9Marks Journal: Deacons Are Shock Absorbers (20期：执事)

Jesus came to deacon (Mark 10:45; Rom. 15:8). So did Paul, Apollos, and Tychicus (1 Cor. 3:5, 6; Eph. 3:7; 6:21; Col. 4:7). And the greatest among us will be deacons (Mark 10:43). It’s not a bad label to wear, apparently.The New Testament only mentions this unassuming office two, maybe three times (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13; cf. Rom. 16:1). But pay attention. It also seems to direct the deacon’s attention to the church’s physical good, which in turn will serve the church’s spiritual good. The deacon is a unity builder—and shock absorber! There should be nothing unspiritual about a deacon.What about your church? Do you officially recognize anyone as a deacon? Doing so publicly holds forth models of Christian love and service. We hope these articles will stimulate you to consider why and how to employ such individuals in your congregation.

耶稣来，为了服侍人。（可10:45；罗15:8）

保罗，亚波罗和推基古也是如此。（林前3:5,6；弗3:7，6:21；西4:7 ）我们中间最大的要做仆人。（可10:43）显然，“执事”（仆人，服侍者）并不是不好的标签。

新约仅仅提到两次这个谦卑的职分，也许三次。（腓1:1；提前3:8-13；参罗16:1）但是请注意，似乎执事应当着重于教会物质上的需要，而这也会自然延伸到教会属灵的益处。执事是合一的建立者—而且也是减震器！执事一职是完全属灵的。

你的教会呢？你们有正式确认某个人担任执事吗？如此行提供了基督徒爱和服侍的榜样。我们希望这些文章激励你思考为何以及如何在教会中兴起这样的榜样。