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All About Deacons Weekly News - This week's schedule Sermon Archive (mp3 files) Joy of the Journey Projects Baptism FAQs All About Deacons Purity Bibliography |
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Being a deacon is an opportunity to serve and minister. The current deacons at Hamilton Hills are (year current term ends is noted in parentheses):
Dan Eger (2008) Kent Powers - Chairman (2008) Terry Yatsak (2008) Wayne Graham (2009) Greg Habegger (2009) Stan Porter (2009) Steve Duhammel (2010) Charlie Harting (2010) Jess Williams (2010) A Deacon's Qualifications & Work What the Word "Deacon" Means The word "deacon" literally means "minister" or "servant." The Use of the Word in the Bible The word "deacon" was used in both a non-technical and technical way. Non-technical Christians in general - Matthew 20:26 Attendants to royalty - Matthew 22:13 Class of workers - John 2:5 Government rulers - Romans 13:4 Jesus Christ - Romans 15:8 Those engaged in Christian ministry - 2 Corinthians 3:6 Those aligned with Satan - 2 Corinthians 11:15 Apostles - Ephesians 3:7 Pastors - 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Those who served under the Law - 2 Corinthians 3:7 Angels - Hebrews 1:14 A specific church - Revelation 2:19 Technical Acts 6:2; 11:29; 12:25 2 Corinthians 9:1, 12, 13 Philippians 1:1 1 Timothy 3:8, 10, 12, 13 What Deacons Are Not A Board of Directors Deacons legitimately serve as counselors and encouragers to the pastor, but they are not the "board" of the church. They are not charged with oversight of the church's ministry. That is the role of the pastor(s). Representatives of the People A local church is not governed by elected representatives. Deacons should not see themselves as the "voice" of a particular group within the church. A Balance of Power Deacons are not placed in ministry to be a counterweight to the leadership of the pastor(s). How Deacons Should Function By Biblical Job Description To put down murmuring - Acts 6:1-2 To organize and execute plans for showing mercy - Acts 6:3 To facilitate the pastor's ministry of the Word - Acts 6:2,4 By Biblical Example Stephen - Defending the Faith, Acts 7:1-59 Philip - Evangelizing, Acts 8:4-8 By HHBC Constitution "The deacon is a servant/minister of the Church. He is an assistant to the pastor in the work of the ministry. Taking heed to the Biblical qualifications and need for spiritual development, he leads in areas of care for the membership and operation of the Church." Serving as the legal representatives of the Church, the deacons are the trustees of the Corporation. The deacons may appoint legal representatives from their number." A Deacon's Qualifications Acts 6:1-7 "full of the Spirit" This refers to being under the control of God's spirit as manifested in worship (Ephesians 5:19, 20); in character (Galatians 5:16-23); in healthy relationships (Ephesians 5:16-6:9); and in a lifestyle that honors the Lord's word, leading, and name (Colossians 3:15-17). "wisdom" Wisdom is the ability to think and behave in a way that is pleasing to God (see Proverbs 1:1-7). 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13 "worthy of respect" A person who is looked up to because of his moral and spiritual character "sincere" This word emphasizes non-manipulative, honest speech; not saying different things to different people; literally, not "double-tongued" "not indulging in much wine" Another way to express the idea of sobriety "not pursuing dishonest gain" This refers to a reputation for acquiring wealth and fortune by disgraceful means "keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience" A good steward of the distinctive truths and doctrines of Biblical Christianity in combination with godly ethics "tested" This means "examined." Potential deacons are to be screened in reference to their qualifications to serve "husband of but one wife" Deacons should have an established reputation as a "one-woman man" "must manage his children and household well" Evidence that the deacon is applying Biblical principles to his roles as husband and father HHBC Constitutional Guidelines The following qualifications appear in HHBC's constitution and should be understood as contained in or logical extensions of the Biblical list in 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13: Salvation Baptism A member in good standing Regular attendance at church services Consistent tithing Compatibility with the job description HHBC Policy The following are expectations of all HHBC deacons: - Cheerful support of the pastoral staff in their ministries - Availability for regular monthly meetings and periodic special meetings - Willingness to serve with a special focus on a specific area of ministry in relation to his giftedness - A commitment to ACTS 2 as either a group leader or assistant group leader - Total abstinence from the recreational use of alcohol or other mind-altering drugs - Completion of FAITH training A Deacon's Wife Biblical Qualifications - 1 Timothy 3:11 "worthy of respect" A woman who is looked up to because of her moral and spiritual character "not malicious talkers" This refers to accusing and slandering; literally, "not a devil" "temperate" Another term for sobriety "trustworthy in everything" A deacon's wife should be someone in whom a person can have solid confidence Practical Matters A deacon's wife is expected... - To be a baptized believer in Christ and member of HHBC in good standing - To be in regular attendance of services - To participate regularly in ACTS 2 - To assist in periodic church socials and fellowships. These are organized for the most part around the ACTS 2 ministry; however, it is necessary from time to time to ask for help from deacon wives for special occasions. - To trust her husband's wisdom and servant-leadership. A deacon's wife must resist publicly arguing against a recommendation her husband has had a part in putting together and bringing to the church. - To allow her husband to retain confidential information. A deacon's wife must be able to resist natural human curiosity so that she does not pressure her husband into disclosing something he isn't to disclose. |
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