If you’re a current deacon’s wife, I bet you’ve looked for helpful resources on deacons’ wives’ responsibilities. If you’re in charge of training deacon’s wives, I bet you’ve also searched for good advice and tips! If you’re a new deacon’s wife, I DEFINITELY KNOW YOU HAVE! A sister in Christ (wonderful Kathy) introduced me to an awesome resource for any deacon’s wife ministry. Actually, even ministry wives would benefit from it. I’m a senior pastor’s wife, but I loved it. There are many parallels between my role and that of a deacon’s wife, for sure.
NOTE: I am eliminating apostrophes in “Deacons’ wives‘” on purpose.
The book is simply titled “Deacon’s Wives” By Diana Davis and goes into great detail about all the common deacons’ wives’ responsibilities. It offers practical information, guidance, and advice on serving in ministry alongside your husband. It covers everything from tips for deacon’s wives to practical “brass tacks” wisdom any woman could use.
There is no one-size-fits-all for deacons wives responsibilities.
Some of the topics I liked included self-control and the “down and dirty” Â elements of ministry, such as avoiding gossip. Diana Davis even covers what to do when a new pastor is appointed to your church.
I really liked that.
Although I have not experienced it, I think among the deacons wives responsibilities and duties listed in the book, there is a role for deacons wives to help orient a new pastor’s wife.
The deacons wives responsiblities can vary depending on the tradition and practice of each church. The deacons wives responsibilities in a Baptist church could be totally different from a deacons wives responsibilities in a Church of God in Christ.
Although there is no exhaustive list of duties, it is generally expected that deacons’ wives support their husbands in their ministry and play an active role in the religious community.
Offer support as a help-meet
Being a supportive and understanding wife is an essential role for deacons wives. They play a vital role in providing the emotional and spiritual support that their deacon husbands need. Deacons wives listen, offer words of encouragement, and uplift their husbands through prayer. Additionally, they can contribute to sermon preparation by sharing their unique insights and experiences.
Being a Christian helpmeet is a beautiful journey that involves embracing your unique role within the family. It’s about embodying the principles of love, respect, and partnership that are deeply rooted in a Christian marriage – or should be.
As a helpmeet, I appreciate your dedication to supporting and complementing your husband, which is truly invaluable. Your commitment to creating a harmonious partnership where both of you uplift and encourage each other is truly necessary.
Yes, there is an element of selflessness, mutual submission, and a willingness to work hand in hand with your husband in his deacon duties. The Holy Spirit will guide you as you navigate life’s challenges and joys together. Deacons wife’s responsibilities are instrumental to your husband’s success as a deacon. Never forget you’re an important part of his journey in the role.
Deacons wives responsibilities and help with events.
Another important aspect is participation in church activities. Deaconswives may attend meetings and committees and collaborate on the planning and organizing of religious and community events. I know at our church, the deacons’ wives have communion down to a science. They are organized and ready. They lay out the elements and then clean up after communion. Their presence and active participation can serve as inspiring examples to other congregation members.
Event ideas you could do should be diverse and cater to the unique needs and interests of women within your church. Some common types of women’s ministry events to plan include:
- Bible Studies and Study Groups: Deacons’ wives’ responsibilities could be to plan fun events, provide opportunities for women to deepen their faith and knowledge of scripture through group discussions, study materials, and prayer.
- Retreats and Conferences: Retreats and conferences provide women with an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in spiritual growth, worship, and fellowship. They can focus on specific themes, such as personal renewal, marriage, or motherhood.
- Service and Outreach Activities: Organizing service projects and outreach activities allows women to put their faith into action by serving the community, such as volunteering at shelters, food banks, or participating in mission trips.
- Workshops and Seminars: Hosting workshops and seminars on topics like self-care, wellness, parenting, or financial stewardship can provide practical guidance and support for women in various aspects of their lives.
- Social and Fellowship Events: Fun and relaxed gatherings, such as brunches, tea parties, or movie nights, promote bonding and friendship among women in the church, fostering a sense of community.
- Prayer and Worship Nights: Special prayer and worship events provide a space for women to come together in worship, seek spiritual renewal, and intercede for their personal and communal needs.
- Book Clubs: Reading and discussing Christian literature can be both intellectually and spiritually enriching. Book clubs allow women to engage in thoughtful discussions on faith-related books.
- Mentorship Programs: Developing mentorship programs can pair experienced Christian women with those seeking guidance and support in their faith journey, offering a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.
- Craft and Creative Workshops: Creative events like crafting, painting, or cooking classes provide an outlet for
Deacon’s wives and women’s ministry
In some churches, deacons’ wives often take on leadership roles in the church’s women’s ministry. Check out my women’s ministry blog – it will give you ideas. Anyway, they may organize gatherings, Bible studies, and special events for women, fostering spiritual growth and fellowship among them. They can also serve as mentors and counselors to other women in the congregation, offering support and wisdom based on their own life experiences and faith.
It is important to note that the duties of deacon’s wives can vary depending on the denomination and specific community. Some churches may have more formal or defined expectations, while others may allow for a broader range of involvement and service. In any case, the role of deacons wives is valuable and enriching to the church community, as they contribute to strengthening the bonds of faith and promoting spiritual growth both in their own lives and in the lives of others.
What is expected of deacon wives?
What are your deacons’ wives’ responsibilities? These are not listed in the Bible, but this is what works at the church I grew up in and the church I currently attend.
Here we go – common deacons’ wives’ responsibilities:
1. Support your deacon husband. He may have to devote copious amounts of time to church – no doubt about that. Hopefully, he will strike a balance with his family, but not every deacon knows how to do that.
Suppose he doesn’t pray for him to receive wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Then, gently mention it to him from time to time.
Do it at the right time – not when he is tired or distracted. As you know, they can’t “hear” you when they are stressed out.
2. Be available as you’re able. If your lifestyle permits, accompany Him on hospital visits and other tasks, such as administering communion to the homebound. If your life is too crazy with kids and work, it’s okay. Let him leave without complaining about it, and go when you can. One of the key deacons’ wives’ responsibilities is to maintain balance for your own well-being and that of your home.
I do not accompany my husband in many ministry efforts. I don’t want to be associated with his “work” because then work would be everywhere for him—both at the church and at home, too. That’s a matter of preference. You do what works for you.
3. Be an example. Sister, your husband is in leadership, which means you are, to some degree, too.
Be cautious of lengthy conversations with other women. They can lead to gossip.
Keep your words praiseworthy. Stay in your own business.
Keep confidential information confidential. Take care of your children, your home, and your career with integrity and vigor. That’s for all of us, whether we are deacons’ wives or not, right?
4. Be a superhero. Okay, well, not really, but I got your attention, right?
Basically, I just mean be a vehicle for change and support for the women in your congregation.
Help other women grow in godliness.
Teach and encourage them to be women of prayer, cultivating healthy, robust prayer lives.
Model the ways of a peacemaker and a leader.
Jump quickly to pray when you hear of problems and/or discord.
Again, be the peacemaker. Be the solution (with a little “s”) while pointing them to the Solution (with a capital “S”).
5. Be a tattle-tell. You’re blessed if you have a woman officially positioned as the overseer of the deacons’ wives.
I’m sure your pastor used wisdom in appointing her to that position.
Be her ally. If something is happening among the deacons’ wives that is ungodly, unfruitful, or could potentially cause discord, tell the head of the deaconesses about it.
If possible, ask another woman from the deacons’ wives to accompany you when you talk to her.
So many situations can be diffused if wise leaders step in and squash it. There is nothing wrong with sharing such details as a proactive way to thwart the enemy’s plan.
Did you notice that so much of what I’ve mentioned is the criteria for being a good Christian? Deacon’s wives are not usually part of the formal leadership structure but have a key role as Kingdom women, just as we all do (as ministry wives).
Do you have any tips for a deacon’s wife?
Check out another GodsyGirl Post: Be a Christian
