The role of a deaconess is recognized in some churches, with biblical examples of women serving in ministry. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about the role of deaconesses and their contributions to God’s work.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Deacon Duties
What Does The Bible Say About Deaconess
1 Timothy 3:11
“In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.”
This verse emphasizes the qualities that women, including deaconesses, should possess. They should be respected by others, refrain from speaking maliciously, and be characterized by self-control and trustworthiness.
Deaconesses, as servant-leaders in the church, are called to exemplify these qualities, setting an example for others to follow.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
“No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”
This passage provides guidelines for including widows in the list of those who are supported by the church. It highlights the importance of a widow’s character, faithfulness, and good deeds.
While this verse specifically mentions widows, it can also be applicable to deaconesses who may serve alongside widows in ministering to the needs of others.
Romans 16:1
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.”
In this verse, Phoebe is referred to as a deacon in the church. This highlights the existence of women fulfilling the role of deaconesses in the early Christian community.
It serves as a reminder that women have always played important roles in the church, including the ministry of service and leadership.
Acts 9:36-39
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, ‘Please come at once!’ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”
This passage tells the story of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, who was known for her acts of kindness, specifically in making clothes for the widows. When she died, the widows mourned her and showed Peter what she had done for them.
Tabitha’s actions exemplify the heart of a deaconess, as one who serves others through acts of compassion and practical help.
Acts 6:3
“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.”
Although this verse specifically refers to the selection of men to serve as deacons, it indirectly implies a role for women. The fact that the early church recognized the need for specific individuals to be appointed to serve in practical ministry shows that deaconesses likely played a vital role alongside the male deacons.
While the text does not mention deaconesses explicitly, it suggests that women were actively involved in serving the needs of the church.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse emphasizes the call to be generous and hospitable towards others. It encourages Christians to show love and care for the needs of fellow believers.
For deaconesses, this command is particularly relevant as they are often involved in acts of hospitality and caring for those who may be in need within the church community.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
In this verse, Paul encourages believers to seize every opportunity to do good to all people, especially their fellow believers. It is a reminder of the importance of showing love and kindness to others, particularly within the community of believers.
Deaconesses, in their role of serving and ministering to others, can take this verse to heart and seek ways to bless and support those who are part of the family of faith.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of wholehearted service and work done for the Lord. It reminds believers that their ultimate reward comes from the Lord, and their service is ultimately directed towards Him.
Deaconesses, as they dedicate themselves to serving others in the church, can find encouragement and motivation in this verse to serve with passion and excellence, knowing that they are serving the Lord.
1 Peter 4:9-10
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
In this passage, Peter encourages believers to show hospitality to one another without complaining. He also reminds them to use their spiritual gifts to serve others, recognizing their role as stewards of God’s grace.
For deaconesses, this verse highlights the importance of practicing hospitality and utilizing their unique gifts in the service of others, recognizing that they are vessels of God’s grace in the world.
Matthew 20:26-27
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”
Jesus teaches his disciples about the upside-down nature of leadership in his kingdom. He emphasizes that greatness is found in serving others selflessly, rather than seeking positions of power or authority.
This teaching directly aligns with the role and heart of a deaconess, as they are called to serve and minister to the needs of others, prioritizing the well-being of the church community above personal ambition or recognition.
John 13:14-15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
In this verse, Jesus sets an example of humble service by washing the feet of his disciples. He then instructs them to do the same for one another.
For deaconesses, this image of footwashing serves as a powerful reminder of the humble and sacrificial nature of their ministry, as they follow Jesus’ example of selfless service towards others.
1 Corinthians 12:5
“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.”
This verse highlights the diversity of service within the body of Christ. It emphasizes that although there are different roles and functions, they are all ultimately united under the authority of the Lord.
For deaconesses, this verse affirms the importance of their specific role in serving the church and acknowledges that their unique service contributes to the overall well-being and unity of the body of Christ.
1 Peter 5:2
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.”
While this verse is specifically addressed to the elders of the church, it carries principles that apply to leaders and deaconesses alike. It emphasizes the importance of willingly and eagerly serving God’s people, without seeking personal gain or recognition.
Deaconesses, as they engage in their ministry of care and service, can draw from this verse to remind themselves of the heart and motivation behind their role in the church.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
This passage highlights the importance of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ. It emphasizes that each member is interconnected and shares in both the suffering and rejoicing of others.
For deaconesses, this verse serves as a reminder that their service and ministry are significant in the overall functioning and well-being of the church. It encourages them to have equal concern for all members and to share in both their joys and sorrows.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
In this verse, Paul quotes Jesus’ words, emphasizing the importance of selfless giving and helping the weak. This reminder aligns with the heart of a deaconess, as they are called to minister to those in need and meet the practical needs of others.
It serves as an inspiration for deaconesses to find joy and blessing in sacrificially giving of themselves for the well-being and edification of others.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse encourages believers to give willingly and cheerfully, emphasizing that giving should come from the heart, not out of obligation or compulsion.
For deaconesses, who often coordinate and oversee the collection and distribution of offerings and resources, this verse reminds them of the importance of fostering a generous and joyful culture of giving within the church.
Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
This verse assures believers that God sees and remembers their work and love shown to Him through their service to His people. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His awareness of our actions.
For deaconesses, this verse offers encouragement and motivation, affirming that their labor and love poured out in serving others have not gone unnoticed by God.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
In this passage, Paul instructs Titus to teach older women in the church to live in a manner that reflects reverence and goodness. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring and encouraging younger women in their various roles and responsibilities.
While this verse does not explicitly mention deaconesses, it provides a framework for how women in leadership positions can offer guidance and support to others, including younger women.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James defines true and genuine religion as caring for those in need, particularly orphans and widows, and maintaining moral purity in the midst of a corrupt world.
For deaconesses, this verse reinforces the importance of their role in providing support and assistance to those who are vulnerable and marginalized within the church community.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Paul addresses the issue of modesty and encourages women to focus more on displaying good deeds rather than extravagant outward appearance. This verse challenges women to prioritize their character and actions over material adornments.
For deaconesses, this verse serves as a reminder to cultivate a heart of humility and focus on serving others, rather than seeking attention or approval through external appearances.
1 Corinthians 11:5
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
This verse addresses the cultural practice of head covering during religious gatherings. While the specific cultural context may not apply directly today, the underlying principle of honoring God and maintaining modesty in worship remains relevant.
For deaconesses, this verse reminds them to approach their service and ministry with reverence and humility, maintaining an attitude of honoring God in everything they do.
Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is characterized by her compassion and generosity towards those in need. She actively reaches out to the poor and extends her hands to help the needy.
For deaconesses, this verse serves as an inspiration and a call to emulate the virtuous woman’s heart for the marginalized and vulnerable, demonstrating love and care through tangible acts of service.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of selflessness and humility in relationships with others. It instructs believers to prioritize the needs and interests of others above their own, demonstrating a sacrificial love.
For deaconesses, this verse provides a clear guideline for their service, reminding them to approach their ministry with a humble and selfless mindset, seeking the well-being and interests of others.
Titus 1:7-8
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
Although this verse specifically addresses the qualifications for overseers or elders, it presents principles that can be applied to leaders in various roles, including deaconesses. It emphasizes the importance of possessing a character marked by righteousness, hospitality, self-control, and discipline.
For deaconesses, this verse serves as a reminder of the godly character traits to strive for as they fulfill their leadership responsibilities in the church.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Jesus describes acts of service towards those in need as acts of service towards Him. He highlights specific acts of compassion such as feeding the hungry, providing water for the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the needy, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners.
For deaconesses, this passage reinforces the importance of ministering to others in practical ways, recognizing the presence of Christ in those who are in need.