Deacons: Servants of the Church
विषयवस्तु
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Deacons: Servants of the Church (1 Module)
Professors: Bruce Ballast & Abigail Dominiak
मुझे नामांकित करें Course Summary
The Deacon Course equips deacons to serve as Christlike servants who embody mercy, integrity, and practical leadership in the local church. Students will explore the biblical foundation, qualifications, duties, and multiplying role of deacons, preparing them to extend the compassion of Christ, support church leadership, mobilize volunteers, and cultivate ministry that meets the needs of both congregation and community.
Course Description
Deacons are called to be servants of the church—extending the mercy of Jesus Christ to God’s people and to the world. They are entrusted with practical ministries, wise decision making, financial stewardship, and the mobilization of others into service. This course equips current and aspiring deacons to live out that calling with discernment, humility, and courage.
Through twelve sessions, Professors Bruce Ballast and Abigail Dominiak guide students into a comprehensive exploration of the deacon’s role.
The course covers the biblical foundation of the diaconate, the character qualifications outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3, and the diverse responsibilities of deacons, from caring for the sick to guarding financial integrity. Students will also learn how deacons can set healthy relational boundaries, withstand spiritual warfare, mobilize local ministries such as food pantries, develop chaplaincy outreach, and serve as incubators for multiplying leadership in the church.
This training emphasizes that deacons are not simply managers of tasks but multipliers of mercy and ministry. They are called to meet tangible needs, foster unity, listen with wisdom, extend compassion to the vulnerable, and encourage others to discover and use their gifts. Biblical texts such as Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3, and Philippians 1 are studied in depth, alongside case studies and practical handbooks.
By the end of the course, learners will not only understand the qualifications and responsibilities of deacons but also be prepared to embody the servant-hearted ministry of Christ in their local context: leading with integrity, listening with compassion, stewarding with faithfulness, and multiplying ministry impact for future generations.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the biblical foundation of the diaconate in the New Testament.
- Identify the qualifications for deacons and their significance for character and integrity.
- Describe the role of deacons in serving tangible needs and extending mercy.
- Recognize how deacons support elders and pastors by mobilizing service.
- Demonstrate practical skills in listening, communication, and relational boundaries.
- Respond to spiritual warfare with discernment and prayer.
- Evaluate ministry opportunities using relief, rehabilitation, and development frameworks.
- Exercise integrity in handling finances, benevolence, and stewardship responsibilities.
- Model Christlike service through visitation, care, and community outreach.
- Mobilize ministries such as food pantries, clothing closets, and chaplaincy opportunities.
- Function as a recruiting and multiplying board that equips new leaders for service.
- Embrace the multiplying role of deacons as incubators for local and global ministry impact.
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed for:
- Pastors who want to train and equip their deacon boards in biblical servanthood and ministry.
- Deacons, lay leaders, ministry coordinators, or volunteers seeking deeper biblical understanding of diaconal service.
- Aspiring leaders preparing for ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance.
- Christians who desire to grow in servant leadership and practical ministry impact.
Assignments
- View all video lectures.
- Read all assigned readings for each unit.
- Complete the quizzes based on lectures and readings (100% of grade).
- Quizzes are open-note.
- Each quiz has a 45-minute time limit.
- Final assignment: written reflection and feedback activity.
Grading Scale
A 93–100% A- 90–92% B+ 87–89% B 83–86% B- 80–82%
C+ 77–79% C 73–76% C- 70–72% D+ 67–69% D 63–66% D- 60–62%
F 0–59%Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and receive no credit.
Deadline
You have 180 days to finish the course. Complete all assignments before the final deadline, or you will be automatically unenrolled, and all coursework will be removed. You will need to retake the class to receive credit.
Final Feedback Survey
The last assignment will ask for your feedback regarding this course. As you study and watch videos, please note any suggestions or issues you notice that could help improve this course for future students.