The Ministry of the Mothers & Deaconesses The ministry of the mothers and deaconesses are closely related. However close, the deaconesses are biblically mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:9-10. Traditionally, Elderly woman were given the position and called Church Mothers, which does not have a biblical foundation. Both positions are accepted in the church today with some distinctions. Both are to spiritually serve the membership and give support to the church ministry and the pastor. Both are to be appointed by the pastor after much prayer and consultation with the deacons