Dear Sirs,
I read JEB’s feature in the November en on the relationship between elders and deacons with great interest and much appreciation for his sound biblical treatment.
Having served in leadership for over 20 years both as an elder (briefly) and as a deacon (mostly), I recognise the tensions he highlighted most helpfully. However, there is a more recent complication brought about by the Charities Act wherein both elders and deacons are typically ‘Officers of the Church’ and as such ex officio trustees.
This can leave deacons liable both legally and pecuniarily for decisions made to which they were not party. I am drawn to the view that wherever possible deacons should serve under the criteria of Scripture, albeit not as trustees. This may require a modification to an existing Trust Deed or a new constitution as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Yours in Christ,
