A Moment With Pastor Fred
I’m so thankful for the dozens of people here who are serving Christ. Ministry cannot be accomplished by the elders or ministry team alone. It takes everyone using their gifts to see the body grow. And yet there is a special group of servants in the church called “deacons.” Unfortunately, we haven’t had anyone in this role for a while – and it has bothered me. Our constitution has a place for deacons. We have addressed this situation thru-out last year as what to do about it.
Tradition or misunderstanding have obscured this noble office. In my home church deacons were ruling executives or honorary positions given to those have attended faithfully or gave generously. And yet the NT doesn’t describe them as such. Deacons and elders are not the same though most of their qualifications overlap. Elders teach, administrate, lead. By their very name we conclude deacons serve – and that changes from culture to culture. Since elders are given oversight its best to see deacons serving at the elders’ discretion – in areas where they need help. And we do need help.
We’re asking you to seriously look at the 7 men we’ve nominated to serve examining them in light of the biblical qualifications. Talk to these men – ask them questions. Pray. But also consider these virtues (found in 1 Tim 3) are to be found in you too. Character is important. And serving isn’t just for deacons. All disciples are to be humble servants. Jesus is our example. He came to serve. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many, Mk 10:45.