
Congratulations
Congratulations on being elected as a deacon at Agape Baptist Church! This position reflects on your investment and sacrifice at Agape and the affirmation of your church family on your service. Being a deacon at Agape is different than other churches. The following document expounds on some of those unique features and expectations that follow.
Agape’s deacons are pivotal in leading by example, fostering unity within our congregation, and supporting Pastor Ryan and the staff through direct communication and guidance.
Responsibilities
Lead through Service: You have been selected because of how you currently serve. So, continue to demonstrate the exceptional service that led to your recognition as a Deacon. Your actions and dedication serve as a living example for our church family. Apart from select deacon responsibilities, such as Lord’s Supper, being a deacon at Agape does not come with an additional list of responsibilities.
Support the Pastor and Staff: Provide direct support to our pastor and staff, ensuring open lines of direct communication. Offer counsel and serve as a sounding board for strategic decisions impacting the church’s direction and health.
Cultivate Unity: Actively work towards cultivating a sense of unity and harmony within the church body. Engage with the congregation in ways that promote fellowship, understanding, and communal growth.
Decision-Making Influence: While there are no regularly-scheduled meetings, Agape’s deacons serve as a sounding board in the Leadership Team’s decision-making process, offering wisdom and perspective to guide the church’s future actions and strategies.
Be Present: Throughout the year, our church family has a number of activities where we need everyone to be involved (Fall Festival, VBS, Night to Shine, etc.). Be present and engaged in these activities. While participation in every activity is not required, we ask that you be involved in the majority of them.
Qualifications
Candidates for the Deacon role must meet the qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These include, but are not limited to:
• Doctrinal Orthodoxy: Deacons are expected to align with our confession of faith, The Baptist Faith and Message (2000). If you have never read through our statement of faith, please click here to access the digital version of Agape’s confession of faith. For more insight, listen to the series “Firm Foundation,” where Pastor Ryan goes through each article.
• Personal Integrity: Along with leading your family well, deacons should be above reproach in their reputation in the community.
• Financial Leadership: Deacons lead the way in sacrificial giving, which includes the practice of tithing and giving to special offerings.
• Spirit-Filled Churchmanship: Deacons must follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, using their spiritual gifts to edify and unify the body of Christ. This includes having a listening ear, extinguishing gossip, and resolving conflict biblically.
• Flexibility: While continuing to serve in their normal areas of ministry, Deacons must be flexible to jump in to serve in areas were there are scheduled and urgent needs. This includes special events and scheduled events where deacons and/or deacon wives may be needed to serve (potluck lunches, Communion Sundays, widow lunches).
I am excited that our church family has identified you as an exemplary servant of the Kingdom of God. I am thankful for you and look forward to talking with you more about this opportunity. Make no mistake, your election as a deacon is an incredible calling. After praying and discussing with your spouse, click here to continue to Step 2. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at (256) 574-5992.
In Christ,
Pastor Ryan Johnson