WHAT IS A DEACON?
Deacons are servants of the church. The ministry of deacon was first introduced to the New Testament church in Acts 6:1-7. The church in Jerusalem was growing rapidly, along with its various needs. Therefore, a group of wise and trustworthy men was selected by “all the disciples” (6:2) to serve others. This allowed the Apostles to devote themselves “to prayer and the ministry of the word” (6:4).
The office of deacon is more formally described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (cf. Phil 1:1). Here the focus rests on each deacon’s faith, character, and conduct. A deacon must be godly and dignified. He must also be “tested first” (3:10) before he is called to serve as a deacon. While all Christians are called to serve one another, deacons have the unique privilege of modeling service in a local church context.
DEACONS AT CSBC—MINISTERS OF MERCY
Our deacons are those who show mercy to others (Luke 10:37). They serve in three specific ways: 1) comfort those hurting and grieving, 2) care for specific physical and material needs, 3) practice hospitality and peacemaking.
1) Comfort to those hurting and grieving: practiced through visiting the sick, encouraging those who have lost friends/family members, and reaching out to attendees who are lonely or marginalized. This is done formally through Bible Study class assignments and informally through “life together” relationships.
2) Care for specific physical and material needs: practiced by providing meals to the sick, serving a banquet to the widowed, raking leaves and shoveling snow in members’ yards, offering rides to church, and serving the body of Christ in other tangible ways.
3) Hospitality and peacemaking: practiced by welcoming guests, encouraging members to be more involved in body life, promoting unity in the body, and demonstrating peacemaking where there is discord and conflict—an active pursuit of a God-honoring “shalom” among our people.
INTERESTED IN SERVING?
Deacons are recommended to the church annually by the present Deacon Council. The recommendation process includes a personal evaluation that is designed to foster spiritual growth. Above all, we hope to present men who value unity, service, listening well, and the encouragement of others.
If you are interested in serving, please contact Carey Robinson?? through the CSBC office.