Deacons at MERCYhouse

Deacons are Officers in the Church who lead by serving.

The role of Deacon varies widely across church traditions. We find the origin of this church office in Acts 6:2-4 where deacons (from the Greek word meaning “servant”) address tangible or administrative needs, enabling elders to focus on the work of teaching and prayer. We also see qualifications for serving in such a role: being respected, being full of the Spirit, and having wisdom.

1 Timothy 3:8-13 shows us that deacons remained an ongoing office of the church, and lays out additional qualifications: being respected, avoiding greed and addiction, having faith in the Gospel, and having been tested by experience.

In light of these passages, we see deacons as servant leaders, recognized and empowered by leaders of the church, to meet the needs of the church body.

We, the church, are committed to the support and development of our deacons. We will prioritize their spiritual health as we encourage them to serve the church body with the gifts in a sustainable, Godly way.

Nominating Deacons

If you are a member of MERCYhouse and recognize someone in our church body who fits the Biblical qualifications above, please let us know! You can email the elders directly here.

MH Elders will prayerfully consider your nominations and personally invite members to prayerfully consider stepping into the office.

Things to keep in mind as you think of people for the role:

• Deacons lead by serving the church. Is there someone that comes to mind who already serves faithfully?

• Deacons are Biblically qualified and are those who are of "good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom," (Acts 6:3) and, "must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." (1 Timothy 3:8-10)

• Deacons can be either men or women.

Our Active Deacon(s)

Learn more about MERCYhouse Leadership