The Doctrine of deacon
ACTS 6:3
“3Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”
1 TIM. 3:10
“10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.”
1 TIM. 3:8-13
“8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
rest Church will be served by a leadership team with their positions biblically defaulting to Deacon and Deaconesses. A Deacon/Deaconess is to help lead and serve the Church through administration, pastoral care, praying for the sick, discipleship, and other ministry fitted to their calling. Candidates for Deacon/Deaconess will be nominated by the Lead Team and voted on by Family Partners. A Deacon/Deaconess submits to the authority of the Pastors. Deacon’s/Deaconesses roles are not limited to what was previously mentioned. DEACONS/DEACONESSES can all be elected to a 1 year term and then reelected indefinitely year over year. We want to get rid of bad hires quickly and keep good ones forever. Family Partners vote (NOT anonymously) “YES” or “NO” for Deacons. If a “NO” vote is taken from Family Partner an explanation must be given to the Lead Team. At rest, Deacons/Deaconesses may be asked to give advice, council, and wisdom to our Pastors, but they do not operate as a board who votes on Church orthopraxy. Theologically deacons are from the Greek “diakonos”, which translates as: servants, ministers, dirt workers, waiters, one who runs errands to serve the Church and kicks up dust (meaning it’s done quickly).