Deacons

[Wren]

Hi all,

It certainly has been a long time! I was wondering what you all think about this, and as well, what the Bible has to say, so please feel free and don't be shy to respond. Thanks!

I recently saw a Church of Christ bulletin of a congregation in the U.S. I was surprised to see that they have a female deacon, whom they call a deaconess. Since I have never seen this before in any Church of Christ I know of, I just thought I would put out the question here and hopefully gain some discussion.

So, should there be female deacon (deaconesses) in the church? Why or why not?

Thanks!

:angel:

[Ray Hatton III]

I've been summoned by e-mail, I haven't posted here in a year.

Deacon is a lower form of a priest, a "helper", basically. If its simply a title a person has given themselves, then I suppose one would have nothing against it, per se. Only that at times a man is better suited for certain labors.

If she believed herself to have been formerly ordained to that calling as a priesthood bearer as per a Deacon in the Biblical sense, there may be a problem.

The Lord revealed to Moses that the priests of Aaron and Levi were to be men. But if you believe what was practiced in days since the ancient apostles does not necessarily apply always and under all conditions. Its a grave matter, indeed.

[ollie]

I see female and male servants, diakonos, in the church as was Phebe. Romans 16:1-2, as all believers may be. Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, John 12:26

I see male servants, diakoneo, in the church in the office of deacon as Paul relates to Timothy. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 The context of the verses especially at verses 12 indicates that this servant is of the male gender.

ollie

[Wren]

Thanks for your responses, guys, I really appreciate it. I was just surprised, because I had never seen this before in any Church of Christ that I know.