Deacons

Now in those days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve table. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

—Acts 6:1-6

Modeling the practice of the early Church, the Grace Diaconate is composed of a group of men and women tasked with providing for the physical and financial needs of individuals within the church community. This promotes unity of the body while permitting the pastors and elders to focus on the ministry of God's word and prayer.

The deacons primarily fulfill their role by overseeing and managing the monetary gifts of the congregation and distributing them to those who have demonstrated needs. By way of example, the Diaconate has in the past assisted members with rent and bills in the wake of long-term unemployment, supported unexpected medical expenses, provided counseling with regard to debts, and offered budgeting assistance and accountability. Deacons are officers of Grace and are under the leadership of the pastors and elders.

If you or someone you know is in need of physical or financial assistance, please contact the deacons at deacons@graceseattle.org.

For a list of our current deacons, click here.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

—1 John 3:18