What is the difference between an elder and a deacon? Elders are to focus on the Word and deacons are to focus on Service. 1 The Office of a Deacon – Philippians 1: 1; Mark 10: 45; Acts 6: 1; Acts 4: 32: 2 The Function of a Deacon 3 The Qualifications of a Deacon – 1 Timothy 3: 8-13; 1 Timothy 2: 12;  Romans 16: 1 Regarding Deaconesses, we look at 1 Timothy 2: 12 and 1 Timothy 3: 12 Every believer is called to serve but not everyone is called to the office of deacon. Deaconesses must also be biblically  qualified. You are all called to serve as Christ served.