Deacon: Derived from the New Testament Greek word for servant or minister, the office of deacon has always been one of service to the congregation and its leaders, presbyters, priests and bishops. Following a rite described in Acts 6 in which “seven men of good standing” were appointed, deacons have traditionally been ordained. In the Pastoral Epistles of the New Testament, deacons function in ministerial work, often in service to the poor. In the *Post-Nicene church, deacons assisted in worship but would not preside in the eucharistic service. Deacons serve in Protestant denominations in a wide variety of roles. Among Baptists, for example, the board of deacons functions much as the board of elders in other fellowships.

Nathan P. Feldmeth. Pocket Dictionary of Church History (Kindle Locations 564-568). Kindle Edition.