The Bible teaches that all persons who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are priests with direct access to God (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). A Deacon's Relationship to the Church Membership at Large The deacons are to be active in ministry to the church family, promoting peace, harmony and a spirit of cooperation among the membership. What does the Bible say about Deacons? 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. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Recalibrate our intentions and refocus our hearts. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Give me peace of mind in obedience and service. Support us daily as we wear our full suits of armor for You, and when we go into battle, give us the words to say and the tools we need. "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. Make me fertile ground for your inspiration and love. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. Because the Bible is God's word, it will not contradict itself. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. Deacons bring stability for people. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. These. They are to teach what is good. V Deacons hold important positions of service in their churches and shine Gods light through their words and actions. Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone. 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? But this is your time. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? To find the full context of shorter scripture quotes, click on "Chapter" above each verse. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.read more. Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023, Orientation Resources for Deacon Leadership. A Thank You Will Do Thanksgiving; Celebrations 4. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. R And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. B He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. When you are a pastor or administrator, you need to plan the meeting just like any other event where your group can focus on resolving important issues. Prayers An Opening Prayer for the Meetings of the Deacons 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. 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. 2. I need to visit more, share stories more, and fellowship more. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Remind me daily that it is an honor to be Your hands and feet. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.read more.But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 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. Church Membership of officers in Deacons. 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. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. Stephen's life shows that he received both these things: He received honor (high standing) because he had the privilege of giving up his entire life in one moment for the glory of Christ. We might even want to call someone to check something out before the meeting. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. Devotions for Church Meetings Full All 20 devotions 1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 7. Amen Prayer Before Sunday School Jesus as we gather together to learn about You, may You meet us here. Amen. Call it Personal Time, and make it part of opening devotions. Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. A Purposeful Pastor/Deacons Meeting. 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. 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful What then, brothers? Devotions. Let me put my fears of public speaking and meeting new people behind me and allow me to be all that I can for You. #5 - Set a quorum of deacons to be present. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. OK, you are on your way to consistently great meetings. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 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. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. Salem Media Group. That even when we have done what You have asked, the results are so much greater than we ever could have imagined. 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. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Focus our work on the good things that can only come from You. Never leave my side. Every deacon In every situation we ponder in our daily lives, let the Holy Spirit translate Your commands. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. S For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? Ready us to make every moment count. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Amen. Beloved, confide in Him. Forgive us for our pride. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. After almost three decades of deacons . Updated June 01, 2022. You don't have deacon's meetings without the pastor present unless your goint to fire him. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. So, if you want the real Jell-O, do not be deceived by the Snack Pack. Y 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. In Christ, Kendall. read more. So what else? They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Trust the merit of His blood, the power of His arm, and the love of His heart. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would clearly show us how to - Sort By Book Order. Please take that worry from me and erase the apprehensiveness in my voice as I talk with others. A.The Problem (verse 1)-Greek-speaking Jewish widows being overlooked in the distribution . #3 - Be prepared to lead the meeting, Remember, leadership is priceless. What the Bible says about Deacons Topics Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8 - 1 Timothy 3:13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Do it by email, or do it by snail mail, or do it by using church mailboxes. Give me a discerning mind to know your truth. Help all of the teachers to be able You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. Give [them] peace of mind in obedience and service. Take what we have prepared and multiply our efforts as only You can. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.. However, only You can see in perfect detail the end of every beginning. Keep Me Grounded Prayer Lord Jehovah, Self-Existent One, I ask that You keep me grounded and on the path You have for my life. Tell Him your troubles. 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. The deacon chair has an opportunity to initiate honor by asking his pastor for input in front of the other deacons. Couples Prayer for Support Dear Jesus, as my wife and I strive to live as pure and honorable Christians in this secular world, stay near us and guide us to be Your righteous and faithful servants. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. N Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. : Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary. All rights reserved. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. Acts 20:17-38 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. I commit everything I have and everything I am to You, Lord God. Loving heavenly Father, 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. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.