The men who came to be known as the seven deacons of the apostolic church were chosen and ordained to attend to the business of the church. (See Acts 6:1-8.) Their qualifications, slightly less exacting than those of elders, are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
“The fact that these brethren had been ordained for the special work oflooking after the needs of the poor did not exclude them from teaching the faith. On the contrary, they were fully qualified to instruct others in thetruth, and they engaged in the work with great earnestness and success.”—AA 90.
The work of the deacons involves:
1. Assistance at Services and Meetings
2. Visitation of Members
3. Preparation for Baptismal Services
4. Assistance at Communion Service
5. Care of the Sick and Aiding the Poor and Unfortunate
6. Care and Maintenance of Property
(Excerpt from the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manuel)