Why Diakonos?

Since founding this ministry, I have had several questions about our name that I will address in this article. First, it needs an explanation so that its meaning can shine clearly. If you have visited the Who Are We portion of our ministry website, you can see that much of our ministry’s symbolization has meaning. Even our ministry logo has an extensive breakdown behind its purpose.

Our website needs to address the questions about our name adequately. Therefore, I am clarifying this to explain why we chose this name.

Let’s start by exploring the origin of the word.

Diakonos

(dee-ahK-own-ohs) Greek

meaning:

Deacons, Ministers, Servants

For the hardcore Scholars here is the Strong’s Greek reference

Yes, Diakonos is a Greek word, but its Greek origin is not the focus of its use; its definition is. More so, the Deacon aspect for our purposes.

When founding this ministry, we wanted a name that reflected that ministry includes everyone, both men and women. Diakonos was a word that tied to this. I frequently heard this word in my ministry schooling from one of my professors.

It is a common fact that the Apostle Paul penned a letter to the Romans while he was in Corinth. This letter would become the Book of Romans in the Bible. What many overlook, though, is Paul was not the one who delivered and presented this letter to the Roman people. The opening of Paul’s letter reads in Romans 16:1-2

“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.”
Romans 16:1-2 (NLT)

That’s right; Paul sent a woman many scholars believe to be a Greek convert of the Apostle Paul to Rome to present his letter and expressly referred to her as a Deacon (or, in other translations, a “Diakonos”). Moreover, he emphasizes her importance when He states, “Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people.” A statement that Paul would not have written for a mere courier.

When choosing a name, this reflected best the ministry is for everyone. Historically, there are areas that men were responsible for that women were not permitted to do, but Paul shows us that women play an essential part in ministry, which is why we chose Diakonos.

Another word in our name that brings questions is “Independent.” Why do we emphasize “Independent?” We are Non-Demoninational in the truest sense of the word. We appreciate our brothers and sisters who follow a denominational course and doctrine, but we follow only the Bible. As a ministry, we want to be a bridge between denominational boundaries that allows Christ’s people to function as one united family. We have no interest in debating denominational interpretations. Evil loves division, and we feel evil has utilized denominational differences to divide Christ’s church long enough.

I pray this explanation article identifies the critical points of our name and accentuates our vision for our ministry.