Chapter 9: The Deacon

9-1. The office of deacon is set forth in the Scriptures as ordinary and
perpetual in the Church. The office is one of sympathy and service, after the
example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints,
especially in their helping one another in time of need.

9-2. It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to
the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty
also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise
effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these
gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have the care
of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in
proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the
congregation. In matters of special importance affecting the property of the
church, they cannot take final action without the approval of the Session and
consent of the congregation.
In the discharge of their duties the deacons are under the supervision
and authority of the Session. In a church in which it is impossible for any
reason to secure deacons, the duties of the office shall devolve upon the ruling
elders.

9-3. To the office of deacon, which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen
men of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit,
warm sympathies, and sound judgment, conforming to the biblical requirement 
of chastity and sexual purity in their descriptions of themselves and in their 
convictions, character, and conduct. 

9-4. The deacons of a particular church shall be organized as a Board, of
which the pastor shall be an advisory member. The Board shall elect a
chairman and a secretary from their number and a treasurer to whom shall be
entrusted the funds for the current expenses of the church. It shall meet
separately at least once a quarter, and whenever requested by the Session. The
Board of each church shall determine the number necessary for a quorum.
The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of all funds and
their distribution, and shall submit its minutes to the Session regularly, and at
other times upon request of the Session.

It is desirable that the Session and the Board of Deacons meet in joint
session once a quarter to confer on matters of common interest.

9-5. Deacons may properly be appointed by the higher courts to serve on
committees, especially as treasurers. It is suitable also that they be appointed
trustees of any fund held by any of the Church courts. It may also be helpful
for the Church courts, when devising plans of church finance, to invite wise
and consecrated deacons to their councils.

9-6. The deacons may, with much advantage, hold conference from time
to time for the discussion of the interests committed to them. Such conferences
may include representatives of churches covering areas of smaller or larger
extent. Any actions taken by these conferences shall have only an advisory
character.