Deacon Ordination 2022

A Godly Character

Paul charges the deacons to be dignified. This word is used to describe in Greek both men and gods. This is a call to have a character that is godly.

Much of the qualifications deal with personal integrity. As men, being a deacon means you must take seriously how your words, actions, and attitudes can effect how others see the church and Christ.

Romans 2:23 ESV

You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.

2 Timothy 2:20–26 ESV

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

As a deacon you are a minister of the gospel of this church. Your actions can be used by God to soften the hearts of sinners, or harden them against the gospel.

This is why Paul encourages us as leaders not to be:

Double-tongue, speak the truth

Drunkards

Greedy and dishonest

A Godly Theology

Second, Paul charged the deacons to be men of biblical integrity.

1 Timothy 3:9–10 ESV

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

As a deacon you are not called to teach, though you may, as elders are, but you are called to hold the “mystery of faith.”

Paul often talks of the mystery in scripture.

Romans 16:25 ESV

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Ephesians 3:8–9 ESV

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

The mystery is the revelation that God has chosen to save the world through the sending of Christ to die for the sins of men, the gospel.

Men you are to be proclaimers of the gospel of Christ Jesus. You do this by leading well, proclaiming the gospel with others, and ensuring the church faithfully teaches the word of God faithfully. You are called to help the pastor ensuring that the word is proclaimed well and rightly.

You do this primarily by being servants who show the love of Christ by being the first to serve. The first to step up. The first to share.

Being a deacon is being willing to be the first to proclaim, “Here I am, send me.”

A Godly Family

Finally, deacons are called to lead their families well. They are to be spiritual leaders in their homes.

Wives you are to avoid slander, gossip, and to be faithful.

Deacons, if you do not lead your wives and children in godliness, that’s not just bringing them to church, but encouraging biblical faithfulness, then you should not lead the body.

ORDINATION PROCLAMATION

And now Kyle, Marshall, and Matthew in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the authority committed to me as Pastor of this wonderful congregation, I now declare you to be set apart and commissioned for the work of a Deacon, and duly called and installed to that ministry in this church. You may be seated.

We close now with a song of commitment…to encourage us ALL to follow Jesus’ example and to work to keep our church healthy and strong. But if you have another commitment to make…we invite you to make it public at this time. Perhaps you need to respond by giving your life to Jesus…professing publically that you have asked Him to forgive you and take control of your heart and life. Or…you may feel led to commit to become a part of this church…moving your membership here to this place. Whatever decision you have to make, I invite you to walk this aisle and share it with me right now as we stand and sing.

BENEDICTION:

Let the PEACE OF CHRIST rule in your hearts             since as members of one body you were called to peace. Let the WORD OF CHRIST dwell in you richly             and whatever you do…in word or in deed Do it all in the NAME OF CHRIST giving thanks to God the Father             through Him.