Editing Deacon (section)

===Church of Christ===
In accordance with [[Churches of Christ|Church of Christ]] doctrine and practice, only males may serve as deacons (deaconesses are not recognized), and must meet Biblical qualifications (generally [[1 Timothy]] 3:8–13 is the Biblical text used to determine if a male is qualified to serve as deacon). A deacon may also be qualified to serve as an [[Elder (Christianity)|elder]] (and, in fact, may move into that role after a period of time if his service as deacon is considered acceptable).

The role of the deacon varies, depending on the local congregation. Generally a deacon will have responsibility for a specific non-spiritual function (e.g. finance, building and grounds, benevolence); however, the deacons (like the rest of the congregation) are under the subjection of the elders, who have spiritual and administrative authority over the deacon's function.

In congregations which lack qualified elders (where, in their absence, the men of the congregation handle leadership duties), often there also are no deacons, as they are usually appointed by the elders of the church.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}