Deacon's Ministry
Diakoneo | Diakonia | Diakanos
Servanthood
Mission Statement
Our mission is to work closely with the Pastor to ensure that the needs of our congregation are
being met through the family discipleship ministry.
It is our prayer, through the concept of the Congregation Driven Ministry that every member
becomes involved in ministry.
The Deacons Ministry: "Servanthood"
Where did it originate?
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews being among them complained against the
Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve
gathered all the disciples together and said,” it would not be right to neglect the ministry of the word of God in
order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the spirit
and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of
the word”
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Steven a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit: also
Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Niccolas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented
these men to the apostle, who prayed and laid hands on them. So the word of God Spread. The number of
disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
(Acts 6: 1-7)
What are the qualifications?
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest
gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the 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 one wife and must mange his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an
excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
Since an overseer is entrusted with Gods work, he must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not
pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable; one who loves what is good, who is self –controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He
must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
(1st Timothy 3: 8–13 & Titus 1: 6-9)
What is the purpose?
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
(Matthew 20:26b-28)
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The Role of the Deacon: "Discipleship"
- To assist the Pastor in adding and nurturing souls
- To help members to develop into mature Christians
- To encourage our members to be intentional with their spiritual gifts in a Congregation Driven
Ministry.
The question of the role of the deacon has been important since the days of the New Testament churches. Apparently they discovered the right answer.
(Acts 6:7) reports that after the first seven deacons began their service, the word of God increased; and the number of disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priest were obedient to the faith.
Deacons through the centuries have had a rich heritage of services through their churches. Their ministry is part of the pastoral ministries of the
church. Deacons stand along side their pastor in all areas of ministry as co –laborers in Christ.
The deacon is required to make decisions in practical and temporal matters as well as give sound direction and wise counsel.
The deacon must be willing to be involved in the work of God through the church: he is to “serve”.
(Acts 6:2)
The deacon is to be “grave” (1 Timothy 3:8), i.e., steadfast and serious.
What A Deacon Needs to Know
- Jesus Christ as the Lord and savior of his life
- His Bible and what it teaches
- Himself and what he is willing for his commitment to become in the body of Christ
- His church and what it offers
- His Pastor and how they work together
- His Job as a Deacon and how he can best fulfill it
- How to share his Christian witness with others
- His community, its problems and needs
- How to minister to people
- His denomination, how it operates, how he relates to it
Deacon Auxiliary Support
A spiritual advisor from the Deacon ministry is to meet with the officers of his assigned ministry (auxiliary).
It is the Deacon’s responsibility to get acquainted with the ministry and develop a positive working relationship without being a “watchman”. He
should recognize diversity from divisions in a ministry. It is important that a Deacon attend at least 4 meetings a year. The Deacon should
be in attendance when the ministry opens or closes with prayer. Answer questions/ concerns of the ministry based upon the practices and procedures
of Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Any unanswered questions should be brought to the chairman or main body for discussion.
Suggestions should be made, when warranted, to the lead officer for improving the spiritual climate of that particular ministry. It is beneficial
to work closely with the leader. (Leader to leader).
No ministry is an island or an entity in itself. We are all members of one body.
| A Deacon is assigned to support each listed ministry |
|---|
| A.I.M. (Adult Inspirational Ministry) | Pilgrim Inc. |
| Calendar Committee | Recovery |
| Drama – PBC Productions | Senior Focus |
| Deacons/Men’s Fellowship | Single's |
| Health | Sunday School |
| Home Bible Study | Trustee |
| Music Dept. | Ushers (Senior & Youth) |
| Media | Young Adults |
| P.A.C.T (Pastor’s Anointed Care Takers) | Youth Dept |
Deacon Outreach Ministry
Visitation
Visitation Ministry Teams include a Minister, a Trustee member and a Deacon. Visits are made each third Saturday afternoon monthly.
The ministry teams find it helpful to be scheduled for outreach on a monthly rotation so that every team is not making a visit each month.
The outreach coordinator is tasked with contacting each member and coordinating a suitable time to visit.
Outreach teams meet at Pilgrim Baptist Church have prayer and receive their outreach assignments.
Each team member understands the importance of the team’s visit and is prepared to spend personal time. Scripture is read, prayer is offered.
Deacons are encouraged to do hospital visits, keeping the visit to a maximum of 15 minutes or less – when possible.
Communion
The outreach coordinator is tasked with contacting each known member listed on the updated sick and shut-in list also those who have requested to provide
communion.
The ministry teams find it helpful to be scheduled for outreach on a monthly rotation so that every team is not making the same visit each month.
The coordinator compiles a list of those to be served communion and distributes the assignments to the scheduled Deacons.
A communion kit and church program are gathered for the visit and a tape or disc if the confined person has resources to use.
Each outreach team member understands the seriousness of the visit. Deacons are prepared to read scripture, pray and serve communion.
Deacons Meetings: "As Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17)
There are a few who take church membership and church attendance lightly; deacons are expected to make attendance a priority.
Accountability is critical for the deacon, as he is called to uphold established standards and practices of the church.
Deacons of Pilgrim Baptist meet on the first Saturday morning of each month.
A portion of each Deacons meeting is spent praying about specific needs of families and ministries, also sharing the good news of what needs and concerns
have been met.
Updates are given regarding upcoming scheduled church events (baptism, revival, and annual church celebrations).
Deacon’s monthly duty rosters, communion table roster, and communion outreach duty rosters are finalized.
Deacon’s operational mis- ques, breakdowns and solutions are discussed in order to better serve the congregation outside developmental workshops,
conferences and support meetings are communicated.
Deacon Support
Baptism
Deacons have an important place in the observance of Baptism. They can do much to make the experience a memorable event for the candidate.
Deacons are to make sure that the physical surroundings are clean and hazard free.
Deacons are to insure the Baptistery is filled to an acceptable level and also and that the water is at a comfortable temperature.
Deacons are to thoroughly instruct the candidate on the meaning of Baptism.
(Romans 6:3-4) Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were
therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we to may
live a new life.
Deacon will give words of exhortation and then lead the candidate in a word of prayer.
Lords Supper
Deacons have an important place in the observance of the Lords Supper
(Acts 6:2) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, it would not be right to neglect the ministry of the word of
God in order to wait on tables.
Deacons, pray for the elements first prior to the congregation and ministers partake.
Deacons serve the communion table by passing the bread and juice to the church members and ministers.
Bereavement-Misfortune
Deacons should be the example in the church in comforting the church members and family ministry members during the time of misfortune and bereavement.
In most cases nothing is needed except for the presence of the families deacon.
Words of sympathy from the deacon with true and sincere actions let the bereaved know their deacon shares in their grief and are concerned.
Deacons are expected to be available for closure of quite hour when and if the Pastor is not available.
| Deacons Are ... | Deacons Are Not ... |
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| Sinners saved by Gods grace | Without fault |
| EXPECTED to be committed to serve | To be double tongued |
| To be trustworthy | To misuse their appointed position or title |
| Servants for the Body of Christ | Always understood or agreeable |
| Armor Bearers for the Pastor | To be taken advantage of |
| To work with the Pastor not against | Available 24 hours –7 days a week |
| To give sound Biblical advice | To be newly converted Christians |
| To be sensitive to each Ministries needs | Equal in knowledge or experience |
| To work together as one unit | To share confidential information |
| Ensure congregational spiritual needs are met | The Answer, God is. |
| To be actively involved with family ministry | |
| Not the answer, GOD IS. | |
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