DEACON ELECTION: Deacon’s Duties
October 6, 2024

Sunday, October 6, 2024 AM
DEACON ELECTION: Deacon’s Duties
Mike Teel, Pastor

Focal Passage:

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. —Acts 6:1-7

HISTORICAL OF A DEACON

Acts 6:1-7 is the passage often cited for the beginning of the office of the deacon in the early Christian church.
–The seven who were elected by the body were not specifically called “deacons” in the technical sense, they nonetheless functioned as deacons.

3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. —Acts 6:3

–The office of the deacon most likely grew out of this experience and is named in I Timothy 3:8-12.

THE DUTIFUL OF THE DEACONS

–Much of the duties or mission of the deacon is developed from the multiple relationships he enjoys in his personal and public life.
–Let’s examine a few of them:

1. RELATIONSHIP TO THE

–The primary relationship of a deacon, as with every believer, is to his LORD.

11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” —Romans 10:11-13

–Without the vertical relationship (God), the horizontal relationships (other people) will be distorted.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” —Matthew 22:37-40

2. RELATIONSHIP TO HIS

–Next in importance in his role is his relationship to his family.
–The New Testament mentions (and we will look at it next week) his relationship to his wife and children.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. —I Timothy 3:12

3. RELATIONSHIP TO HIS AND

–A deacon should serve under the leadership and spiritual direction of the Pastor and Pastoral staff and be loyal to them in prayer, support encouragement and followship.

17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. —Hebrews 13:17

–As a deacon functions in the practical ministry of the church, he partners with the Pastor and staff in ministering to the members of the church.

4. RELATIONSHIP TO CHURCH TEAMS

–The deacon body gives counsel and support to but does not have control of church ministry teams. Each team reports to the church and the pastor.
–It is not the deacon’s responsibility to oversee unless leading that ministry but participate in the ministry teams.

5. RELATIONSHIP TO CHURCH AT LARGE

–The deacons are to be active in ministry to the church family, promoting peace, harmony and a spirit of cooperation among the members Acts 6:1.

A. Deacons can perform as problem solvers and preservers of church harmony.

–Every deacon carries two imaginary buckets: one of water and one of gasoline. He determines in many situations whether he will help put out fires of disharmony or if he will fuel the problem.

B. They are to be active in ministry to support the pastor as he feeds the flock faithfully.

–In doing their part, the pastor and staff is also able to spend the time needed in prayer and ministry of the Word for God’s direction to lead in vision casting for the church.

DUTIES OF DEACONS

1. Lead the church in the achievement of its .

MISSION STATEMENT: To love others by helping them KNOW Christ personally, GROW in Christ persistently and GO with Christ passionately.

2. Minister the gospel to believers and unbelievers by developing with them.

11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. —I John 4:11

3. for the church’s members and others in the community.

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. —James 5:13-14

4. Have a consistent commitment to by being an example of tithing to the church.

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. —Malachi 3:10

5. Demonstrate Christ-like commitment, loyalty, prayer support and faithfulness to the local .

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. —Ephesians 6:18

6. the sick, needy and members of the church as needed.

27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. —James 1:27

7. the Deacon’s Meeting and Church Life Celebration quarterly.

2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. —I Corinthians 4:2

8. of what it means to be a faithful member of Cameron Baptist Church attending all services as much possible.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. —Philippians 3:17

25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:25

9. Model the behavior of Christ to the of Cameron Baptist Church—to family, to business, and to community—so that your life is a light that draws others toward the church rather than away from it.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

LIVE IT OUT

–Again, allow me to remind you that the duties or the mission of deacons can vary from church to church.
–What we have examined today are some of the duties supported by Scripture that at different times might be required of our deacons.
–I pray you have at least a better idea of what those duties might look like.
–As we mentioned earlier, every position of service in the church begins with a person who has a personal relationship with Christ. Have you been saved?
–Also allow me to remind you, you don’t need a title to serve. Ask God today what He would have you to do.