Deacon Ordination
Notes
Transcript
Deacons are chosen from the local body of the church. Great care is taken when choosing a deacon.
The deacons of First Baptist Church Huntersville spent time in prayer and observation and at the leading of the Holy Spirit, unanimously agreed to question Tim to determine his qualifications and desire to become a deacon.
After discussion and more time in prayer both Tim and the deacons agreed to move forward.
Tim was then presented to the church as a candidate for deacon ordination - the church voted unanimously to ordain Tim so…
Tonight we are here to ordain Tim Liptrap to the office of deacon.
What does it mean to be a deacon?
1 In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch. 6 They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.
The church was something new and was trying to figure out how to go about the task of sharing the gospel and making disciples as the Lord commanded.
In Acts we can see the need to organize and assign duties to make sure the people were not being neglected.
The Apostles, the closet thing at that time to modern day pastors, saw their position as that of preacher. For them the most important task was the preaching and teaching of the Word as well as praying.
Deacons were chosen in Acts to make sure the daily food distribution to the widows was accomplished - it was more than just waiting tables but the purpose was to serve.
The job has morphed over the years and includes some that to be honest, are not the biblical role of deacon.
The deacon is for service not necessarily for church government, though same have joined the role of deacon and elder.
Deacons are to assist the pastor by seeking out and ministering to the needs of those within and without the church. They also play a vital role in the administration of the ordinances of the church, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
The deacon is not here to manage the pastor but is a partner in ministry and the smart pastor will lean into the wisdom and companionship of the men chosen as deacons.
The deacon hold the office of deacon at the pleasure of the church during the maintenance of Christian character, faithful service and sound doctrine.
8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul gives us the qualifications of a deacon.
Tim has met the qualifications, has been tested and is now called to serve.
Tim would come forward and stand before me and the congregation.
My brother, Tim, you have been elected by the vote of this church to serve in the capacity of a deacon.
Question - Tim, this church has voted upon you an honor, and a great responsibility, in selecting you to the office of deacon. Will you accept this responsibility and strive to fill the position to which you are called, and to promote the interest of the church, to assist the pastor whenever you can do so, and to look out for the poor and needy of the church, seeing that none will suffer for material aid, so far as in your power to prevent? If so please say I will.
Question - Will you affirm you allegiance to Christ, the church, and the Scriptures? If so please say I will.
Question - Will you accept the office of deacon in this church, and promise faithfully to perform the duties required for this office? If so please say I will.
Question - Will you promise to cooperate with the pastor and to further the interests of this church in promoting its harmonious and effective working of all its ministries? if so please say I will.
The deacon is chosen to serve but he does not function in a vacuum. As a congregation you have a responsibility as well. So let me ask you all a question -
Question - Will you, the members of First Baptist Church, acknowledge and affirm Tim Liptrap as a deacon? Will you respect him, pray for him, encourage him, and cooperate with him as he performs his duties? If you will please say, we will.
Tim, I now charge you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit that you strive to fill your office to the best of you ability by relying on and seeking divine guidance in all your work.
If you are currently and ordained deacon I ask that you would come forward.
The act of laying on of hands was established in Acts and has been followed to this day. I ask that one by one you lay on hands on brother Tim and offer him a word and a brief prayer.
As chairman of the deacons Dave I ask that you lead the congregation in a prayer for Tim.