Deacons are the primary servant leaders within the local church, helping the vision of the elders gain traction in the body. In the original language of the New Testament, the word diakonos literally meant “servant.” Jesus’ statement in Mark 9:35, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” is literally, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and deacon of all.” While the specific ways in which deacons serve may vary from one local church to the next, the heart remains one of service to God’s people. Deacons exist to meet many of the practical needs of the body, freeing the pastor-elders to focus more on preaching, teaching, and counseling. At Cornerstone, deacons lead not only in menial tasks (such as cleaning), but oversee all matters related to the church facilities and grounds. They also oversee the church finances. In sum, deacons are the servant leaders of the church, overseeing the “hands on” aspects of church life where the spiritual and practical intersect.

1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-7, Romans 16:1.