“Called to Serve” - Deacons at Wellspring
By Brian McCurry
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Based on the drive thru lines in Germantown, TN, my guess is that Chick-fil-A is one of everyone’s favorites! Why is Chick-fil-A a favorite? The food is good and the quality is exceptional. But at the end of the day, (sorry y’all) it’s fried chicken and French fries. What makes it stand out?
I would propose it’s the service. Chick-fil-A stands out in its service because they make it a priority.
Chick-fil-A’s philosophy of service is rooted in "servant leadership" and what they describe as "second-mile service.” Their aim is to create memorable, caring experiences (not just serve food). The founder, Truett Cathy emphasized hospitality over sheer duty. The signature, “My Pleasure” response emphasizes a spirit of service rather than just a transactional duty.
A "spirit of service" is what we see in the biblical role of Deacon. In Acts 6, the apostles are confronted with a tangible need in the church and they gather to solve the problem. They create a solution by appointing seven people to meet the need.
This model of apostles leading in the church through their ministry of the word and prayer and the seven leading through practical service within the church would become a model for church leadership. These roles would eventually become the offices of Elder and Deacon ministering together for the gospel.
1 Timothy 3 details the character qualifications for both Elders and Deacons. This passage also confirms this two-fold model for church leadership:
Oversight by a team of Elders (episkopos) and
Service by a team of Deacons (diakonos).
The scriptures teach us that God’s design is for Eldership is a plurality of godly men shepherding the church, devoting themselves to the ministry of the word and prayer. God’s design for Deacons is a team of men and women serving the church, performing tasks which free up the Elders to prioritize their ministry.
Some of us may come from churches in the past who did not have Elders. In some cases, Deacons functioned in shepherding roles. But for clarity sake here at Wellspring, we see the office of Elder as one of shepherding and the office of Deacon as one of service.
So what exactly is a Deacon at Wellspring? We prayerfully hope to commission our first Deacons this year.
Deacons at Wellspring:
What is a Deacon? An officer of the church, distinct from Elders, who embodies servant leadership for ministry needs of the church.
What do Deacons do generally? Deacons lead by serving. They possess the character qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3, and they serve in roles that allow the Elders to give more attention to shepherding the flock, especially with respect to “prayer and ministry of the word” (Acts 6).
What do Deacons do specifically at Wellspring? They lead in serve team roles in specific areas of ministry. These areas include both Sunday and Weekday ministry.
Who can be a Deacon? Qualified men and women who are called by God, affirmed by the community, trained by church leaders, and installed by the Elders.
