Our Diaconal Service and It's Leadership
Notes
Transcript
Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
The churches has
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Marianne and I were leading wilderness trips to teach God’s Word and intential Christian communit, and perhaps most of all a servanthood, minstry mindedness to aspiring camp counselors. Imagine we are on such a trip, and after a roaring fire of a start, someone thinks oh let’s build it up again, dumps on wet woods sapplings, got 10 people blowing from that direction, 10 from another, one says put it out and pouring water on it to start agin, another, gas, whole stack of wood we trecked in over there, a hatcheet for kindling but those kids are fooing around. Turn around see another group suposed to be collecting dry twigs fighting. Sigh. Kind of the shape of the church in Epehseus and Paul indeitfied the heart of the wrong way of churching in these false teachers - have a distorted indeed false gospel - so they church emphasizing everything but the gospel - rituals, speculations, visions, strict legalistic rules, take advanatage of weaker in the congreation. It’s a mess. But Paul explains they WHY of the churrch -1:4 stewrad the gospel and it will result in look a
Dea
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
But thta can only come from experience of God’s Law and Gospel working in the right way in our lives: So the first trustworthy saying is given:
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
That’s the why , purpose and intended result of churching. But then Paul gives us the HOW in chapter 2 - two essential tools for turnign a church taht’ become an ember into a flaming fire of passionate love for God and enighbour,. Surprising that it has nothing of what current discussion of church is: renewal, instituional reogranization, redeployment of resources, finanaical suppport; nope what many are starting to see the ordinary means of grace! These aer the tools by which Christ buiods his church: And Paul mentions prayer and then the procalmiation of the Word. Ths was a call to see whether the propehsy of the OT about the temple being turned into the church in every place, calling onthe name of the Lord, and Paul says with God’s desire courising through us - the admin of the gospel - all saved, -tatoted neighbour, kinds and presidents, pr for slavation but also peace order of our land, and the mnsitry of the church - do we pray,
But the second tool comes in the first imoerative of the letter, LEARN QUIETL. This is notof course this presumes that one is to teach authoritiatively the Word of Christ from the Scirpture, but not disorer of opnions, tongues, personal prohesies. thaksgvvign - We are to come to hear Jesus’ voice through his word , from those tested and rodained to lead by His word. . Not be distracted from Paul’s intent for the church with the question of gender roles.
But then after giving us the Why of the church and the how of the church, Paul does something that is often overlooked. In our camping scenario -everyone wanted a fire, the WHY, and they hasd the HOW all around them, What was the problem? It is the WHO. Fasicantating 10 year study f comapnies like Gilette, Bank, started out good, but things cahged faced a crisis - and they became great companies. Jim Collins studied thos companies and saw what they had in common. One was the hedge hog principle - they ofcused on t the one thing they were called to do, the Why. But another one was the Who’s on the Bus Principle. Before companies defined their why, leadership was important - unless the right leadrs with common comimtent values and character - woudn’t matter if you had good idea or good methods. The principle was not only theat you have to get the right poeole on the bus, but the right ones off the bus (in terms of leadership), and listen get them on the right spots on the bus! And that is what Paul give sus and rember that second trsutworthy saying:
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
Remebver its not the people or even the desire that is noble - but it is the task - that is really Christ’s task through certain leaders among us that is noble. For instance we read in
I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.
That’s what Jesus came to do and what he appointed not just apostles but after them elders to do in leading God’s house, as 3:4 puts it just a father managing his household so to an elder caring for God’s church. And just like with those comanies, as Christ raises up eqips, qualifies such leadrs who will really lead the way he does, we are to give ourselves to their leadership - direction, correction their encouragment. But Paul now goes on to say that’s not just in the area of spiritual oversight and teaching of the Word, this also must happen in another area if we are to churchthe way Christ wants us to. And that area is disguised in our text with a Greek word for a very commn and simpole one in the New Tesament. Diakonia - simply means serve, serving, service.
KEY TRUTH: The diaconal service of Christians requires the coroidnation, instruction, encouraging of godly Deacon Leaders.
Before I unpack our need for deaconss, and Christ’s gracious provision f their presence and work with us, however, you need to feel how vital this diaconal work, this serving work is to you being and doing church!
A. The Diaconal Call of Every Christian
Ever heard the question: What is the sound of one hand clapping? Kind of like what’s the result of a church with light but no heat, or faith but no works, or worship but no service. We see this in the ministry of Jesus. John Mark uses the same word for deacon in describing Christ’s ministry:
For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
In the press of Jesus proclaiming the gospel the kingdom of God, multitudes flock for healing, for change, reahcing out to him in hope, and what does he do in those moements, not just minstiry of the word, but he feeds, he heals. What is ministry to these people, he attended to them all! And he taught the same would be expected of his followers: snot Polycarp: Deacons serve according to God’s own service to us… Life is Beautifu = God is the first servant! Serving as God Served
But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
That is not just commanded of all, but as Jesus leaves this earth and says I was ssent so now, you he says Polycarp
That is not just commanded of all, but as Jesus leaves this earth and says I was ssent so now, you he says Polycarp
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
And so it is no wonder that anyone who serves the Gosepl is called ilke Jesus a servant a deacon, I am among you as one who is deaconing… so you too. So look what Paul calls himself , a deacon of Christ.
Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
Likewise the deacons should be blameless before the Lord's righteousness, as servants of God and Christ and not of men; not slanderers, or double-tongued, not lovers of money, temperate in all matters, compassionate, careful, living according to the truth of the Lord, who became a “servant of all”; to whom, if we are pleasing in the present age, we shall also obtain the age to come, inasmuch as he promised to raise us from the dead. if anoyone servant of all…
= all of us are to have a diaconate by the mercy of God
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
My deaconing. Long list of deaons men and weom in this genreal way. John Macaruther asks how many deacons - whole church serving.
And that is the gernal sense of this word in all but two cases, psobbily make it three. Look at how it is used, in our text, Deacons Likewise to elders must be…
and
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
How are these two uses different?
B. The Emerging OFFICE of Deacon
As followers of Jesus embrace the gospel kicked out of the synagogues, comes from the nations, organized in the body of Christ the church, eventually not right away after apsotles and others establish these churches, as some matured and tested, after Paul’s first missionary journey,in going back appoint elders among yourself. In Crete Paul says - Titus appiontthem. That minsitry of spiritual oversight leadership . But just like the gospel is to reusl in us tansformed and empowered to all the good works that Christ has ordained for us. Just like the minsitry of Chirst was one of both WORD but in the real life situation of people lives inDEEDS. So too ealy on the church says we need some organization and leadership for this work of mercy , service, justice.
Wht did people say about Christan - bheold how they love one another and even the outcasts, the children we leave out for exposure… Letter. Caring for the poor springs frm God’s care our our spiritual poversty.
For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Caring for the por was not down in the name of human copmassion or poltiical agenda, not done as social justice warrior, but this Faith in Jesus, bleong ing to him was integral for how they reached out. And so at the earliest stage of setting leaders asdie for this work of service look how it is described:
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Do you remeber the context, not only Christian widows going hungry, those stayed in Jerusaelm without family or means,, but it was ethnic problem of Hlellenistic ones. The church is doing amazing things for those in need, colutnariily and as needs arise,s no one too much and non one too little. Sacrficially give for well being of others. But did you notice that this service of tables is desiginated to men full of faith, as full as the apotles I would say, but didiing the minstry repsonsilbies up so that the apostles devote themselve sto what - spiritual oversitght - what two activities and in what order PRAYER and the Proclamatio of the Word. And these men were chosen from among yourselves, and then orained with the layin gon of hands! Not called deacons though the work is established here, and the task of receiving funds and distrubuting them is given!
Stage 2. Well, the Christians scatter from that time when still meeting in the Temple and synagogues, to establishing churches. When Paul writes Philippians about ayear or two before this one, there are disgnated elders in Philppi. Christ has returned the apostic age is going to close and now in 1 Timothy the qualification s for this office are givinen for a job that the church new very well, so that churches until Christ returns again, effectie not only in gospel proclamation and prayer but in service and minsitry of mercy! Not the same task of a government for all citzins of the land, but Christina mercy and love and serice in a way combined with the gospel of Jesus!
So Paul says in
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
If we are just a goroup of Christan who get salvation grow in knoweldge of doctrine and wait for heaven, or even prayer for this world, we are one hand clapping. Can’t live our lives sowing tot he flesh but to the Spirit and that will mean recognizing all the opprotunities to sow good deeds in our church reltaionships here, with other;s in need in Church of Christ around the world, from India to Ehtiopia to Steve F labouring on Jane and Finch in Toronto. But also one who loses a jhob here, hospital visits lie craz in eed of rides, meals,
And we need to recgonize that the deacon’s job is not just arrange offering but delviery of real care and heop and service , from God’s people to those in need. That’s not going to happen well and thoughtfully in private charity alone. Need deacons, right people on our bus, in the right seats to lead us. To challenge us to just living sowing to the flesh and say here how you can sow to the SPirit in service in your giving. Goes hand in hand iwth how eldres, and teaching elders over see and encourage or spiritual lives. Thank our deacons reveiwing the causes we give to, aware that members beyond offerings, giving prayer, volunteering, even teaching, sorting cloths, making meals - delivering them. Opprortunity to partner more deeply in Ehtipopia but also in our city, youth haven New Market.
C. Who Does Diaconal Work:
But that brings us to the heart of Paul’s concern in Ephesus - who should tdo this diaconal work and how. And then answer here comes in too sections. The first began like the elders, an elder must be . Then our passages says Deacons LIKEWISE must be… and Women not their wives, but Greek word for Women LIKEWISE must be . LIKEWISE word for something second and third in a list. And the command is the same, must be, and the qualities between the deacons and the women even mirror each other. Let’s look at the deacons first.
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
Dignified, means respectable. It means thoughtful and reliable. They are realisitc and bring a bold persepctive. Not double tongued is speaking about their sincerety. They don’t say one thing to apersons face, and tehn go home or go to others say something else. One commentoraator said, they wouldn’t be afraid to take the family parrot - who hears and repats all that’s said aroudn the dinner table and while in the family room, and sell it to the town’s gossip. Take the google speaker and let anyone hear … . So their overall bearing dignified, their tongue sincere, what’s next. REally not addicted to two things: wine or money. Some people live their lives drunk on alcohol or drugs, others drunk on money - Do you get that a deacon wh is engaged in using moneyand resources and motivating others too, can’t lack self-contorl but must model restraint and effectiveness. Last area faith. Just like the 7, including Stephen, full of faith!
They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
Now their calling is not to teach the faith the way an elders is, thoughsome ofthem will like Stephen. But their calling as a deacon requires holding to the mystery of faith. NOt an usolved puzzle, but mystery oin the OT was how God forigves sin. The answer in the NT, is msytery of ages revealed in the atonement of Christ. That’s the centre of Christ once hidden now revealed.
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
But more fully it is all the rsults that flow from being recniled to God through Christ:
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
A deacon must be one who embraces that reality of Christ in them with great reverence. It’ like
“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’
“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
It is in your mouth - in your heart, in Christ and HIs word. And it doesn’t sy hold to the faith, which owuld empshaize the body of apostlic doctrine, which is a must, but the mephasis is on the personal trust and reliance on Jesus in daily life. You rely and hold to Him. Do you remember the illustration I used for revulsion, that our sin should revolt us - spinach juice in my potatoes. gag. Well now the oppostie that is what - to relish something. LIke all my lifebalnd white buns, hotdog, simple ketchup, mustard reliish. force it down. Then moved out on my own, married, grocery store saw something called - zuchini relish - hmm never had that before. Willie’s - wow zowa - Relish -really enjoy my hotdog or sauge on a bun, - relish oall th expolsion of floavour. We are to relish the gospel in the way taht not only penetrates our sols, but with a deaon look at the s3econ dpart of 3:9 hold Christ with a clear conscience.
Looking for men - who not only have the gospel in their soul, but it is now informing their life and daily behviour how - they parent, work, vote. And especially how they show up at meetings, and meet with people in need and each other. and as they lead with administration and advice and comfort they do it with the gospel. You know some of the best opproutnities to share the gospel come when we are meeting peopole in their need - need gospel men to lead us in this work!
And so Paul says make sure they are tested. Doesn’t mean an officail deacon test, nor a probationary period, it means the congregation and teh council test each’s reputation . When you affirm a nomination in vote, when you evalutate yourself, - like a sponge - what’s in a life, you know when that is revealed? When qsqueezed by the trials and opprotunies i of your life - shat’w squeezed out is what your life is full of.
But now comes the most interesting and controversial part of the text. This third category, whic is not a spearte office ,that is wedged in this description of the deacons office.
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
As I mentioned only Greek word their is women. Could be deaconess, but doesn’t use word for deacon or feminine form of it. Could be the women of these deacons, but then we have the greek word for their . But parallel’s overseers, and deacons, and actually has those four characteristics necessary for a deacon: dignified, how use tongue, self-control - and faithful! So clear from chapter 2 not a position of ldeadership , not with laying on of hands. But a vital ministry of caring with the deacons. Letter to Trajan reporting on Christians in the area of Turkey in 112AD women called deaconesses. Clearly a postion but not the same a deacons. POinting to real partnership that we see in Paul’s minstry , and with Jesus. NOt the misnitery of oversight in the household of God, but vital minsitry of servie: Phoebe, Eudia, Synteche Tabitha, Character and mnistry in the OT of Ruth, Deborah, Abigail, Widow of Zerapath. Thin of th women who minsitered to Jesus and of Mary. All imopratnt roles of minstry in God’s kingdom. Sad effect of women in office controversy is that it just becomes about equal rights, and not unique roels compeleting ing for minstry. Sad to say but often I think it has resulted in less minsitry of both men and wmoen, not wanting to step on toes.
But in the pastorals we see the household of God structued as our family households - with vital ministiry of Chrsit like leadership of those qualified men, both as elders and deacons who also are called to leadership which is why Paul contnues and fnishes off his description:
Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
who mage household wll, and women actively and willingly parnerishing. That is why thse four characteristics of goldy women serving like this so contrast the women mentioned in 1 Timtohy 5 and 2 nd Timothy 3 - live with lack of self control really Jezebels and like Potphars’ wife. The model as seen in the PEpistels is like a family - borsthers and sisters, faithers and mothers in the faiht. Lots of older women teaching, engaged in the lifves of yournger women. HOusehold serving together.
And that brings us to the conclusion:
D. There is reward for diaconal leadership and ministry among us!
What can we expect if we seek out deacons wh will lead us in our diaconal calling as Christians here at Covenant? YOu who are deacons what can you seek from the Lord as you do your office with us, partenring with us and we with you?
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.
The reward which is biblical to seek, nand to not seek is unbibilcal is taht the Lord will bless you as you exhbit these qualities in your leadin gof us, with one blessing among men, and another in your relatiosnhip with God. Among us you will gain a good standing, granted influence - actually find otehrs seeking to seerve and suport and a leader has follwers, not to put yo on the pedestal.
But you make that pohne call we need someone to heolp so and so - engaged together with us like that. We have this appeal from our missionaries. Need someone to write a letter of support and promiote prayer for Deirdre in Carleton…
But not only with influence will God bless you, look at the end of the verse. Great confidence, in Christ Jesus. Who are the people who acocpmlish muuch in this world, whether athletics or business, or charity - they are people who have the guts to put themselves out there, to risk - people with bold confidence. Do you have that with Christ, I my relationship with King Jesus in my servie to Him here, - I will take bold step out in fatih.
Every living Chruch true to its call, equipped with every gift for not just office,s but every position of ministry -. We have the two offices of the church, but the main office and its is mentioned here is the priesthood of all believers, follwooing the leadershi pof Christ in their elders and deacons, growing in faith and working by love.
Reformation, Chalmers day in Scotland, formal organization , all trellis little vine. But diaconate… Ministry was thus maintained as a vital organism rather than as a mere organization.
Likewise the deacons should be blameless before the Lord's righteousness, as servants of God and Christ and not of men; not slanderers, or double-tongued, not lovers of money, temperate in all matters, compassionate, careful, living according to the truth of the Lord, who became a “servant of all”; to whom, if we are pleasing in the present age, we shall also obtain the age to come, inasmuch as he promised to raise us from the dead. if anoyone servant of all…
And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
Ahtanasius - doubole tongued, = preach another gospel.. like in Galatia
Letter of Polycarp 5.2.
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Well known offices by this time, since FOCUS ON DEMANOUR AND CHARACTER = CLhalmers issue too!
Well known offices by this time, since FOCUS ON DEMANOUR AND CHARACTER = CLhalmers issue too!
Chalmers: said, “An affirmation of the ministerial calling is the inevitable result of a life rightly lived, gifts rightly shared, and proficiencies in handling both Scripture and adversity amongst those who might best be able to judge a candidate’s sincerity: his neighbors.” Accountability is thus assured. He believed that by holding candidates for the eldership ministry to this twin standard, both “the integrity of the Church’s divine offices” and the “vitality of every other calling to which believer priests might be appropriately inclined” would be preserved. The result was that mere desire, opportunity, inclination, professional preparation, or even obvious aptitude alone was insufficient to commend a man to the pulpit. And despite the need for faithful pastoral servants, all manner of haste in discerning the authenticity of calling was carefully avoided (1 Tim. 5:22). Ministry was thus maintained as a vital organism rather than as a mere organization.
Chalmers: said, “An affirmation of the ministerial calling is the inevitable result of a life rightly lived, gifts rightly shared, and proficiencies in handling both Scripture and adversity amongst those who might best be able to judge a candidate’s sincerity: his neighbors.” Accountability is thus assured. He believed that by holding candidates for the eldership ministry to this twin standard, both “the integrity of the Church’s divine offices” and the “vitality of every other calling to which believer priests might be appropriately inclined” would be preserved. The result was that mere desire, opportunity, inclination, professional preparation, or even obvious aptitude alone was insufficient to commend a man to the pulpit. And despite the need for faithful pastoral servants, all manner of haste in discerning the authenticity of calling was carefully avoided (1 Tim. 5:22). Ministry was thus maintained as a vital organism rather than as a mere organization.
Well known offices by this time, since FOCUS ON DEMANOUR AND CHARACTER = CLhalmers issue too!
Well known offices by this time, since FOCUS ON DEMANOUR AND CHARACTER = CLhalmers issue too!
Chalmers: said, “An affirmation of the ministerial calling is the inevitable result of a life rightly lived, gifts rightly shared, and proficiencies in handling both Scripture and adversity amongst those who might best be able to judge a candidate’s sincerity: his neighbors.” Accountability is thus assured. He believed that by holding candidates for the eldership ministry to this twin standard, both “the integrity of the Church’s divine offices” and the “vitality of every other calling to which believer priests might be appropriately inclined” would be preserved. The result was that mere desire, opportunity, inclination, professional preparation, or even obvious aptitude alone was insufficient to commend a man to the pulpit. And despite the need for faithful pastoral servants, all manner of haste in discerning the authenticity of calling was carefully avoided (). Ministry was thus maintained as a vital organism rather than as a mere organization.
Chalmers: said, “An affirmation of the ministerial calling is the inevitable result of a life rightly lived, gifts rightly shared, and proficiencies in handling both Scripture and adversity amongst those who might best be able to judge a candidate’s sincerity: his neighbors.” Accountability is thus assured. He believed that by holding candidates for the eldership ministry to this twin standard, both “the integrity of the Church’s divine offices” and the “vitality of every other calling to which believer priests might be appropriately inclined” would be preserved. The result was that mere desire, opportunity, inclination, professional preparation, or even obvious aptitude alone was insufficient to commend a man to the pulpit. And despite the need for faithful pastoral servants, all manner of haste in discerning the authenticity of calling was carefully avoided (). Ministry was thus maintained as a vital organism rather than as a mere organization.
My prof George Scipione in Timothy, Titus & yoou. “If it is true that what the leadership is in microcosm, the congregation will become in macrocosm (and it is true!), then the character of those who fill the office of deacon as well as that of elder is of utmost importance. We must pray for such leadership. We must seek such leadership. As is the leadership, so is the church.
The trajectories of our lives are of paramount importance. If we are off a bit, it may not show much at first. But it will be perceptible in a decade. And many years down the road our wrong example will lead many far astray and leave our churches in ruins.” Let us follow the advice of Scripture to God's glory. There is no better wa
MIcorcosm macrocosm, - small deviation lasting long term consequence, God master of rcorrectring, wiulling:
Footwashing ceremony on Maunday Thrusday - taken part, but NOT a SACRAMENT = A CALL FOR DIALY DEACON SERVICE = How ironic then that the very act that Jesus used to dramatize the call to deacon-service - foot-washing - was made a ceremonial act. According to Canon 3 of the 17th Synod of Toledo (A.D. 694), foot-washing was made obligatory throughout the churches of Spain and Gaul. Over the years the postured humility of washing the feet of the poor became a public performance by leaders of church and state. For example, in 1530 Cardinal Wolsey "washed, wiped and kissed the feet of 59 poor men at Peterborough." The English Royals did this with typical panache. In 1213 King John washed the feet of the poor, giving thirteen pence to each of the thirteen fortunate washees, an event that became known as the Royal Maundy. An entry some 400 years later in the Chapels Royal Register records that "on Maundy Thursday, April 1685, our gracious King James ye 2nd was'd, wip'd and kiss'd the feet of 52 poor men with wonderful humility." Right!
To the present Royals' credit, Royal Maundy continues today but without the foot-washing and affected hypocrisy of earlier centuries, as elderly people who have served others are honored with financial gifts for their years of service. The officials still wear towels as aprons, and the queen and her attendants still carry bouquets of fragrant herbs and flowers, as the sovereigns did in the days of the plague to guard against the risk of infection.
Nevertheless, the range of ecclesiastical history demonstrates how prone the church has been to miss the point.
CONCLUSION: MIcorcosm macrocosm, - small deviation lasting long term consequence, God master of rcorrectring, wiulling:
If it is true that what the leadership is in microcosm, the congregation will become in macrocosm (and it is true!), then the character of those who fill the office of deacon as well as that of elder is of utmost importance. We must pray for such leadership. We must seek such leadership. As is the leadership, so is the church.
The trajectories of our lives are of paramount importance. If we are off a bit, it may not show much at first. But it will be perceptible in a decade. And many years down the road our wrong example will lead many far astray and leave our churches in ruins.
Let us follow the advice of Scripture to God's glory. There is no better wa