deacons

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church constitution outlines the role of deacons as follows:

2.81 Deacons are elected by the people and ordained to lead the church in its care of the poor and others in need, administering the funds provided by the church for these purposes. This ministry is given to the church by Jesus Christ, who came to serve rather than to be served. Through the care of the poor and others in need, the church gives witness to the compassionate love of God shown in Jesus Christ. The deacons shall lead and coordinate activities of persons, committees, and groups in ministering to the poor, the elderly, the sick, orphans, refugees, prisoners, and others in distress. Because the work of the deacons pertains to the whole church, the deacons shall make periodic reports to the session.

2.82 In churches desiring to do so, the session may grant to the diaconate power to formulate budgets and assume other financial responsibilities.

2.83 Persons who fill the office of deacon may be male or female, young or old. Deacons shall have sound judgment, good character, compassion for those in need, availability to people, and a deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ, whose example in ministry they follow. Persons who accept the responsibility of the office of deacon shall engage in such study and preparation as are appropriate to the office, and during their tenure on the diaconate shall continue to study in order better to perform their duties.

2.84 The desirability for a diaconate is to be determined by each particular church. In churches where it is impractical to create a diaconate, the duties of the office of deacon shall be assumed by the elders. If a diaconate is created, no person shall serve simultaneously on the session and the diaconate.