Editing Deacon (section)

===Baptists===
[[Baptists]] traditionally recognize two ordained positions in the church: elders (pastors) and deacons, as per [[1 Timothy]] 3. Some Baptist churches in the Reformed tradition recognize elder and pastor as separate offices.

Baptists have traditionally practised [[congregationalism]], giving each church the ability to discern for themselves the interpretation of scripture. Thus, Baptist churches hold a wide variety of views on the qualifications and activities of deacons: some Baptist churches have the deacons decide many of the church affairs, while others have deacons in serving roles only.

The predominant view among Baptist churches (especially theologically conservative ones, including the majority of [[Southern Baptist]] and [[Independent Baptist]] churches) is that a deacon must be a male, and married (or a widower) and not divorced previously. If a deacon subsequently divorces, he must relinquish his office (but if his wife dies he may continue to serve). However, there are Baptist churches where women are allowed to be deacons or deaconesses (primarily in the United Kingdom and in the United States among African-American and theologically moderate churches). In the [[General Association of Regular Baptist Churches]], deacons can be any adult male member of the congregation who is in good standing.

In some African American [[Missionary Baptists|Missionary Baptist]] churches and in churches affiliated with the [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.]] male and female deacons serve as one board. Other churches may have two separate boards of deacons and deaconesses. Most often the deacon or deacon candidate is a long-standing member of the church, being middle aged, but younger deacons may be selected from among members of a family that has had several generations in the same church. They are elected by quorum vote annually. Their roles are semi-pastoral in that they fill in for the pastor on occasion, or support the pastor vocally during his sermon. They may also lead a special prayer service, generally known as "The deacon's Prayer". Their other roles are to accompany the pastor during [[Eucharist|Communion]] by handing out the remembrances of bread and wine (or grape juice) and to set a good example for others to follow. Their administrative duties sometimes include oversight of the treasury, Sunday school curriculum, transportation, and various outreach ministries.

See [[Baptist Distinctives]] for a more detailed treatment of deacons in churches in other associations, particularly the UK.