Is there a Role for Deacons in the 21st Century Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches?
Robert E. Naylor in the opening chapter of his book, The Baptist Deacon, asks the following question; “Are deacons needed now?” Citing issues such as a changed world, misunderstood office and leadership tensions, Naylor recognized the traditional deacon – pastor model in Baptist churches is being strained and in some cases replaced. What is eye opening is that he was writing fifty years ago! In this thesis, the writer has examined the deacons’ office to its present day application. The first chapter deals with the scriptural underpinnings and principles of leadership in general, and the eldership or deaconship specifically. The second chapter examines how the Church interpreted this role up to and including the Reformation. The third chapter explores the birth of Baptist office of deacon and seeks to understand its context within Baptist culture. The fourth chapter explores the document trail that leads to the 1905/06 Statement of Union, specifying how Atlantic Baptists have interprete
