Keep love at the forefront of our minds today, and the guiding light for all we set out to accomplish and celebrate. But qualifications for a deacon's character are clearly outlined in Scripture. 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. All rights reserved. b. Amen. Tell her then to help me.. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. There are two offices necessary to the church: pastors and deacons. Invite and encourage people to share whats happening in families, at work, whats distracting them right now, whats exciting, whats discouraging, etc. N Amen. conduct our work with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm. The prototypical . "Make every effort to preserve the unity the. As I continue the path of being a deacon in my church, I ask that You give me the words I need to help those who come to me. 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. Father, We love You for that, Father. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. Amen. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Steer our intentions to align with Your righteous will. My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. However, only You can see in perfect detail the end of every beginning. Make me Your vessel, dear God. The Four "F" Words Deacons Utter About Classis and Synod, Deacons at Classis & Synod: Moving From Formal to Focused. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? While planning any church meeting, you need to think of all the details about what will interest the church members that will make them attend the meeting without any confusion. D The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. 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. S I need to be able to reach over and take Your hand at a moments notice. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them,You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. 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. The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly listed or outlined; they are assumed to be everything that does not include the duties of an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach, and exhort. God, make me brave. Make [them] fertile ground for your inspiration and love. of If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. Make me a humble servant, a role model, and a friend to all who call on Your name. Amen. Mighty God, everything you do reveals your glory and majesty. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. In a cultural context deprived of Christian commitment, today is the day for deacons to model the change they want to see in the church. But it does include specifics on the roles and duties of church leaders. He is the source of all the direction we need. Acts 20:17-38 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. Only You know what lies ahead. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. 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. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. We have talents, abilities, and time to work. Love you guys. 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. The men seek God's mind, heart, and guidance. 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. What do these verses teach about pastoral ministry? For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. I need to visit more, share stories more, and fellowship more. 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. 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. 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. We love your comments! 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. Id like to think of these as a few of the disciplines of good meetings. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Every meeting begins with prayer. 1 Timothy 3:8 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. But Martha was distracted with much serving. Thank You for giving me this opportunity to work for You. Daily/Sunday Lectionary Readings Lectionary Frequently Asked Questions Printable lectionary lists. 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. That even when we have done what You have asked, the results are so much greater than we ever could have imagined. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Every project, every season, every life. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. You have called us to the office of deacon in this congregation, and we are now assembled in your name to deal with the matters pertaining to our office. b. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Your email address will not be published. Remind us of Your faithful provision when our efforts fail us or fall short. Comfort me when I question myself and my ministry. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12: Dignified (v. 8): This term normally refers to something that is honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy, and is closely related to "respectable," which is given as a qualification for elders (1 Tim. M b. Steve is the author, co-author, or contributor to six books and numerous booklets. 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. 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. Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. Psalm 3:5 NIV Let Your peace rain down on us today, as we seek You more than anything else. Let Your light in me shine brightly for all to see. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Psalm 32:8 2. Required fields . What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. But you have to get there one step at a time. So, if you want the real Jell-O, do not be deceived by the Snack Pack. How do you start your deacon meetings? Have you had experience with any of these ideas? Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. They are to hold to correct doctrine (v. 9). 2.1 Short Devotions on Revelation. It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. 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.. He is a God of love: if you would give . Deacons are to control their appetites either for alcohol or money (v. 8). 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. 2.3 Short Inspirational Devotions for Women Who Love Christian Fiction. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Give me peace of mind in obedience and service. What truths was Paul trying to emphasize to these Ephesian elders? OK, you are on your way to consistently great meetings. 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. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Make us both blameless in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. To help focus on the TASK at hand, each agenda item should be labeled clearly, so that the group knows exactly what it needs to do with that agenda item. Now coming to what the Bible has to say, it has no firm rules on a church meeting. E Proud member Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. I trust in You. Every deacon Grant us sufficient means to bring relief to the needy. Read Steve Viars Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. It will help develop your language of faith and help you apply Scripture. Help us to share Your word and Your truth with all who enter our presence. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.). b. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Dashes January; to memorialize someone 6. Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband. 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. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ( 1 Tim 3:13, NKJV) This statement foreshadows two eventual, compelling benefits for those who carry out their duties well. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. May all glory go up to You when we reach the finish line and climb over benchmarks. Mary the mother of Mark offering her home as a meeting place for the Apostles - Acts 12; Lydia offering hospitality to Paul - Acts 16; Priscilla offering her house to Paul and along with her husband, Aquila, having a Bible study with Apollos - Acts 18 . Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Finally, they are to be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and home with integrity (v. 12). Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. Give [them] health of body so [they] may serve with strength. The really good chair will know which agenda item is going to push a particular persons button. 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. We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would clearly show us how to If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. But test everything; hold fast what is good. Thank You for allowing service to Your Church to be the mission of our lives. . Acts 6: The First Deacons. Give me health of body so I may serve with strength. You and I must be diligent and watchful so that we are not deceived. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Lift our eyes to seek You first today, and always, surrendering our need to achieve, understand, and be known. Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. 2.7 Short Funny Devotionals for Essential Oils Users. In Jesus name, I pray. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. In Jesus name, I pray. For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that this in Christ Jesus (1Tim.3:13)." Tonight the leadership (pastor and deacons) of Pleasant Hill Baptist church will meet with a purpose. Meeting people around the church and helping them get connected! Give [them] a humble heart when [their] work goes unnoticed. They answer to the pastor as well as the congregation. The Bible says that deacons who serve well (meaning serve effectively) receive a high standing and have confidence in Christ ( I Timothy 3:13 ). For each mind and heart that fills the presence of this room, we thank You. Prayer should be biblically informed. Mold me in Your image and guide me in my actions each day.