacons should do? Have you thought about it? Either way, this little booklet helps sorting those thoughts out.

[Kelton Zacharias]

In keeping with the series, a bite-sized primer on deacons. Its strength is showing how deacons model Christ.

[Luke Schmeltzer]

An okay introduction. I don’t feel like he gives deacon enough prominence as their own office, which leads to his allowance of female deacons.

[Eleazar Maduka]

Very helpful as an introduction to deacons' work in the local church.

[Trenton Parker]

A little but terrific and helpful book on deacons

[Cole Shiflet]

Helpful, short little booklet on the practical work of deacons. This was particularly helpful after having already read A Display of God's Glory by Dever.