Editing Open Brethren (section)

====Deacons====
The main role of the "[[deacon]]" is to assist the elders with members' needs. Deacons are usually chosen from members who have demonstrated exceptional Christian piety. (see 1 Timothy 3:8–12). However, in many meetings there is no official list of deacons, diaconal work being shared by anyone willing to give a helping hand in a particular task.

Brethren groups generally recognise from the teachings of the [[Apostle Paul]]'s [[epistle]]s that not all the believers in any one fellowship are suited to give public ministry such as teaching and preaching.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=4&v=11&t=NKJV#s=1101011 |title=Ephesians IV, 11|access-date=2013-10-12}}</ref>