The Role of Deacons in Care and Prayer

Care
A Ministry of Service and Mercy

Deacons are not merely administrators of tasks but servants of Christ’s church, called to reflect the compassion of our Savior in tangible ways. Their role is not to replace the broader church’s responsibility for mutual care but to lead by example, stirring the congregation toward acts of mercy and service (Acts 6:1–7, 1 Timothy 3:8–13).

Deacons are not tasked with fixing every sink, loading every moving truck, or mowing every lawn—but neither are they to shrink back from these things when needed. As they listen attentively to the real and present struggles of God’s people, they should be the first to offer help, embodying the servant-heartedness of Christ (Mark 10:45). In this way, they not only fulfill practical needs but also demonstrate a gospel-shaped life for the rest of the church.

Their aim should be, as far as it is within their means, to ensure that no member of Christ’s body is neglected in their practical needs (Galatians 6:10, James 1:27).

Deacons serve as a bridge between the pastoral leadership and individual members, ensuring that urgent needs are brought to the appropriate staff or elders, who will provide oversight and spiritual care as needed.

Prayer
Shepherding Through Intercession

The deacon’s ministry is not merely logistical but profoundly spiritual. They do not serve out of obligation or duty but out of love for Christ and His people (John 13:34–35). Their care should be deeply relational, persistent, and rooted in prayer.

Each month, deacons will proactively reach out to each of their assigned families (typically the head of household) to check on their well-being, using questions that help assess both spiritual and practical needs:

How are you and your family?
How can we be praying for you?
Is there anything you need help with or have questions about?
Have you had to miss any church gatherings in the past month? If so, why?

Through these ongoing conversations and intercession, deacons serve as shock absorbers, helping to bear the burdens of the body (Galatians 6:2). Their role is not to provide pastoral counseling or doctrinal instruction but to listen, pray and ensure that any deeper needs are brought to the appropriate shepherds (elders or pastors).

Deacons are not simply servants of physical needs but stewards of God’s mercy in the local church. They ensure that no member of Christ’s body is overlooked, demonstrating to the world a church that genuinely loves both in word and deed (1 John 3:18).

View a list of Deacons

Qualifications for Deacons

Paul lays out the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8–13

“[8] Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Timothy 3:8–13

As officers of the Church, the role of deacon comes with great responsibilities and high standards. Like pastors, deacons are to possess lives that are shaped by the gospel. They must be respectable men and women who are well thought of by the church. Moreover, they must be willing and able to serve a two-year term as a deacon.

We understand the qualifications
for deacons as follows:

Dignified:
They are people who are taken seriously by the church body and are worthy of honor and respect.
Not double-tongued:
They are not gossipers, nor are they two-faced.
Not addicted to much wine:
They are able to exercise self-control as a pattern in their lives. They are not characterized by overindulgence.
Not greedy for dishonest gain:
This position isn’t an opportunity for them to “ascend the ranks” and gain power and influence for selfish reasons.
Hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience:
They know what they believe and why. They are able to communicate clearly the gospel and are confident with a Bible in their hands.

Tested first, proven blameless:
The church should think that it makes sense that a particular person serves as a deacon. This implies that they are already fulfilling this role to some degree before they’re ever asked.
Not slanderers:
They are people who love the church and the body. They won’t use sensitive information to gossip or revile. Their hearts break with and for the people, as well as rejoice over and alongside them. They can be trusted with sensitive information.
Husband of one wife:
They are faithful to their spouses (if married) and are not leading lifestyles of sexual sin and unfaithfulness.
Manage their households well:
The affairs of their own lives are in order. They are able to manage the stress of personal devotions, family care, work, etc. alongside the responsibilities that being a deacon will bring.

How Deacons Are Appointed

Following the model of Acts 6, deacons must be recommended by church members. The easiest way for individual church members to nominate those they think are best suited to fulfill the role is through Life Groups, Sunday School, or other LifePoint Ministries. These community members may nominate someone they believe best fits the role of deacon.

If there is someone you wish to nominate as a deacon at LifePoint Church, please email charity@lifept.org with your recommendation.