The word deacon, a transliteration of the Greek word deakonos, is “one who serves; a minister” (in the sense of ministering to others). It might well be translated as waiter. Rather than a special authoritative office, deacon appears to speak of a group of dedicated men, specially chosen for their ability as servants and ministers. On a strictly biblical basis, it is difficult to identify deacons as anything more than assistants to the pastor(s). There is no evidence in Scripture that deacons independently voted on anything or made any policy decisions without other authority. The concept of rule appears a number of times in the New Testament in conjunction with the government of the local church. In every clear-cut case, rule is a pastoral responsibility, not a deacon duty.
This does not imply that deacons are not valuable and needed. Deacons are often more in touch with what the people are actually thinking than pastors are. They are to be the pastor’s friends, advisors and colleagues. Deacons are extensions of pastoral ministry into the lives of the church members.
The Word doesn’t teach that pastors are higher or more important than deacons, but it surely appears to make a difference between the two and to lay far greater responsibility and obligation on the pastor.
The Lord is the Head of the church, the pastor leads the church, the deacons assist the pastor, and the congregation affirms the leadership of the pastor. Let the pastor lead, the deacons assist him, and the congregation affirm and determine. That way appears to be God’s way.