Serve Well

The early church began to feel the effects of the apostles being stretched too thin. They had too much to do and not enough time. They had too many people to lead and not enough leaders. The apostles could not be involved in every decision, respond to every problem, and serve in every ministry. And so, the apostles delegated responsibility to qualified individuals so that they could prioritize what only they could do. In the same way, elders of a church can delegate responsibility to qualified individuals so they can prioritize what only they can do. These individuals as called deacons. Deacons lighten the load of the elders. Because deacons report to the elders, work alongside the elders, and are delegated responsibilities by the elders, deacons must demonstrate similar qualities as elders.