The deacons should be those who are nearest to the spiritual needs of the people.

Transcription

1 The deacons should be those who are nearest to the spiritual needs of the people. No church can grow unless it is led, not only be precept, but by example. The deacons should provide such leadership. It is in this spirit that they must view their labors. There is a close relationship between the pastor and the deacons; the presence of the pastor at the deacons meeting is almost a necessity. The deacon s functions in the church are as follows: Ordinances Worship Watch care Outreach Here are some requisites for a deacon: Note the term requisites is defined as follows: Requisites= that which is required, indispensable, or essential. Convicted Persons. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) Redeemed Persons. They are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. (Rom 3:24) Baptized by Immersion. The deacon s convictions should demand that they set an example by their own baptism by immersion. Conversant with the Holy Bible. Deacons should have more than a casual knowledge of God s Word. Reading the word of God should not be neglected. Persons with a Prayer Life. Deacons must practice unceasing prayer if they are to be able to find the fullness of the Christian life for themselves and, more, if they are to be leaders among the people. Deacons Who Worship. An opportunity to help family members to grow in personal worship life. Deacons have the opportunity to show their need for worship experiences by their faithful attendance at the Sunday and midweek worship services and at the business meetings of the church.

2 An example. Deacons should live as an example of the new person in Jesus Christ. Qualifications of a Deacon Paul gives Timothy a list of traits that persons should posses if they are to qualify as deacons. (1 Tim 3:8-13). Deacons should: 1. Be serious 2. Not be double-tongued 3. Not be given to much wine 4. Not to be greedy for gain 5. Hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience 6. Be tested first; those who prove themselves blameless may serve 7. Be husband of one wife 8. Manage children and home well More Qualifications: Deacons should be devoted to their task. Deacons should possess wisdom above and beyond that of the average lay person. Deacons should practice being wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The judicious use of time is so essential to being good deacons. Deacons should be good business persons. Helping the Pastor Anything the deacons can do to help the pastor, either by performing such tasks or by upholding him in prayer, shows the pastor that he has the support and backing of close associates and helps him to bear the heavy burdens. The pastor should be able to depend upon the deacons. The deacons should make it easy for the pastor to approach them. There should be a close fellowship between the deacons and the pastor. Leading as Servants

3 Deacons are church leaders, but they are also to be servants. God expects deacons to be strong, dynamic leaders but always in the spirit of humble servants. Deacons do not RUN the church: Here are 3 things to tell that deacons are functioning as a controlling board: When all major recommendations from church organizations and church committees are screened by the deacons to determine whether they should go to the congregation When the pastor and staff members are directly responsible to the deacons rather than to the church. When the use of expenditure of major church resources, such as facilities and finances, must first be approved by deacons. Ministry in Giving When a deacon has an opportunity to conduct the offertory service; this is your time to SHIINE like the stars! Take the time to address the congregation. Give honor to whom honor is due. Tell them what the offering is for. i.e. We re here to take our Friday night offering for the work of the Lord, for the ministry of, etc. Take the time to study a good word and have a brief thought on the blessing and joy of giving. Jesus said, it s more blessed to give than to receive. It s not a time to give a sermon, but you can exhort and encourage those to take part in the offertory service. Offering time isn t about the highest bidder or giver. As a man purpose in heart so let him give. Give from the heart; not to be seen of men. Never give with the intention of seeking man s applause. Remember, you have a responsibility to take care of your own house first. Search the scriptures for the word on giving and watch God increase your knowledge. Study to show thyself approved unto God.enhance your craft by self-study, prayer and faith in God.

4 Foreword The enclosed info has been reviewed to disseminate to the deacons of Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ. The office of a deacon is a highly respected position in the Church and every person that has been assigned this awesome task should accept this calling with all humility and gratitude. Upon our assignment as pastor, the Lord gave me three words to live by train, equip, and empower. As we prepare to work for him it is our goal to see the men of God take a more visible and strong lead in the house of God. There is a need for steadfastness, faithfulness, loyalty, and God-fearing men for such a time as this. Let s invest our time for God in every opportunity that comes our way. Notwithstanding, don t sacrifice your families well being putting other things before them. God is always first, he wants us to remember our responsibilities too. Use your discretion and know when, where, how, to do things that compliment your family life as well. Prepare your hearts and minds to grow and reach new heights in your spiritual lives. Be the head of your families and not the tail. Set the pattern and example that is very much needed to all that watch your every move. Lead from the front and not behind. We have an open door policy to discuss things that concern you and the church. Let s be supportive and encourage one another just like the scripture says. Together we can do great things for the up building of God s house. Very Respectfully Pastor Terence O. Hayes, Sr.

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