Deacons
Author: Matt Smethurst
Written: 2021
“A church without deacons may lack health, but a church without biblical preaching cannot exist.”
Hello Ordinary Readers,
This book by Matt Smethurst could be one of if not the most underrated booklets in this 9marks series. Just as the quote above says, deacons are very important but biblical preaching must exist. I also would like to note that this book may not be helpful if you or your church does not have a healthy understanding of elders. And though deacons may not be required they are highly important and allow for the elders to focus on the preaching and ministering of the word.
Matt gives a concise historical understanding of deacons and the different ways denominations view the role of deacon. He the spends time on what are the qualifications for deacons and what they must do. One takeway from reading and reflecting on this book, is how little Bible tells us about what deacons do. Despite that, Matt gives a great thoughtful understanding of how to apply what the Bible does say.
Chapter 5 focuses on story after story of what type of support deacons provide. This might be one of the best additions that I wish more books had. Just a section of stories of faithful examples.
Matt has given a great all encompassing resource to understand the office of deacon and for it I am greatly thankful. I suggest that anyone who loves the church and seeks to understand what the Bible says about its offices. This book is for elders, deacons, future leaders, and any church member.
Happy Reading!
“The standards in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 sound a nonnegotiable note: deacons must embody the kind of character expected of all Christians. But they should be exemplary in the ordinary.”