Verse 7)? Make me fertile ground for your inspiration and love. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Loving heavenly Father, The primary relationship of the deacons to the church is as follows: 1. Agenda Templates 10+ Church Meeting Agenda Templates in PDF | DOC. 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. We ask that we would challenge each other to reach higher and farther to be the best we can be. Overcoming Roadblocks in Ministry - Devotions for Deacons. 1:1). Every project, every season, every life. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. They help to respect peoples time, their ideas, their willingness to serve. Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Send your Spirit upon me as I serve your Church. W For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Key Bible Passages on Pastors and Deacons. Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:8-18. . Mighty God, everything you do reveals your glory and majesty. Tell her then to help me.. 3) HEARING GOD'S WORD It is important for a deacon's meeting to begin with an encouraging Word from God. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. Your will for our lives does not always reflect our plans. O c. What does this verse contribute to our overall subject? #5 - Set a quorum of deacons to be present. Focus our work on the good things that can only come from You. read more. The term translated "deacon" simply means servant. . You are God's field, God's building. You don't have deacon's meetings without the pastor present unless your goint to fire him. Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. Use your departure as a time to thank God and ask for His protection and blessings. Month-by-month lectionary readings . I will tend to the poor and the hungry, the sick and the discarded. b. I Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Deacon Bonner called meeting to order and then asked if anyone had a scripture on their heart that they wanted to share. 3. 1 Peter 5:1-11 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. c. How would you describe their relationship? Service Times8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. 1920 Northwestern AveWest Lafayette, IN 47906, Biblical Counseling in Winter Break Childcare, The Hope of Avoiding Poisonous Responses to Trials. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Please share your ideas for improved meetings. June 2022 - Called to Serve. conduct our work with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.. 12. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Thank you for the roles of deacon, elder, and minister and for the uniqueness each brings to the table. Acts 6:1-6 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a . Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. Daily/Sunday Lectionary Readings Lectionary Frequently Asked Questions Printable lectionary lists. Make [their] heart[s] like yours so [they] may love your people. 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. Blog, A Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. Pastor Viars leads and equips Faith Church as Senior Pastor with a focus on preaching and teaching Gods Word and using his organizational skills in guiding the implementation of the Faith Church mission and vision. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Having set forth the qualifications for elders, Paul now does the same for deacons. Romans 16:1: A Female Deacon (Deaconess) In Acts 6:3, the apostles appoint seven male deacons: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. You are our good Father, just and righteous. b. 2.7 Short Funny Devotionals for Essential Oils Users. Deacons hold important positions of service in their churches and shine Gods light through their words and actions. I will cross raging waters and walk through burning flames and not be afraid because You are with me through it all. Merciful God and Father, you have not only declared that we will always have the poor with us, but have also commanded us to support them in their need. : Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Steve Viars has served at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN since 1987. 1 Timothy 3:11 Verse Concepts Every deacon New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. It can be so vast and open ended that it's difficult to know what to focus on. The word deacon can be found in 1 Timothy 3:8-10. Blanket us with Your peace today, Father. Deacons bring stability for people. Having a good agenda in hand 2 or 3 days before the meeting is important. And they were accompanying him to the ship. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Remind me daily that it is an honor to be Your hands and feet. Couples Voice Prayer Jesus, my Master Potter, I pray that every morning when I wake up, You are there, right next to me and in me, to be the energy in my veins, the beat in my heart, and the voice in my throat. . You are free to use any of our devotions. Thank You for every seat that has been filled here, today. for choosing to use ordinary, average people like us to impact the world. I need to visit more, share stories more, and fellowship more. The word "deacon" means "servant." It was used of those who waited on tables serving food and did menial work.1 Deacons are the servants of the church. Is the focus of these qualifications on a mans abilities, or his character? Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 3. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.). Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.read more. Acts 20:17-38 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). Meetings of the first church have more to do with keeping in line with . What then is Apollos? They answer to the pastor as well as the congregation. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.read more.But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. b. Leading Others to God Prayer Light in the Darkness, keep my heart pure, let me do all that I can to lead others to You. Time is invested in deacon training. One of the important principles of Bible interpretation is that we must allow Scripture to interpret itself. Deacons from generations past are cheering you on from the sidelines of glory. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. Bless, we pray, our work of mercy that we all may praise and thank you, while we await the blessed appearance of your Son, Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sakes that he might enrich us with eternal treasures. Lift our eyes to seek You first today, and always, surrendering our need to achieve, understand, and be known. Ways to improve your next deacons' meeting - not painless steps to take, but they WILL reduce pain in the meeting! In a deacons meeting, a shriveled little nay-sayer looked across the way at his pastor and said, "The Bible says the deacons are to handle the business of the church." . What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. What's helpful when questions arise about purpose, is to be reminded about our calling to these roles, and how better to remember than to each meeting take a few moments and collect ourselves to remind each other what we were elected to do. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. What do these verses teach about pastoral ministry? 4. However, only You can see in perfect detail the end of every beginning. The prototypical . Deacon Pearson read Isaiah 55:9-12. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Amen. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Begin meetings by obeying this command and asking God for wisdom on all the matters on your agenda. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. Steve is the author, co-author, or contributor to six books and numerous booklets. Pray through a passage of Scripture. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 22 And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. Make [them] fertile ground for your inspiration and love. So each agenda item will be labeled one of three ways: for information, for discussion or advice (to someone, for example the pastor or a deaconal subcommittee), or for decision. The world is pulling at us from all sides, but as long as You are near, we will be able to stand firm in You. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. Proverbs 24:10 4. 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. Comfort me when I question myself and my ministry. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. They should be persons of deep faith and high moral standards (see 1 Timothy 3:8-13), committed to a life of prayer, study and other spiritual . The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. Help us to share Your word and Your truth with all who enter our presence. A Purposeful Pastor/Deacons Meeting. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Not double-tongued (v. 8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something . Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. 5. What truths was Paul trying to emphasize to these Ephesian elders? See more ideas about scripture cards, deacon, scripture printables. Kindle fervent love for the needy in the hearts of your people, that they may generously contribute to them as your stewards. Honor widows who are truly widows. Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. Help me to devote my life to best supporting the elders of the church and the congregation. He and his wife, Kris, were married in 1982 and have two married daughters, a son, and five grandchildren. Meeting people around the church and helping them get connected! All rights reserved. Invite and encourage people to share whats happening in families, at work, whats distracting them right now, whats exciting, whats discouraging, etc. In Jesus name, I pray. July 2022 - Honoring God with Our Giving. Deacons need to be able to look it over a couple of days in advance so it can percolate; we all need time to clarify our own thinking and decide what we want to say in the meeting. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. The greatest among you shall be your servant. In Your holy name, I pray. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. As we gather together, we praise You for this day and Your purpose for it. They were faithful in their time. It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ladies' Dinner and Bible 0 Comments Add a Comment Cancel. Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. The Bible teaches that all persons who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are priests with direct access to God (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). You and I must be diligent and watchful so that we are not deceived. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. What the Bible says about Deacons Topics Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8 - 1 Timothy 3:13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Forgive us for our pride. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. Give me a generous spirit when I am tired but needed. : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. It will also increase your ability to use Scripture as you minister to those inside and outside of the church. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Couples Spiritual Weapon Prayer Lord of Heavens Armies, bless my wife as she works and prays daily to be molded into the image of You. "Make every effort to preserve the unity the. When you are a pastor or administrator, you need to plan the meeting just like any other event where your group can focus on resolving important issues. Deacons are an example to people. FENCES. Often I hear deacons express an uncertainty about what is expected, and what their role actually is. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faiththat you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. They are to teach what is good. All rights reserved. We love your comments! The New American Standard Bible. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the U Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. b. Proverbs 3:5-6 3. The Four "F" Words Deacons Utter About Classis and Synod, Deacons at Classis & Synod: Moving From Formal to Focused. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? L Amen. After almost three decades of deacons . I am Your servant and desire to further Your kingdom and guide Your sheep to green pastures and eternal life with You. God, make me brave. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. In standard usage, it described someone devoted to carrying out the commands, accomplishing the will, or meeting the needs of another person. Amen. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. Grant [them] grace as [they] age so [they] may share your wisdom. I wanted to briefly share what our meeting will look . Let us marvel at your good gifts and your wise provision. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. If you are not the chair, offer to help; this business of having better meetings involves taking responsibility stepping up to the tasks. Give me the courage to overcome my shyness and be more social to further the impact I make in Your holy name. Allow us to work together as a team to confront struggles of every kind, at home, in the church, and in our community. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 24 But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. Not only could this devotional resource keep our vision fresh, but it also will invite us to explore the meaning of the phrases in the charge of deacons - encouraging us to search for ways to make this come alive in our own contexts. 2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Like deacons, elders live sincere, generous, faithful, self-controlled lives. I am Your servant and will go wherever You lead me. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. Depend on the Lord July; Pentecost; time of difficulty For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Father, : Grace Theological SeminaryD.Min. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. Scripture: 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your . And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Focus our eyes on consoling those who hurt and bringing Your light into the darkness. They are to hold to correct doctrine (v. 9). 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; Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Giving My Best to God Prayer Dear Christ in Heaven, please give me the strength, energy, and endurance to be a tireless servant in Your Church who spreads Your love. Help us to understand that we don't need full clarity to walk into the unique purpose You've inlaid in our lives. If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. But in Romans 16:1, Phoebe, a woman, is also called a diakonos. J Thank You for giving me this opportunity to work for You. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. Let us examine a final passage of Scripture regarding deacons. We love You for that, Father. Deacons are to control their appetites either for alcohol or money (v. 8). October 2022 - Sacrifice for God and Others. Having a time of devotions and prayer at your deacon's meetings is meant to facilitate a sharing of the living Word. May you find some insight from these related scripture quotes! Give me a humble heart when my work goes unnoticed. Salem Media Group. That invariably calls for a business meeting. #4 - Use simple parliamentary rules. How do you start your deacon meetings? Implications? Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Make me step out and take up new adventures. It will help develop your language of faith and help you apply Scripture. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. Open our eyes to see what you are doing in our lives. Having a good agenda in hand 2 or 3 days before the meeting is important. These. Phil. We humbly ask that You make us worthy to be Your servants. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Keep Me Grounded Prayer Lord Jehovah, Self-Existent One, I ask that You keep me grounded and on the path You have for my life. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. In the way the words are often used in Acts and the epistles, a believer in any form of ministry could be called the servant, or deacon, of Christ. But Martha was distracted with much serving. 7. Robert's Rules Of Orderis a handy reference to have on hand, but it is somewhat too detailed for the typical business meeting in a small, Baptist church. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. B.S. So they gave a dinner for him there. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Keep my breathing deep and peaceful, let anxieties roll off my back, and help me to stay focused on supporting the elders in my church. Psalm 3:5 NIV Let Your peace rain down on us today, as we seek You more than anything else. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Acts 6:1-7 1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 1. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. We have talents, abilities, and time to work. But test everything; hold fast what is good. of And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Bible scholars are generally agreed that the "office" of deacon finds its roots in Acts 6:1-7, where the early church selected seven men to assist the apostles in caring for the needs of the widows in the early church. and social character. Christ is the Head, Elders are the physical leaders of the church, deacons fall under the . My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. View Pastor Viars' Salvation Testimony Video, 5526 State Road 26 EastLafayette, IN 47905. A Psalm of David. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. Id like to think of these as a few of the disciplines of good meetings. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive. Your acts are amazing Lord. Keep the words of King David fresh in our minds, and renew our hearts to the tune of Your truth.I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach.