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Deacon Ministry

The Bible uses the term "deacon" to signify a role for ministry in the church. The term "deacon" is a transliteration of a Greek word that means ministry or service. There are only a few sentences in the Bible that describe this role, and these deal more with the character than specific works. This is likely because the role of the deacons would differ by the needs of the church and the community at different times in history.

In our church, deacons are not decision-makers of church policy; they are partners with the pastor for taking care of our congregation. They are very active in visiting and praying for the sick, and they seek to guard the unity of the church as we do out best to follow Jesus Christ. They also take a leadership role in some of the ministries of our church for the community. Each family in the church has a deacon who desires to be a help in any way possible.

There are some differences of interpretation among those who take the Bible seriously about who can serve as deacons and what they are to do. At Ancient City Baptist Church, the role of deacon has historically been served by men whose wives (when married) take an active role in assisting them and ministering as well. We believe any differences we may have in interpretation are not as important as the ministry itself. Our deacons and wives exist to serve the body of Christ!