The Greek word diakonia is translated as “ministry” or “service” in English Bibles. It refers to servant ministry done for God and His kingdom. Understanding the meaning and implications of diakonia is important for followers of Christ.
The word diakonia appears over 30 times in the New Testament. It comes from the Greek root diako, meaning “to serve” or “to minister.” In ancient Greece, diakonia referred to voluntary service undertaken out of love, not obligation. This included serving guests at a feast or taking care of someone’s daily needs.
In the New Testament, diakonia describes various services done for the sake of Christ and the gospel. It encompasses ministry activities like preaching, teaching, healing, helping the poor, administration, and more. Diakonia ministry is intended to build up the body of Christ and point people to salvation in Jesus (Eph 4:12).
Jesus Himself modeled servant ministry for His followers. He declared that He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Christ washed His disciples’ feet, showing them they also should serve one another in humility (John 13:1-17).
The early church embraced diakonia as they shared possessions, cared for widows and orphans, and supported apostolic ministry (Acts 2:42-47, 6:1-6). Paul collected an offering for impoverished Christians, calling it “service [diakonia] to the saints” (2 Cor 8:4). The willingness to serve marked the body of Christ.
Every believer is called to diakonia ministry based on the spiritual gifts they have received. Scripture says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Pet 4:10). Our service is ultimately for the Lord Himself (Col 3:23-24).
The importance of diakonia in the Bible teaches us key truths about ministry:
- Service to God should be voluntary, humble, and selfless, following Jesus’ example.
- All believers have a part to play in building up Christ’s body through practical service.
- Meeting felt needs can accompany the proclamation of the gospel.
- Serving others demonstrates Christ’s love and reflects His servant heart.
- Our ministry should align with the spiritual gifts God has given each of us.
Understanding diakonia as service or ministry sheds light on God’s purposes for His people. He graciously serves us through Christ and then calls us to serve others with that same spirit of grace. Our acts of service point people to the grace found only in the gospel.
Specific examples of diakonia ministry in the New Testament include:
1. Serving at tables (Acts 6:1-6)
In the early church, Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles directed the community to choose seven men “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to take charge of this servant ministry.
This passage shows that the practical service of providing for the needy is an important ministry function alongside preaching and prayer. All are needed for the church’s health and witness.
2. Financial service (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
Paul describes the financial contribution of the Macedonian churches to the poor saints in Jerusalem as service/ministry. Though poor themselves, the Macedonians generously gave according to their means.
This demonstrates that giving material resources to help fellow believers is an act of diakonia. Meeting tangible needs reflects Christ’s love in action.
3. Prayer and evangelism (Acts 1:17, 21:19)
In Acts, diakonia refers to apostolic ministry activities like prayer, preaching the word, and witnessing to Christ. Though not acts of practical service, they build up the body of Christ.
This shows that activities which encourage spiritual growth and spread the gospel are central works of service in the kingdom of God.
4. Collection for the saints (Romans 15:25, 2 Corinthians 8:4)
Paul refers to the offering he is gathering for impoverished Christians in Jerusalem as ministry/service (diakonia). Though a material gift, it ministers grace to struggling believers.
Giving generously to meet the basic needs of fellow Christians is an outworking of Christlike servanthood. It expresses love in action.
5. Supporting gospel ministry (Philippians 2:25)
Epaphroditus is described as the “messenger” (apostolos) and “minister” (leitourgos) who “served” (diakonia) the Philippian church by supporting Paul’s missionary work. Though likely not performing direct acts of service himself, his financial partnership enabled Paul’s ministry.
This indicates that supporting gospel ministry through giving is a form of service valued by God. It helps advance the Kingdom’s work.
In summary, diakonia refers to:
- Humbly serving others’ needs in Jesus’ name, whether physical, emotional or spiritual
- Utilizing one’s time, skills and resources to build up the body of Christ
- Participating in activities like evangelism, discipleship, teaching, encouragement that further God’s purposes
- Giving finances to meet needs among God’s people and promote ministry efforts
- Taking initiative to address overlooked service needs in the church
But diakonia is not limited to just these examples. Scripture contains many more stories of God’s people serving in creative ways as needs arose. The key is embracing a spirit of voluntary, Christlike service.
Why is diakonia important?
Understanding the biblical meaning of diakonia is vital for followers of Jesus because:
- It reflects the servant heart of Christ which should characterize every believer
- It demonstrates love within the body of Christ as we meet each other’s needs
- It utilizes our diverse spiritual gifts to build up the church
- It fuels kingdom growth as ministries are supported and the gospel shared
- It is a channel for God’s grace to impact lives
- It follows the many biblical exhortations to serve one another humbly
In contrast to the self-centeredness valued by the world, diakonia expresses the biblical countercultural value of selfless service. When believers embrace diakonia, the church functions as a healthy, interdependent body.
Who is called to diakonia?
Every Christian is called to diakonia – to share in building up Christ’s body through loving acts of service. Our spiritual gifts indicate the special areas where we can serve most effectively (Rom 12:6-8).
Willingness to joyfully serve others in humility is a mark of true faith in Christ. As Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28). Whoever claims to follow Him should live accordingly.
Certain individuals may take on full-time ministries of diakonia. But there is no hierarchy implied in the New Testament between those called to vocational Christian service versus those serving through daily work. All are needed for the church’s diaconal ministry.
What attitudes characterize diakonia?
New Testament passages on service reveal key heart attitudes that should define diakonia:
- Humble – not seeking recognition or selfish advantage (Mark 10:43-44, John 13:14-15)
- Selfless – considering others’ interests first (Phil 2:3-4, Rom 12:10)
- Eager – serving with joy and enthusiasm (Rom 12:11, Col 3:23-24)
- Faithful – reliable and trustworthy in tasks given (Col 4:7, 2 Tim 4:5)
- Loving – actions motivated by care and concern (Gal 5:13, Heb 6:10)
- Generous – sharing time, abilities and possessions freely (2 Cor 8:2-5, 1 Pet 4:10-11)
True diakonia flows from hearts changed by Christ’s love. Right attitudes distinguish Christian service from worldly self-serving. We serve because Christ first served us with the greatest sacrifice.
What are the different forms of diakonia?
Diakonia service encompasses a wide variety of ministries needed for the church’s growth, health and gospel witness. Major forms include:
- Practical service – helping the needy, hospitality, giving, meeting tangible needs
- Spiritual service – activities that build up others spiritually like teaching, prayer, evangelism, encouragement
- Leadership and administrative service – governing, organizing, administrating (1 Cor 12:28)
- Technical service – utilizing creative talents and skills for ministry purposes
- Financial service – giving contributions to support gospel ministry
- Physical service – helping with property maintenance and improvement projects
Every member of Christ’s body has a valuable role to play. There are no insignificant jobs in genuine diakonia, only opportunities to faithfully steward God’s grace.
What is the relationship between diakonia and leadership?
Diakonia describes a function – humble, loving service in Jesus’ name. Leadership describes a role. The two are distinct but closely connected in the New Testament.
Jesus told His disciples that leadership among them would look radically different than worldly patterns. “…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:43-45).
Leaders in the church are to model Christlike, self-giving service. The authority they exercise should be used for building others up, not selfish advantage. Like Jesus, they embrace diakonia.
Every Christian should have a servant heart. But leaders particularly model, maintain and multiply diakonia ministry in the body of Christ. Their example gives the tone for the community.
Why is equipping emphasized in Ephesians 4:12?
In Ephesians 4:12, Paul explains that the purpose of certain “equipping ministers” like apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers is:
…to equip the saints for the work of ministry [diakonia], for building up the body of Christ…
Here, ministers like pastors have a special role in training all believers for diakonia service. Why is equipping emphasized?
- So every member can discover their spiritual gifts and calling to serve
- To show that diakonia requires intentional development like any skill
- To raise up new leaders who can multiply ministries of service
- Because service flows from spiritual maturity, which requires nurturing
- To prevent only a few from burning out while others remain uninvolved
Equipping reminds us that diakonia requires an investment of time and training. Serving is not simply tacked onto the Christian life. Leaders are to equip believers for a lifestyle of service from the heart.
Principles for faithful diakonia
Scriptural teaching on service reveals key principles for diakonia ministry:
- Pray for open doors to serve andSensitivity to the Spirit’s leading
- Start by meeting needs right around you
- Leverage your gifts but be willing to serve in any way needed
- Maintain a humble, selfless attitude
- Partner with others; ministry is a team effort
- Be faithful in little before desiring greater responsibility
- View those you serve as fellow beloved children of God
- Rely on God’s strength and wisdom, not your own
- Balance diakonia with other priorities like family and rest
If we embrace these principles, our service will be sustainable and fruitful for God’s kingdom purposes.
How does the concept of the priesthood of all believers relate to diakonia?
1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as “a royal priesthood” called to declare God’s praises. The Reformation recovered the truth that all Christians have equal access to God and share in Christ’s priestly, prophetic and kingly roles.
One implication is that ministry functions are not confined to a special class. All believers can engage in diakonia service by virtue of their position in Christ. Our “priesthood” includes bringing the gospel to the world and caring for fellow members of God’s household.
While some are set apart for particular ministry roles like pastors, teachers and evangelists, the wider body is equipped for “the work of ministry” through discipleship training (Eph 4:11-12). Diakonia requires participation of the entire priesthood.
Conclusion
The biblical concept of diakonia as humble, sacrificial service demonstrates Christ’s love in action through His people. As we each embrace opportunities to build up the body and further the Kingdom through Spirit-empowered ministry, we reflect our Savior who came “not to be served, but to serve.” May diakonia mark the church for God’s glory.