Deacon Ordination Service

Deacon Ordination

Introduction

This evening is a very special night in the life of LUCAS WILLIAMS and HIS Family, and for our church. Today LUCAS takes a step in the ministry to His Lord by becoming a Deacon here at First Baptist Church Georgetown; and today we honor that commitment with a service which sets him apart. Based on the nomination and approval of LUCAS Williams to serve as deacon, I would like to present a short message FOR LUCAS Williams, and ask that the rest of the church listen so that they may help hold him accountable to the tasks of a Deacon and pray for him as he faithfully serves.

Being a Deacon means that Lucas enters the leadership of our church, and I would like to pass onto him four responsibilities that are expected of Deacons from Scripture.

First, deacons are to be care-takers (1 Peter 5:1-4).

1 Peter 5:1–4 ESV

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Deacons are caretakers in the church, as God has ordained it. Although they are not the pastor, they are responsible for the membership and the care of those who attend our church. As a deacon, you will be expected to care for the members here, not only on Sunday and Wednesday but throughout the week. When you care for someone, you are demonstrating the life of Jesus Christ. You are being available for them and they need to see that in you. By setting the example of care others will follow -- always remember that.

Second, deacons are to be prayer warriors (James 5:14-16).

James 5:14 ESV

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Since the beginning of the Church, deacons have had to meet specific qualifications in order to serve. They have lived their lives upright and godly and therefore the sin in their lives is confessed regularly; therefore, they are clean before the Lord and able to pray for the others. Let’s continue on in James 5:15-16

James 5:15–16 ESV

15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

In order to have your prayers be effective, you need to be clean before the Lord; and that amplifies having a right relationship with Him. No one should ever say that they are sinless (for that is impossible), but if your sins are confessed to the Lord, it means your relationship with Him will be upright, and thus you can pray for others effectively. The key to a strong ministry is prayer -- NEVER allow your prayer life to suffer for anything that may come your way. Live your life with God first, always.

Third, deacons are to be peacemakers in the church (Acts 15:1-2).

Acts 15:1–2 ESV

1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

I read this as saying two things to the deacon of the church:

1) When your Spirit disagrees with what is being taught, it should be questioned in a way that will lead you to stand firm on your faith -- and know what you believe. Paul and Barnabas (aka "the encourager") were sent to discuss this matter because they knew it to be false doctrine.

2) Clearly we should see that Paul and Barnabas went in person to put to rest what God’s word says. They did not send someone in their place, they did not discuss the matter with others so that it would filter back (avoiding gossip) - they handled this dispute personally. Leaders in the church do not do things alone; they consult others and they agree through faith on what should be done. Note again that Paul took another with him, and we know that although Barnabas was the encourager; he was also a servant who stood faithfully on the Word of God. Being a deacon means that you may have to settle a dispute now and then; and you should handle it personally and in a godly manner. This puts to rest matters of gossip, self-promoting, or any other characteristic that is ungodly. Men of God are to rise above this, and the church expects you to do the same.

Finally, deacons are to set the example (1 Tim 3:8-10).

Deacons are different than a Pastor, they are not above a pastor but they are also responsible for the condition of the flock. 1 Tim 3:8-10

1 Timothy 3:8–10 ESV

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.

Two things come out of this verse that I want to encourage you with:

1) Deacons are leaders by setting the example in the church. You have been tested Lucas, and you will continue to be tested - remain faithful to the Lord and He will continue to lift you up and sustain you.

2) Deacons are followers by setting the example in the church. Hebrews 13:17

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Setting the example of humbleness and submission is the key to being a servant; and most importantly it amplifies Jesus’s service to us. As your Pastor I am proud and honored to have a servant who stands WITH me in the ministry to our church.

Conclusion

To sum this up: Deacons are to be leaders, care-takers, prayer warriors, peacemakers, and are responsible for setting the example of Christian behavior.I want to leave you with one thought to ponder as you embark on this journey. It comes from James 3, verse 1

James 3:1 ESV

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Be a teacher and a leader in your walk Lucas, and always allow the Lord to lead you, and you will be blessed continually.

Charge to the Candidate

​a. Do you vow to be a servant, first to Christ then to your church as long as you’re an active deacon?

The candidate will answer.

b. Do you vow to be an assistant to your pastor and do all you can to support him as God’s leader?

The candidate will answer.

c. Do you vow to be consistent in your study of the Word of God showing yourself approved and a workman unto God?

The candidate will answer.

d. Do you vow to maintain your beliefs in the Baptist Doctrine?

The candidate will answer.

e. Do you vow to live up to the qualifications of a deacon found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13?

The candidate will answer.

f. Do you vow to be a witness by sharing the gospel to those who are unbelievers?

The candidate will answer.

g. Do you vow not to neglect your family and love your wi fe as Christ loved the Church?

The candidate will answer.

h. Do you vow to faithfully tithe and encourage others to do so also?

The candidate will answer.

i. Do you vow that you will vote in the future to ordain only men who are truly qualified for the deacon ministry?

The candidate will answer.​

Charge to the Church

Congregation of First Baptist Church Georgetown, this man has now in our presence committed himself to the trust and responsibility of being a servant of this church. Will you, as a congregation, commit yourself to Christian service in partnership with this man by supporting him, praying for him daily and working along side him for the betterment of this church?

If so, please answer by saying AMEN.

After being found qualified and by his public profession of vows, and by the church committing to support him, I now ask the Ordained Ministers and Deacons to come and officially ordain him by the laying on of hands.

Laying on of Hands

Presentation of Ordination Certificate​

Closing prayer and fellowship.