Deacon Ministry

The Deacon Ministry is a shared ministry. Deacons are called to a servant/partnership ministry under the leadership of the Co-Pastors.

To accomplish this responsibility, the Deacons are organized into Four Ministry Teams, serving one week each month. A candidate for the office of Deacon should be ready and willing to carry out his responsibilities as a servant leader.

Responsibilities

• Pray before each worship service
• Pray during the worship services as assigned by team leader
• Assist with offering and prayer before offering
• Each deacon should be able to share his faith, assist in decision card completion, and should be available to assist in counseling when needed and requested.
• Perform Sunday afternoon doorstep visitation when assigned by team leader.
• Attend scheduled visitation, and/or participate in Evangelism Explosion.
• Make weekly hospital and nursing home visits as needed
• Participate in administering the Lord’s Supper during the worship service.
• Visit the homebound and shut-ins as assigned.
• Greet new members and assist in making them feel welcome to First Baptist Church
• Be prepared and willing if called upon by the Co-Pastors or deacon officers to address divisive issues or matters of church discipline.

Deacons come alongside the Co-Pastors to give oversight of the church. Thought the deacon body is not to be involved in the daily administration of church affairs, they are to be informed and involved in all major issues facing the church.

It is customary that major items of interest be brought to the attention of the deacon body, both for wisdom of their council, as well as, their support before the congregation. Major issues would include such things as annual budget recommendations, proposals to enter into major building projects, property purchase, extensive renovations, staff additions, and any question of moral indiscretion.

The deacon body is to support the Co-Pastors and the staff with their encouragement and by assisting in their ministry. Deacons are to monitor the relationship of the church to the community and should see that all church personnel are treated fairly.

General Expectation of Deacon Lifestyle Commitment

The following is a list of general guidelines expected by First Baptist Church concerning deacon lifestyle.

Deacons, along with the Co-Pastors, are not only to give moral and spiritual direction to the church, but also are to set a moral and spiritual example for the congregation to follow. In that regard, the following represents a minimal commitment that every decision should strive toward.

1. Deacons should be men of upright character, demonstrating a firm commitment to home and marriage. Deacons should be men known to be fair and Christian in their business dealings.
2. Deacons’ personal lives are to be above public reproach at all times. But, especially during the tenure of deacon service, they should abstain from alcohol consumption.
3. Deacons should be supportive of the stewardship program of the church. The Biblical guideline is that of tithing. The financial office of the church will confirm that a consistent pattern of giving by prospective deacons is evident. It will be generally assumed that deacons are tithing to First Baptist Church.
4. Faithfulness in worship attendance is a primary concern. Deacons will be counted on to be regular in their attendance in all services, especially the Sunday worship services.
5. Attendance of deacons at monthly meetings is vital and will be emphasized.

“Deacons likewise are to be men worthy of respect, not indulging in much wine, and not pursing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Jesus Christ.” I Timothy 3:8-13