The early Christians believed that the office of deacon was the foundational ministry of the Church. The Apostle Paul pointedly said that no one should be appointed to any post who had not served as a deacon. Why is that? Way is service to others such a big deal in the New Testament. I believe that service to others reminds us of our mortality, leads us to adopt attitudes of grace, and dignifies both the one who serves and the one who is served.