V. Sec. However, senior pastors have adhered to a long tradition of seeking the recommendation of deacons on uniquely substantive questions (e.g. It is a high and holy calling to serve the Lord and His church as a deacon. Churches use deacons in different ways. (Acts 2:44) These arrangements facilitated the provision of earthly needs in addition to the spiritual discipleship provided by the Apostles and elders. Section of a fresco in the Niccoline Chapel by Fra Angelico (circa 1395-1455), depicting Saint Peter consecrating the Seven Deacons. Deacons are appointed by some churches and elected by others. Greek Jews complained to the Apostles that widows in their families were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. A deacon, therefore, is one who serves others in an official capacity in the church. This deacon training manual is good for present deacons as well as preparing men for future deacon service in fundamental Baptist churches. Nomination by the church 2. Nowadays, as in the early church, the role of a deacon may encompass a variety of services differing from denomination to denomination. As a deacon functions in the practical ministry of the church, he partners with the pastor in ministering to the members of the church. On Sundays he would usually work around the house. The same office is variously called bishop, elder, or pastor.”1. The Deacons meet regularly to pray, study the Word, review congregational needs, and plan new initiatives and ministry projects. The men were then ordained to the office by the Apostles, who laid hands upon them and prayed. The word, which appears at least 29 times in the New Testament, designates an appointed member of the local church who assists by serving other members and meeting material needs. The Honorary Life Deacons are men who have the love, respect and confidence of the Church, have dedicated themselves to 25 years of service at First Baptist, have served 15 years as an active deacon in our church, are at least 65 years of age, and meet the New Testament qualifications of a deacon. Canon 764 states that in general, priests and deacons have the faculty to preach everywhere, unless a particular bishop or religious superior has restricted that right. But because no one ever extended an invitation to him to attend priesthood, he never felt wanted. Some years ago, First Baptist established the position of Honorary Life Deacon. By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church . The filling of the HolySpirit and wisdom can only be attained by spending time with the Lord. iOS. 10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. No matter how they serve, Scripture makes it clear that ministering as a deacon is a rewarding and honorable calling in the church. Meet Timothy: Protege of the Apostle Paul, The Stoning of Stephen: A Bible Story Study Guide, Overview: the Epistles of the New Testament, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. This is combined with the word, “histemi” meaning to cause 1 DEACON ORDINATION In Southern Baptist churches, according to the Baptist Faith and Message by Hershel H. Hobbs, “The officers in a local New Testament church are pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1). (From the Book of Church Order, Sec. Deacons are … Let me say that the office of a deacon should not be entered into lightly. Some believe Paul was referring to Phoebe as a servant in general, and not as one who functioned in the office of deacon. The deacon is an office that is ordained of God for the church. A deacon in a baptist church is a layman that is a member of the church and can become a trustee of the church. We the Deacon Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church aim to be a ministry focused on serving the people of our church community under the guidance of our Pastor through modeling Christ-centered leadership, assisting in developing the spiritual lives of our congregants, and … (Acts 6:3) The Church selected seven of their own, including Stephen (who would be the first Christian martyr; Acts 7:54-60) and Philip (believed to be the evangelist who ministered in Samaria and witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch; Acts 8:26-40). Major Christian churches, such as the Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the (Bylaws, Art. 1. At First Baptist, the ordained ministers function as overseers (pastors) under the leadership of the senior pastor. Several Bible versions render the verse with this alternate meaning: As more evidence, deaconesses are noted in other second and third century documents as officeholders in the church.