Churches should reconsider the practice of congregational nomination and election for those who assist the Diaconate. When the selection process mirrors or closely resembles the election of deacons, it creates unnecessary confusion. It blurs the distinction between ordained officers and those serving in a non-official capacity. Diaconal assistants are not in an office and hold no ecclesiastical authority; therefore, there is no necessity for their election by the congregation. Many churches do not call associate pastors but only assistant pastors, positions elected by the Session rather than the congregation. If that is the case, why would we have the congregation elect men and women whose role is to assist the diaconate, rather than those who will be assistant Pastors?

The Session alone should select and appoint diaconal assistants. How a Session solicits suggestions from the congregation about godly members who could assist the diaconate is at the discretion of each Session, while avoiding the same procedure, qualifications, etc. The Session should be intentional in creating distinct categories so that members understand the difference between nominations for officers and suggestions for diaconal assistants. However, most Sessions should already have a clear sense of who in their congregation would make good diaconal assistants simply by observing who is already serving.

The Diaconate needs both male and female assistants. If we assume that only women can serve as diaconal assistants, we neglect the contributions of many willing and gifted men. The Book of Church Order affirms that godly men and women, even those not called or qualified for the office of Deacon, can still serve Christ’s church in meaningful ways (Eph 4:12).

Many men and women are eager to serve, and the Session should seek to use their gifts wisely as they assist the Diaconate. The goal is not to create a parallel office but to encourage greater service in the church’s mercy ministry.  Read more»
Thomas Richard | “Assistants, Not -Esses” | November 18, 2025

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