Deacon Recommendation Form N e w D e a c o n R e c o m m e n d a t i o n As a member of the Mobberly family we welcome you to submit the names of those men you feel meet the qualifications of a deacon as found in the New Testament, Acts 6:1-5 and I Timothy 3:1-13. We encourage you to give prayerful consideration to these passages and the individuals that you recommend. Men to be considered to the Fellowship of Deacons at Mobberly Baptist Church: Meet all Biblical requirements A worthy example to those within and outside the church, living an exemplary life, and supporting the ministry of the church in work, spirit, and cooperation. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Practices storehouse tithing Has a healthy view of the home, a complete break with pagan standards and a commitment to the sanctity of marriage. A Deacon is should be the husband of one wife. A man who has never been married or whose wife is deceased would be eligible to serve as a deacon. Member of Mobberly for at least one year I am prayerfully submitting the following individual for consideration as a new deacon in God s Church. I have observed this person in ministry to our Lord and Savior Your Name Deacon Recommendation Wife s Name Activities in our church Please use one form per recommendation -1-
Deacon Candidate Letter Mr. Paul Jones 300 Church St. Longview, TX 75603 Paul, It is with great pleasure that we inform you that your name has been submitted for consideration as a new deacon at Mobberly. The purpose of this confidential letter is to inquire as to your interest in serving in this capacity before the Deacon Qualification Committee proceeds further. We know this is an honor that you take very seriously, and you will spend adequate time in prayer to determine if the Lord is leading you to pursue this process that may lead to your serving in this capacity. If this is something you desire to pursue, please read the mandate in the scriptures found in I Timothy 3:1-13 and also in Acts 6:1-6, and ask the Lord if you are qualified according to these passages. If you have peace from the Lord to continue this process, please respond to the questions below and return this form to the individual noted below. Yes or No. Yes or No. I will allow my name to be presented to the Deacon Qualification Committee as a potential deacon. I am interested in committing in the future if I am recommended again. Our Deacon Qualification Committee has begun the process by praying for you as you consider this challenging opportunity in your life of service to our Lord. Enclosed with this letter you will find a questionnaire for you to complete that addresses many areas of your Christian life to help us better understand your relationship with Jesus Christ. If you responded yes to the first question we will contact you personally to schedule a personal visit with you and your wife. Your decision is personal and will be maintained in strict confidence. We look forward to hearing from you and your decision. Yours in Christ, Chairman of Deacons Return to: Greg Martin Stewardship Pastor Mobberly Baptist Church -2-
Consent for Background Check Consent to Perform Background Check Deacon Candidate By my completion of this consent form, I acknowledge my understanding that Mobberly Baptist Church will conduct a background and criminal history investigation on me, as a required part of the deacon qualification process. I understand that the information given by me in the form below will be kept in confidence, except as to those persons involved in the investigation and evaluation process, including members of the deacon qualification committee and church pastoral personnel. I consent to use of the information I provide below for these purposes, and waive any right of confidentiality as to those persons performing such investigation and evaluation. I understand that any information given about criminal offenses below will not necessarily disqualify me from service as a deacon, but may do so, within the discretion of the deacon qualification committee and/or church pastoral staff. Full Legal Name: Last First Middle Name All other name(s) used in records of birth or residence (if any) Address Apartment or # City County State Zip Date of Birth/Place of Birth Social Security Number Drivers License Number/State of Issue As best you recall, list all of your places of residence since age 16: City/Town County State Country Years Lived There Please answer the following questions (if necessary, complete your answer on the back or on additional pages): 1. Have you ever been convicted of, or plead guilty to, any federal, state or municipal criminal offense (excluding minor offenses)? Yes No If yes, please answer the following: Offense(s) State(s): County(ies): Country (if other than the US): Date(s)of offense(s) -3-
Consent for Background Check 2. Have you ever received deferred adjudication, probation or similar disposition for any federal, state or municipal offense (excluding minor offenses)? Yes No If yes, please answer the following: Offense(s) State(s): County(ies): Country (if other than the US) Date(s)of offense(s) 3. As of the date of this consent form, do you have any criminal charges pending against you? Yes No If yes, please answer the following: Offense(s) State(s): County(ies): Country (if other than the US) Date(s)of offense(s) I CERTIFY THAT ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS CONSENT FORM IS TRUE, CORRECT AND COMPLETE. IF AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO MY COMPLETION OF THE DEACON QUALIFICATION PROCESS CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR IN MY LIFE WHICH CAUSE ANSWERS PREVIOUSLY GIVEN BY ME TO NO LONGER BE CORRECT OR COMPLETE, I AGREE TO CONTACT THE OFFICERS OF THE DEACON QUALIFICATION COMMITTEE TO SUPPLEMENT OR AMEND MY RESPONSES, AS APPROPRIATE. DEACON NOMINEE SIGNATURE: DATE: -4-
Deacon Candidate Questionnaire Dear Deacon Candidate: Deacon Candidate Questionnaire Please answer the following questions, using additional paper as needed. Return your completed questionnaire in the sealed envelope addressed to the Deacon Qualification Committee to the Church Office as soon as possible, but within three weeks of notification. If you have any questions, contact Kirby Bozeman, Deacon Qualification Committee Chair at 903-236-4589. Name: Date: 1) Briefly describe your personal testimony. 2) Describe your prayer life. -5-
Deacon Candidate Questionnaire 3) What has been your experience with personal evangelism? 4) How are you currently using your spiritual gifts in the church? 5) How important is your Small Group participation to you? Thank you for your interest. The Deacon Qualification Committee will be in touch with you in the near future. -6-
Deacon Roles and Responsibilities Be imitators of God... among you there must not be even a hint of any kind of impurity...be very careful how you live... be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:1, 3, 15,18) It is clear as we investigate this text from Ephesians, that Paul was writing to strengthen and confirm the believers in the grace and gospel of Christ, as well as to encourage them in performing their works of service and holiness in response to God's saving grace, that we might not grieve the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we were once darkness, but now we are light. It further instructs us to live as children of light (v-8). As overseers of our Savior s church, it is incumbent on the leader of this church body and the deacon body to be diligent in the process of qualifying candidates for the purpose of deacon servanthood. From these inspired words, Paul is challenging us to honor Christ in everything we do. It is therefore our responsibility to strive and seek to please God in every area of service to His church and to ensure that those who might serve in the fellowship of deacons be shining examples of the person that Paul is describing in this passage. As a servant leader of Mobberly Baptist Church, the deacon holds the conviction that he must live a life above reproach for the glory of God and the advance of His kingdom. Deacon Qualifications Biblical Requirements Be of good reputation Acts 6:3 Be full of the Holy Spirit Acts 6:3,5 Be full of wisdom Acts 6:3 Be full of faith Acts 6:5 Fulfill the ministry of service so the word of God will not be neglected Acts 6:1-4 Be a man of dignity and character as exemplified by the Pastor described in 1 Tim 3:1-7 Not be double tongued 1 Tim 3:8 Not be addicted to much wine 1 Tim 3:8 Not be greedy for dishonest gain 1 Tim 3:8 First be tested; he may serve if found blameless 1 Tim 3:10 Be a good manager of his children and his own household 1 Tim 3:12 Holds to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience 1 Tim 3:9 Be the husband of one wife 1 Tim 3:12 he may not be divorced or married to a divorced woman. A man who has never been married or whose wife is deceased is eligible to serve. The Deacon's wife must likewise: I Tim 3:11 Be dignified Be sober minded Not be a slanderer Be faithful in all things Church Requirements: Meet all Biblical requirements A worthy example to those within and outside the church, living an exemplary life, and supporting the ministry of the church in work, spirit, and cooperation. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Practices storehouse tithing Has a healthy view of the home, a complete break with pagan standards and a commitment to the sanctity of marriage. A Deacon is should be the husband of one wife. A man who has never been married or whose wife is deceased would be eligible to serve as a deacon. Member of Mobberly for at least one year Calling: His wife and family are supportive of the calling of the man to serve as a Deacon Clearly senses God's call to be ordained (commissioned) in this permanent capacity Willing to be trained as a Deacon in Training for one year prior to being approved by the church and willing to serve: Church s current personal evangelism training course Periodic Deacon training classes (some classes will include wives) -7-
Deacon Qualifications Role of the Deacon The expectation of the Deacon is simple yet demanding - service to Mobberly so the ministry of the Word by our Pastors and Ministers is not neglected. Acts 6:1-6 describes the first Deacons, men of God who waited tables so the Apostles would not be distracted from shepherding the church effectively. The Deacon is charged with rendering ministering to the needs of the church. The Deacons are not a governing body for the Church, Pastors, Ministers or Church Staff. When Deacons fulfill their Biblical role, they are worthy of trust and held in high regard for their wisdom and service. As such, the Deacon Body is called upon to confirm and support direction God provides through the Pastor so the Church functions properly and His people grow in all aspects. (Eph 4:11-16) Responsibilities of the Deacon Prays daily for Mobberly's people, Pastor, Ministers, Staff and for God s kingdom to come Sets a good example by regular attendance of meetings of the church and its organizations Each Committee and Ministry Team at Mobberly requires at least one Deacon in its membership Routinely participates in Everyday Faith evangelism (Fall and Spring semesters) "Deacon of the Week" (typically once per quarter) - Prays with the Pastor prior to morning worship services and prays during assemblies as requested - He and his wife serve in the Boiler Room prayer ministry during worship service - Assists the Pastor with special needs on Sunday hospital visits, substitute teaching, others. - He and his wife visit prospects and new and homebound members and report to the Pastor In order to maintain active status, a Deacon must serve in this ministry Drives buses and vans to pick up special ministries and homebound for Sunday worship services (typically once per quarter) Participates in the Mobberly Prayer Ministry as requested Administers the Lord's Supper (once per quarter) Actively participates in Deacon meetings (once per quarter and occasional "called" meetings) A Deacon missing three consecutive meetings will be notified that he is being placed on inactive status as a Deacon in Reserve. A Deacon facing unexpected temporary medical, family or job-related issues which prevent him from actively serving, but who otherwise would be willing to serve, may request to be made a Deacon in Reserve for a specified period of time. A Deacon in Reserve may request consideration for reinstatement through the Chairman of Deacons based on the circumstances disclosed by the inactive Deacon. Reinstatement may require re-qualification through the Mobberly Deacon in Training Selection Process in the same manner as a newly recommended Deacon candidate. Deacons in Reserve are excluded from the voting process. Takes part in ordination services for Deacons and Ministers (occasional) Helps in other ministries to assist the Church Service is what the Deacon is all about teaching a Small Group, assisting with Men's, Youth, Children's, or Choir ministries,... the list goes on. Serve where God has uniquely called you. -8-