Elder & Deacon Affirmation

Introduction

This morning, we want to take a moment to recognize and affirm our elders and deacons. Not only is it helpful for all of us to see who our deacons and elders are, but to collectively affirm their place in their respective offices. To be clear, all the men standing before you have been put forth for their office to the membership of the church and have received an affirmative vote. What we do this morning is to publically recognize the significance of their office in the life of our church.

You should know that the deacon and elder boards typically meet monthly, and more recently, both boards meet together for a meal and discuss matters of the church together for about 45 minutes. While we have distinct roles, we desire to work cooperatively for God’s glory.

What I will do is address each board with a series of questions that serve to clarify what each office does and the commitment these men have made. I will also ask the members of Grace BFC questions that call for us to make certain commitments to these men as our leaders. These questions are taken from the BFC Principles of Order.

Deacons

Deacons are gifts to the church. They are devoted to caring for the needs of the church and safeguarding the ministry of the Word among the body by seeing to these needs so the elders are free to shepherd and teach.

The qualifications of Deacons are outlined in Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:8–13 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. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Our deacons are: say their names

Men, I have questions for you. Please answer I do to each one.

Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and conduct?

Do you accept the position of deacon in the congregation and promise faithfully to perform this ministry of service?

Do you promise to promote the purity, peace, and unity of the church?

Members of Grace BFC, please answer I do to the following questions:

Do you, the members of this church, acknowledge and receive these brothers as deacons?

Do you promise to give them all of the honor, encouragement, and support in the Lord to which this position entitles them?

Pray for the deacons

Elders

Ephesians 4:11–12 ESV

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

The Apostle Paul was encouraging the Ephesian church by making sure they understood that the men who served as their shepherd-teachers were gifts to their church. The church is meant to have leaders… qualified men who lead and serve the church with faithfulness.

The qualifications of elders are also outlined in Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:1–7 ESV

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Our elders are, in addition to me: say their names

Men, I have questions for us. Please answer the following questions:

Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and conduct? (I do)

Are you in agreement with the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church? (I am)

Will you endeavor to follow the Principles of Order of the Bible Fellowship Church? (I will)

Do you accept the position of elder in the congregation and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof? (I do)

Do you promise to promote the purity, peace and unity of the church? (I do)

Members of Grace BFC, please answer I do to the following questions:

Do you, the members of the church, acknowledge and receive these brothers as elders?

Do you promise to yield them all honor, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord to which his position entitles him?

Pray for the elders