SERVANT LEADERS

SERVANT LEADERS

DAY 1 QUICK REVIEW

I. THE BIBLICAL / HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF A DEACON

II. BIBLICAL / PRACTICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

III. IMPORTANCE OF ORDINATION

DAY 2 SERVING IN A CHANGING SOCITEY

I WORKING TOGETHER WITH PASTOR

II WIDOWS VS. DIVORCED VS SINGLE WITH CHIRLDREN

III TRAPS TO AVOID

DAY 3 BREAKING MYTHS

I LAYMEN

II UNTAPPED RESOURCES

III SERVICE OR TITLE (YOU DECIDE)

DAY 4 COMING TOGETHER

The Church has elected you to the honorable position of a Deacon because your life has exhibited the characteristics of faithfulness and loyalty both to the Lord and His Church. A Deacon must remember, however, that Jesus said, "The greatest among you shall be your servant." ().

Two passages in the New Testament are commonly cited concerning the Office of

Deacon: and . The word for Deacon in the New Testament

originally described a servant who "stirred up dust while waiting on tables." As a Deacon, your major attention will be given to serving God under the leadership of the Pastor

I. THE BIBLICAL / HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF A DEACON

is the passage often cited for the beginning of the office of Deacon in the

early Christian Church. Though the seven who were elected were not specifically called

"Deacons" in the technical sense, they nonetheless functioned as Deacons. The Office of Deacon probably grew out of this experience.

Without belaboring all of the details of the passage, let's look at the purpose for

which these men were selected. One reason they were chosen was to solve a problem that arose among the Church fellowship. They were called upon to preserve the harmony of the Church. Another reason was to free the apostles to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word (verse four).

The position of Deacon in is an elected one. A Deacon should certainly feel led

to serve in that position; however the initiation of that commitment rests in the hands of the local Church. It is not a position to which one appoints oneself.

II. BIBLICAL / PRACTICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

The Biblical qualifications for a Deacon are found in and in .

They are divided into two categories:

1. SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS ()

A. Full of the Holy Spirit

B. Full of wisdom

C. Full of faith

2. MORAL QUALIFICATIONS (, )

A. Worthy of respect

B. Sincere

C. Not indulging in much wine

D. Not pursuing dishonest gain

E. The husband of one wife

F. Manages his children and household well, giving evidence of spiritual leadership in

the home and modeling the biblical family (see Article XVIII, of the “The Baptist Faith

III. PRACTICAL MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL: Deacons represent an extension of the Pastoral Ministry and are considered as leader-servants of the Church. According to the teachings in , the following principles of service defines the practical duties of the Deacons.

In accordance with the meaning of the word of the New Testament, Deacon are to

recognize their roles as ministering servants of the Church. They are to be members of this Church whose character and qualifications shall be as specified in and .

The practical duties unique to 4th Street Missionary Baptist Church are the following:

1. To assist the Ministerial Staff with secondary responsibilities in order that they may

spend more time in prayer and in the ministry of the Word. (For example, with the

Visitation Ministry, and Church committees in administration matters, ministry to the sick

& needy, evangelism among the lost, etc.).

2. To give attention to the needs of the membership, especially to widows

3. To assist in resolving problems which arise fellowship and work toward unity.

4. To be examples within the fellowship of wisdom, spirituality, faithfulness, and of good

character.

5. To provide loyal support for the Pastor.

6. By having faithful attendance at Church services.

7. To encourage and participate in the organizations of the Church - Sunday School,

Music, Outreach, Children’s Ministries, etc.

8. To display a consistent commitment to stewardship and the giving of self.

9. To lead the Church in the achievement of its mission.

10. To provide personal evangelism among the lost, visitation of the sick, care for shut-ins, and the encouragement of the indifferent.

11. To have regular attendance at church functions i.e. Deacon meetings, bible study, Sunday school, afternoon worship services.

12. To participate in men’s mentoring program.

13. To participate in the Deacon of the Day duties which includes participation in the service as required and taking responsibility for securing the Church after services on Sunday.

14. To maintain a high level of confidentiality with information relating to issues which may arise within the Deacon Ministry.

IV. SPECIFIC MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES

The specific duties unique to 4th Street Missionary Baptist Church fall into three categories: Family Ministry; Spiritual Leadership; and Men’s Mentoring.

1. Family Ministry

Consistent with Biblical teaching, the foundational role of the Deacon is service to the

needy. Today, the needy can be parties with long term needs, such as: widows, shut ins, the infirmed, or families and individuals experiencing short term needs resulting from illness, financial or family crisis.

To assist in these needs, the Deacon Body confidentially administers a

benevolence program, in addition to active and practical service. In addition to the care for the needy, Deacons are called to assist in new

family Church integration. In this work, Deacons are to actively seek to integrate and

encourage new attendees to become regular attendees; to then move from regular

attendance to members; and from membership to ministry leadership.

2. Spiritual LeadershipIn that scripture, as well as the Church body, Deacons must lead by being a visible presence at Church gatherings and services. In addition to being a visible presence, as spiritual leaders, Deacons are expected to be engaged in active evangelistic service, such as: teaching, preaching, and evangelistic outreach.

As spiritual leaders, the Deacon supports the Pastoral staff by serving as a confidential sounding board, and by providing feedback to guard Church unity. Deacons are also expected to lead through public prayer, service of the Lord’s Supper, and as administers of membership accountability.

3. Men’s Mentoring

Understanding that Godly paternal leadership is critical for the spiritual health of families, the adoption of lifetime Christian principles in children, and growth of this Church, Deacons are biblically called to focus on the spiritual development of men. In this work, Deacons are to mentor, encourage, and spur men in the love and care of their family; in spiritual development; and in servant-hood through participation in projects.

V. SELECTION OF A DEACON

GENERAL: The Deacon officers, as stipulated in the Church Constitution, shall determine the number of Deacons needed. The following provisions shall serve as guidelines for nominations for election:

1. In December of each year at our church meeting the names of the Deacons will be presented.

· They must be a member for at least one year; with his membership being active (i.e., actively supporting the total program of the Church);

· He will have shown a commitment to Spiritual development by being a regular

attendee (having at least a 75% attendance rate) in Sunday School classes for the

past 6 months as indicated on the attendance sheets – extenuating circumstances

not withstanding, i.e., health issues, military deployment, special job considerations,

etc;

· He will be physically able to perform the duties of a Deacon.

Note: Previously Ordained Deacons – in good standings – will receive automatic

consideration.

VI. ORDINATION OF NEW DEACONS

An Ordination Service will be scheduled as soon as practical to ordain any men elected to the Deacon Body who are unordinated.

1. Unordained Deacon candidates will be examined by an Ordination Council to affirm their readiness.

2. A Pastor or the Chairman of Deacons will chair the Ordination Council.

3. During the Ordination Service, the newly elected Deacons will share their personal

testimony and their calling to serve as Deacon.

DAY 2 SERVING IN A CHANGING SOCITEY

I WORKING TOGETHER WITH PASTOR

II WIDOWS VS. DIVORCED VS SINGLE WITH CHIRLDREN

III TRAPS TO AVOID

VIII. TERMINATION OF DEACON SERVICE

1. His personal resignation, or;

2. His transfer of membership from

3. His removal from such office by action of the Pastor.

IX. RELATIONSHIPS OF A DEACON

The Deacon's primary relationship is to the Lord, and without this vertical relationship

being what it ought to be, his horizontal relationships will be distorted. The principle concern of a Deacon is their walk with God. Next in importance, is the Deacon's knowledge and understanding of his role in relation to his family, Pastor, Church ministries, and the Church membership at large.

1. Relationship to the Deacon’s Family

The New Testament mentions a Deacon's responsibility in relation to his wife and

children; therefore, the Church feels that a Deacon should give his family first priority in his devotion, care and ministry.

2. Relationship to the Pastor.

A. A Deacon should serve under the leadership and spiritual direction of the Pastor

and should be loyal to the Pastor in prayer support, encouragement and

fellowship.

B. The families look to the Pastor for giving overall leadership and administration to the Church and its ministry. The Church therefore expects the Deacons to respect the office of Pastor and to welcome the unique opportunity to learn from and serve with the Pastor. As a Deacon functions in the practical ministry of the Church, the Pastor are freed to give attention to prayer and

the ministry of the Word.

3. Relationship to Church Ministries

Nowhere in the New Testament is there even a hint that the Deacon Body is to function

as a board of directors, or as administrators of the Church's business affairs. Deacons are servants first and last. As spiritual and servant leaders, the Deacon Body is available for council, guidance, and accountability for Church ministries. Out of courtesy, ministry leaders may consult with the Deacon Body concerning actions or recommendations, for information, and for feedback. The Deacon Body may indicate support or give counsel, but not instruct ministry leaders as to what they can or cannot propose to the Church for official action.

4. Relationship to Church Members

Deacons are to be active in ministry to the Church family, and to promote peace,

harmony, and a spirit of cooperation and unity among the membership. The primary

relationship of the Deacons to the Church is as follows:

A. Deacons are to be problem solvers and preservers of Church harmony. Robert

Naylor, former President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in his book,

The Baptist Deacon, wrote concerning the Deacon's responsibility to preserve

harmony in the Church: "When a man becomes a Deacon, he loses the privilege, if

such exists, of participating in a Church row. A member of the ranks may claim that

often-abused privilege, 'speaking his mind.' When a man becomes a Deacon--

selected and called by the Holy Spirit, chosen by the Church, dedicated by personal

choice--he forfeits the right to promote in any fashion, a division in the life of the

Church. The one inescapable duty of the Deacon in the New Testament was the

protection of the Church fellowship. When things arise that are divisive, it is time for a

Deacon who believes the Book to stand up and say: "We cannot do it this way in this

Church. We must have harmony and peace if we are to follow Christ." That could

make the difference between a great, fruitful Church and an ineffective, dried-up

one."

As an example, every Deacon carries two imaginary buckets: one of water and one

of gasoline. He determines in many situations whether he will help put out the fires of

disharmony or if he will fuel the problem.

B. Deacons are to be active in ministry. This will enable the Pastor to feed the flock

faithfully and to be able to spend the necessary time in prayer for God's direction and

inspiration in leading the Church.

DAY 3 BREAKING MYTHS

I LAYMEN

II UNTAPPED RESOURCES

III SERVICE OR TITLE (YOU DECIDE)

DAY 4

Deacon Questionnaire

The Deacon Ministry

AN OVERVIEW OF THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES

DEACON BIBLICAL / PRACTICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

The word "Deacon" means servant or minister and came to be used by the Church to

designate a special position in the Church. The Deaconship, therefore, signifies a position of special Christian service. Both the Scripture and the dignity of the office demand a person of the highest spiritual, moral and practical qualifications:

1. SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS ()

A. Full of the Holy Spirit.

B. Full of Wisdom.

C. Full of Faith.

2. MORAL QUALIFICATIONS (, )

A. Worthy of respect

B. Sincere

C. Not indulging in much wine

D. Not pursuing dishonest gain

E. The husband of one wife

F. Manages his children and household well, giving evidence of spiritual leadership in

the home and modeling the biblical family

PRACTICAL DUTIES

GENERAL: Deacons represent an extension of the Pastoral Ministry and are considered as leader-servants of the Church. According to the teachings in , the following principles of service defines the practical duties of the Deacons. In accordance with the meaning of the word of the New Testament, Deacons are to

recognize their roles as ministering servants of the Church. They are to be members of this Church whose character and qualifications shall be as specified in and .

The practical duties are the following:

1. To assist the Ministerial Staff with secondary responsibilities in order that they may

spend more time in prayer and in the ministry of the Word. (For example, with the

Visitation Ministry, and Church committees in administration matters, ministry to the sick & needy, evangelism among the lost, etc.).

2. To give attention to the needs of the membership, especially to widows

3. To assist in resolving problems which arise within the church fellowship and work toward unity.

4. To be examples within the fellowship of wisdom, spirituality, faithfulness, and of good

character.

5. To provide loyal support for the Pastor.

6. By having faithful attendance at Church services.

7. To encourage and participate in the organizations of the Church - Sunday School,

Music, Outreach, Children’s Ministries, etc.

8. To display a consistent commitment to stewardship and the giving of self.

9. To lead the Church in the achievement of its mission.

10. To provide personal evangelism among the lost, visitation of the sick, care for shut-ins, and the encouragement of the indifferent.

11. To have regular attendance at Deacon meetings.

12. To participate in men’s mentoring program.

13. To participate in the Deacon of the Day duties which includes participation in the service as required and taking responsibility for securing the Church after services on Sundays.

14. To maintain a high level of confidentiality with information relating to issues which may arise within the Deacon Ministry.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The specific duties fall into three categories: Family Ministry; Spiritual Leadership; and Men’s Mentoring.

1. Family Ministry

Consistent with Biblical teaching, the foundational role of the Deacon is service to the

needy. Today, the needy can be parties with long term needs, such as: widows, shut ins, the infirmed, or families and individuals experiencing short term needs resulting from illness, financial or family crisis. To assist in these needs, the Deacon Body confidentially administers a benevolence program, in addition to active and practical service. In addition to the care for the needy, Deacons are called to assist in new family Church integration. In this work, Deacons are to actively seek to integrate and encourage new attendees to become regular attendees; to then move from regular attendance to members; and from membership to ministry leadership.

2. Spiritual Leadership

In that scripture, as well as the Church body, Deacons must lead by being a visible presence at Church gatherings and services. In addition to being a visible presence, as spiritual leaders, Deacons are expected to be engaged in active evangelistic service, such as: teaching, preaching, and evangelistic outreach.

As spiritual leaders, the Deacon Body supports the Pastoral staff by serving as a confidential sounding board, and by providing feedback to guard Church unity. Deacons are also expected to lead through public prayer, service of the Lord’s Supper, and as administers of membership accountability.

3. Men’s Mentoring

Understanding that Godly paternal leadership is critical for the spiritual health of families, the adoption of lifetime Christian principles in children, and growth of this Church, Deacons are biblically called to focus on the spiritual development of men. In this work, Deacons are to mentor, encourage, and spur men in the love and care of their family; in spiritual development; and in servant-hood through participation in projects.

DEACON QUESTIONNAIRE

Name: __________________________________________ Date: ________________

Birthdate: _________________ Date Joined __________________

Joined by: [ ] Letter [ ] Statement [ ] Baptism [ ] Other

Please attach a photograph

in this area.

(Optional)

Please briefly describe your salvation experience and name of Church where you were

baptized.______________________________________________________________

Have you ever been ordained as a Deacon? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, give name of Church:_______________________________________________

Do you feel you can conscientiously support

the total church program? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Are you willing to serve as a Deacon? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Have you read the qualifications of a Deacon

in and ? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Has your wife read these Scriptures? [ ] Yes [ ] No

(Please read them carefully together).

Are you faithful in your stewardship by tithing

to 4th Street Missionary Baptist Church? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Do you currently have a daily quiet time? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Will you be able to actively participate in

any Outreach Ministry ? [ ] Yes [ ] NoIf not, why? ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Are you willing to abide by the Church

constitution/bylaws? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Would you be willing to give a testimony

before the church and submit to the

questioning of an ordaining council? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Would you object to this questionnaire

being reviewed by the Deacon Confirmation

Committee? (Your response will be kept

confidential by this committee.) [ ] Yes [ ] No

Do you adhere to the “Baptist Faith? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Can you be faithful in attendance at the

regular Deacon meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No

One of the responsibilities for a Deacon

is to be available to assist the Pastor in

receiving new members at the worship

services. Would you make yourself available

to assist the pastor after being trained? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Have you ever been trained to share your

faith? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, what training did you receive?

Would you be willing to accept "Deacon of

the Day"

[ ] Yes [ ] No

Do you personally feel that you provide loving,

godly leadership for your home, and that you

are committed to managing your children with

Christ-like principles? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Please list below the areas where you feel you are spiritually gifted, are serving or desire to serve in the life of our Church: (e.g.. worship service, Bible Study, choir, outreach, etc.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

Please briefly give your views on the following and cite Scripture references:

· State your belief about salvation and what you believe about the security of the believer:

· What do you believe about the authority and inspiration of the Scripture?

· In your opinion, what is the mission of the Church?

· What do you believe the Bible teaches about the Deacon's responsibilities to the home?

· Briefly explain who the Holy Spirit is, and what He does for believers and what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Remarks or comments on any of the previous questions:

__________________________________ ___________________________

Signature Date