Deaconess' Corner

Sister Daphna' Smith

President Deaconess Ministry

2014

What is a Deaconess?

The New Testament seems to indicate that both men and women were appointed as deacons in the early church. In Romans 16:1, Paul calls Phoebe a deacon:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. (NLT)

Today scholars remain divided on this issue. Some believe Paul was simply referring to Phoebe as a servant in general, and not as one who functioned in the office of deacon. On the other hand, some cite the above passage in 1 Timothy 3, where Paul describes the qualities of a deacon, as proof that women, too, served as deacons. Verse 11 states, "In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do." The Greek word here translated "wives" can also be rendered "women." So, some Bible translators believe 1 Timothy 3:11 does not concern deacons' wives, but women deaconesses. Several Bible versions render the verse with this alternate meaning:

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. (NIV)

As more evidence, deaconesses are noted in other second and third century documents as officeholders in the church. Women served in areas of discipleship, visitation, and assisting with baptism. And two deaconesses were mentioned as Christian martyrs by the early second century governor of Bithynia, Pliny the Younger.

Deaconess Ministry

(standing from left to right)

 Sister Daphna' Smith, Sister Sheresse Cox, Sister Lurania Bridges, Sister Natalie Manning, Vice-President, Sister Diane Cole, Vice-President, Sister Doris Cassey, Secretary

(seated from left to right)

Sister Brenda Jackson, Mother Norma Young, Sister Bernice Jackson, Sister Dorothy Wiley, Sister Ora Lee Britton, Mother Helen Smith

photos unavailable

Sister Isabell Jackson, Emeritus
Sister Greta Wiley
Sister JoAnn Cole

Sister Netta Howard

Sister Earline Moss

Sister LaWanna Bailey