Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable to you. — Hebrews 13:17

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. — Acts 11:29-30

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. — Acts 14:23

(17) And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. — Acts 20:17, 28

In Acts chapter 6 we find that the apostles encouraged the disciples in the early church to find seven men of good reputation to oversee the daily distribution of food. The apostles needed to focus on prayer and proclaiming the Gospel, so they suggested that seven righteous men be chosen to serve the church. God, in His pattern for governing the church, has directed congregations to appoint deacons so that they can be dedicated servants in the work of the local church, allowing elders time to focus on the spiritual needs of the church. Just like Elders, there are certain qualifications a man must meet before he can be appointed by the church; these qualifications, which emphasize a life of high integrity and deep faith, can be found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Their work is vital because it ensures that no member of the flock is overlooked and that the church’s resources are managed with care and wisdom. Some areas where a deacon may serve would be transportation, missions, maintenance of the building, outreach, church activities, etc. Deacons today, just like the seven men chosen in Acts 6, are a great asset for the work of the church and a tremendous help to the elders. I Timothy 3:13 tells us, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. — 2 Timothy 4:2

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. — 1 Timothy 4:16

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. — Titus 2:15

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. — Acts 20:7