Jesus didn't always say things easy to accept, his so-called hard sayings were controversial, roughed up some feathers, and caused many disciples to no longer walk with him, he was not a people pleaser neither did he tell the crowds what they wanted to hear or were itching to hear and they were not an easy pill to swallow. For instance, many want to be the boss or Number One and are control freaks and think great people are only those in power. They are not to lord it over the flock or throw their weight around indiscriminately. But Jesus said the greatest is the servant of all! Quite topsy-turvy to the conventional wisdom of the time. Jesus came not to be served but to serve and he got down and dirty with mankind, especially in the "order of the towel" when he washed the disciple's feet and his fellow disciples and was not afraid to associate with anyone but meet their needs, especially in doing miracles or healing; it seems he was saying nothing is "beneath us."
Some people naturally see the needs of other people in situations they just have a natural servant's heart when a need rises they want to do it. Other people are more like leaders, not because they want to lord over others or be the boss, but because they realize that good leadership is essential and lead by example. They want to show the way and be trailblazers. I mean to be scripturally versed and savvy and privy to the deep truths of the Word, able to teach what Jesus commanded--all his commands. Jesus was loving with all in essence wanting us to assume the helm and to be in charge.
Now there are only two offices to fill in the modern church: elder and deacon; nearly identical resumes are required but different job descriptions. Deacons are a special breed of people who do not want to bring attention to themselves or are not self-seeking or self-ambitious but really want to help people out with their personal needs and to promote unity in the church in the bond of peace. The church elders or congregants do not look for a mechanic or plumber and appoint him because he could be very useful to those in need!
They are caretakers and caregivers! They want to do whatever they're called to do they do not have something that they think is beneath them. Humility is a virtue necessary because power may go to one's head as well as being in the spotlight or on the church radar for it is widely known that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely; we must not let power, influence, or authority ever reside in one single person.
Deacons must be tested first before being appointed they must be proved they are faithful and pious or godly and must be blameless--this does not mean they are perfect because perfect people need not apply to the church at all because the church is not a hotel for saints but a hospital for sinners. Deacons must realize they are not self-appointed but are recognized by the church this is a point when they do what comes naturally to them and find themselves serving the church they will be recognized that they are good candidates.
They do not go around advertising. campaigning, drawing attention to themselves, promoting themselves, or running for the job like a politician gaining favors or namedropping! All things are to be done with dignity and order. This is most unbecoming and unwelcome. a dignified believer to be self-promoting. And this is not something you apply for officially; you don't particularly say that you want to be a deacon but you must prove yourself first that's what the testing is all about you must prove your worthiness and your adeptness to the priorities and responsibilities of the office.
Now, deacons and elders are not spiritual gifts they are offices in the church and you can be very gifted spiritually, intellectually, and even very talented and not an elder or deacon. We must also recognize that deacons are not junior elders or elders in training it is not a stepping stone to being an elder this is very important because in some churches they want to test you first. You don't earn your right to be an elder by being a deacon first. It is not by seniority!
The church calls them to this office just like they call a pastor to preach to a church, it is a calling, and God's gifts and callings are not repented of--he doesn't regret it. They must remain true and faithful to their heavenly calling. God calls and God gives members gifting or spiritual gifts are not something that we are taken away or forfeited but our calling is something that we must be faithful to in the church some priests for instance are pastors have been defrocked due to immoral behavior this does happen some some some people can be excommunicated even if they are in office.
This has happened because elders have the authority for church discipline, to serve, not govern the body of Christ. The difference between elders and deacons is that deacons are called to serve, and elders are called to lead. They are the practical ones in the body, handy people! Elders are in a position of authority whereas deacons are in the position of servanthood. You must learn to be proactive as a deacon because you must see a need to fulfill it just like an entrepreneur sees a need fulfills it to become successful. Some people are just blind to needs this is basically the way they are they don't see it but deacons are looking always looking for opportunities to serve God. I think it's not just like a handyman or spiritual person that's practically useful, but there's a spiritual gift of helps. He must be spiritually qualified (godly, virtuous, and pious, and biblically knowledgeable (not just qualified vocationally. But deacons can be considered "good to be around," and many have the gift of "helps."
One thing we must notice between elders and deacons is that sometimes an elder may be called to do the work of a deacon if somebody rides or help them up financially this has been done they always get together and decide to build somebody out of a financial situation or something. All spiritual gifts are like that even if we have one gift we do not prohibit ourselves or exclude ourselves from other gifts if we are called to do them or see the opportunity to do them. Do what God opens the door for you to do even if you don't think we have that gift. Deacons may be called to the service as a teacher but they do not have the office of teacher or pastor-teacher or officially recognizes teachers like the elders who teach well. You can say elders make and interpret the rules but the deacons apply and follow them.
Basically, the most important aspect of a deacon (a man on a mission) is that he promotes the "unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" he knows the church's mission statement and he sees a vision for the church and he works together with the other body members or congregants toward that goal. I like the concept of the deacons as the face of the church they are the peaceful people who bring people together and are peacemakers that we call when we need help they're the ones that know the issues in the church they are in know lots of things but they cannot possibly meet the needs of all the people by themselves they are part of the solution.
Deacons are those who serve behind the scenes in a support role has been said wisely have a special function towards all of the members. One thing of deacon may do is if he cannot meet and eat himself he may know someone else who he can recommend people deacons are to bring the body together to concerted effort to help people as a body and to work together as a unity as one body in Christ. Deacons have a supportive role which means they do whatever they are called to do they are open to suggestions and willing to do whatever the elders or the church members ask them to do willingly. Soli Deo Gloria!