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If the deacons are to acquaint themselves with existing difficulties, it is mandatory that they visit the families in their section. Only in this manner can they gather the necessary information. Their visits are different from those by the elders, and should be conducted in a different manner. At no time are the deacons in competition with the elders.
When they come to distribute Christ's gifts, they are to see to it that they also "encourage and comfort with the Word of God those who receive the gifts of Christ's love." But when they just visit members with the purpose of discovering where there are gifts or whether there is need, it is not necessary at all that they conduct a visit in the same manner as the elders conduct them. Most likely gifts as well as needs are more readily discovered when the visit is conducted in an informal manner.
If they discover pressure because of "sickness, loneliness, or poverty," they will, of course, open God's Word and approach the throne of grace in prayer of intercession. It is not necessary at all that this procedure becomes a regular part of their visit. If anywhere, then here it becomes evident how much elders and deacons need each other and how much they can benefit from each other's experiences and "discoveries." These offices complement each other, and, with both elders and deacons taking heed and care of the flock, the congregation will experience that the unity is promoted and will more and more enjoy the fellowship in the Holy Spirit which it experiences so clearly at the table of the Lord.
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