Deacons Are Shock Absorbers | 9Marks Journal

Jesus came to deacon (Mark 10:45; Rom. 15:8). So did Paul, Apollos, and Tychicus (1 Cor. 3:5, 6; Eph. 3:7; 6:21; Col. 4:7). And the greatest among us will be deacons (Mark 10:43). It’s not a badlabel to wear, apparently.The New Testament only mentions this unassuming office two, maybe three times (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13; cf. Rom. 16:1). But pay attention. It also seems to direct the deacon’s attention to the church’s physical good, which in turn will serve the church’s spiritual good. The deacon is a unity builder—and shock absorber! There should be nothing unspiritualabout a deacon.What about your church? Do you officially recognizeanyone as a deacon? Doing so publicly holds forth models of Christian love and service.We hope these articles will stimulate you to considerwhy and how to employ such individuals in your congregation.