Deacon Guidebook The Deacon Ministry of Hampton Road Baptist Church DeSoto, Texas
Table of Contents Introduction I. Biblical/Historical Background of a Deacon II. III. IV. Qualifications of a Deacon Qualifications of a Deacon s Wife Practical Ministry Responsibilities V. Deacon Nomination, Election, Training and Ordination VI. VII. VIII. IX. Service of a Deacon Termination of Active Deacon Service Relationships of a Deacon Deacon Meetings X. Organization XI XII. Responsibilities of the Deacon Officers Revisions Conclusion Appendices A. Deacon Nomination, Election, Training and Ordination Process B. Deacon Nomination Form C. Deacon Widow/Widower Ministry Responsibilities D. Deacons of the Week Responsibilities E. Child Care Desk Procedures F. Baptism Procedures Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 2 of 18
Introduction This Guidebook is provided to help you as a Deacon to serve faithfully and effectively. It is designed to acquaint you with the Biblical materials related to the Office of Deacon and the particulars of the Deacon Ministry of Hampton Road Baptist Church The Church has elected you to the honorable position of a Deacon because your life has exhibited the characteristics of faithfulness and loyalty both to the Lord and His Church. A Deacon must remember, however, that Jesus said, "The greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matthew 23:11). Two passages in the New Testament are commonly cited concerning the Office of Deacon: Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-12. The word for Deacon in the New Testament originally described a servant who "stirred up dust while waiting on tables." As a Deacon, your major attention will be given to serving God under the leadership of the Pastor(s) and Deacon officers in the practical ministry of the Church. I. The Biblical / Historical Background of a Deacon Acts 6:1-7 is the passage often cited for the beginning of the office of Deacon in the early Christian Church. Though the seven who were elected were not specifically called "Deacons" in the technical sense, they nonetheless functioned as Deacons. The Office of Deacon probably grew out of this experience. Let's look at the purposes for which these men were selected. According to the scripture, they were called upon to preserve the harmony of the church and to free the apostles to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word The position of Deacon in Acts 6 is an elected one. A Deacon should certainly feel led to serve in that position; however, the initiation of that commitment rests in the hands of the local Church. It is not a position to which one appoints oneself. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 3 of 18
II. Qualifications of a Deacon The Biblical qualifications for a Deacon are found in Acts 6 and in I Timothy 3:8-13. They are divided into two categories: Spiritual qualifications (Acts 6:1-6) Full of the Holy Spirit Full of wisdom Full of faith Moral qualifications (I Timothy 3: 8-10, 12-13) Worthy of respect Sincere Not indulging in much wine Not pursuing dishonest gain The husband of one wife Manages his children and household well, giving evidence of spiritual leadership in the home. III. Qualifications for a Deacon s Wife While the Deacon s wife is not ordained or set aside by the Church, she should be of high moral character and a willing help mate for the Deacon. (II Timothy 3:11) Worthy of respect Not a malicious talker Temperate Trustworthy in everything Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 4 of 18
IV. Practical Ministry Responsibilities The deacons assist the Senior Pastor and church staff in the work of the church. They are charged with (1) the spiritual advancement and interest of the church and the watch care of its members; (2) the preparation and distribution of the Lord's Supper and the preparation for the ordinance of baptism; (3) the care of the needy and widow(er)s. They are to seek the harmony of the entire body of the church. Deacons represent an extension of the Pastoral Ministry and are considered as servants of the Church. They are to be members of this Church whose character and qualifications shall be as specified in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6. According to the teachings in Acts 6:1-6, the following principles of service define the practical duties of the Deacons of HRBC: To assist the Ministerial Staff with secondary responsibilities in order that they may spend more time in prayer and in the ministry of the Word. (For example, with the Visitation Ministry, ministry to the sick & needy, evangelism among the lost, etc.). To give attention to the needs of the membership, especially to widows/widowers (reference Appendix C). To assist in resolving problems which arise within the HRBC fellowship and work toward unity. To be examples within the fellowship of wisdom, spirituality, faithfulness, and of good character. To provide loyal support for the Pastor(s). To have faithful attendance at Church services. To encourage and participate in the organizations of the Church - Sunday School, Music, Outreach, Children s Ministries, Prayer ministries, etc. To display a consistent commitment to stewardship and the giving of self. To support the Church in the achievement of its mission. To provide personal evangelism among the lost, visitation of the sick, care for shut-ins, and the encouragement of the indifferent. To have consistent attendance at Deacon meetings. To participate in the Deacon of the Week duties, (Reference Appendix D) To maintain a high level of confidentiality with information relating to issues which may arise within the Deacon Ministry. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 5 of 18
V. Deacon Nomination, Election, Training and Ordination Nomination, election, training and ordination for deacons will be done biennially in even numbered years. Please see Appendix A for specific procedures. VI. Service of a Deacon A Deacon shall remain in active status provided he is diligent in attendance at the deacons meetings and participates in the ministries of the deacon body. There are some instances when a deacon feels it may be necessary for him to become inactive for a period of time. The Deacon officers may approve an inactive period not to exceed 12 months. If his inactive service does not exceed twelve (12) consecutive months, he will be given opportunity to reactivate himself by notifying the Deacon officers. If a deacon exceeds twelve (12) consecutive months of inactive service, he may be declared active again after notifying the deacon officers of his desire, meets with the Pastor and deacon officers for an updated orientation, and is approved by two thirds majority vote of the quorum present at a regular meeting of the deacons. Deacon Emeritus Status When an active HRBC deacon is unable to regularly participate in the meetings and activities of deacon service due to age or health restrictions, he may request Deacon Emeritus status, which exempts him from regular Deacon duties without affecting his participation and voting privileges in deacons meetings Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 6 of 18
VII. Termination of Active Deacon Service A Deacon may be relieved of active deacon service by: His personal resignation, or His transfer of membership from HRBC, or His removal from such office by recommendation of the Deacon Body to the church during a quarterly business meeting and the church voting in the majority for removal. VIII. Relationships of a Deacon The Deacon's primary relationship is to the Lord, and without this vertical relationship being what it ought to be, his horizontal relationships will be distorted. The principle concern of a Deacon is their walk with God. Next in importance, is the Deacon's knowledge and understanding of his role in relation to his family, Pastor(s), Church ministries, and the Church membership at large. Relationship to the Deacon s Family The New Testament affirms a Deacon's responsibility in relation to his wife and children. Therefore, the Church feels that a Deacon should give his family priority in his devotion, care and ministry. Relationship to the Pastor(s) A Deacon should serve under the leadership and spiritual direction of the Pastor(s) and should be loyal to the Pastor(s) in prayer support, encouragement and fellowship. The families of HRBC look to the Pastor(s) and designated committees for giving overall leadership and administration to the Church and its ministry. The Church therefore expects the Deacons to respect the office of Pastor(s) and to welcome the unique opportunity to learn from and serve with the Pastor(s). As a Deacon functions in the practical ministry of the Church, the Pastor(s) are freed to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Relationship to Church Ministries Deacons are servants first and last. Ministry leaders may consult with the Deacon Body concerning actions or recommendations, for information, and for feedback. The Deacon Body may indicate support, disapproval or give counsel, but does not instruct ministry leaders as to what they can or cannot propose to the Church for official action. Relationship to Church Members Deacons are to be active in ministry to the Church family, and to promote peace, harmony, and a spirit of cooperation and unity among the membership. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 7 of 18
IX. Deacon Meetings The meetings of the Deacon Body will include the Deacons and the Pastors of HRBC, unless otherwise requested by the Deacon Body and or Pastor(s). The deacon officers, in consultation with the Pastor(s), will determine regular meetings. Meetings of the Deacon Body will typically be scheduled once a month. X. Organization The officers of the Deacon Body shall be composed of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The officers are to be elected in November of each year to assume their duties effective the first day of January of the next year. The Chairman of Deacon will preside over the nomination of officers for the coming year. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. Deacon Officers may serve, if elected, up to two consecutive annual terms. XI. Responsibilities of the Deacon Officers Chairman: Moderates all deacon meetings. Oversees all Deacon Ministries. Insures each deacon ministry is staffed and functioning. Assist whenever needed in planning and promoting deacon ministries. Serves as a member of the Church Council as stated in the HRBC Constitution and Bylaws and as a liaison between Deacon Body, Ministerial staff, and the fellowship of HRBC. Presents Deacon budget requests to the Stewardship Committee. Cooperates with all HRBC leadership in working toward unity, harmony, spirituality and growth of HRBC. Serves as Church Moderator in church business meetings in the absence of the pastor. Vice-Chairman: Moderates Deacon Meetings in the absence of the chairman. Assists the chairman as needed in all Deacon Ministries. Serves as presiding member of the Deacon Screening Panel. Secretary: Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 8 of 18
Moderates Deacon Meetings in the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Keep the minutes of all meetings. Keep the roll of Deacons present and absent. XII. Revisions Revisions to this document may be made by a majority vote of the deacons present in a regularly scheduled Deacon meeting. Each year, upon beginning their terms of service, the newly elected deacon officers will review this document and report any suggested revisions to the Deacon Body in the February Deacon meeting. Conclusion The office of a Deacon demands a high level of commitment, a mature knowledge of the faith, and dedication to fellowship and service. I Timothy 3:13 summarizes it best, "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." May your service as Deacon be one of the richest and most rewarding experiences in your walk with the Lord. Acknowledgement: With gratitude, portions of this Guidebook were drawn from the Deacon Handbook of First Baptist Church, Garland, Texas. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 9 of 18
Appendix A Deacon Nomination, Election, Training and Ordination Process Nomination Process - Beginning the last Sunday in February, Deacon Nomination Forms (Appendix B) will be made available at various locations within the church. Nomination forms are also available on the church website under the Deacon Ministry section. Nomination forms will be accepted throughout the month of March. Forms can be submitted by placing in the offering plate, handing to a deacon officer, handing to a member of the Deacon Screening Panel, or submitting to the church office. Members are encouraged to prayerfully nominate one or more men who could be considered as candidates for deacon service. Talk with your nominee first to obtain permission to submit their name. Scriptural and other qualifications are on the Deacon Nomination Form. Deacon Screening Panel this panel consists of four active deacons appointed by the deacon chairman. One of the four active deacons will be the deacon vice-chairman who will be the presiding member of this panel. Beginning in April, the deacon screening panel will contact those nominated, ask them to complete a Deacon Candidate Profile form, and return it to the chair of the Deacon Screening Panel. This profile form will contain specific information about the candidate and the candidate s spouse. After review of the profile form, the Deacon Screening Panel will interview the nominees to hear their testimonies and to clarify any questions that the nominee might have. Affirmation by Church Upon completion of the interviews with the nominees, the names of those who meet the qualifications and are willing to serve will be presented to the church body. The church body will be asked to affirm these men as Deacon Candidates in training. Deacon Training Process From June through November, all deacon candidates will complete a specific training plan. The following shall be included in the training. Complete the Deacon Training video series Work alongside an active deacon mentor Attend training sessions that focus on the biblical role for deacons Testimony - Prior to the vote for approval, candidates will provide their testimony at a church service. Church Vote In accordance with HRBC Constitution and Bylaws, during the October church quarterly business meeting, candidates will be presented to the church for approval to ordain. At least two weeks prior to presenting the candidates for church approval, the candidates names will be printed in the Sunday bulletin or bulletin insert, announced at the Sunday morning service, and published in the monthly newsletter. Ordination - A Deacon Ordination Service will be held in November. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 10 of 18
TIME FRAME SUMMARY February: Awareness month. Pastor will provide information to church body concerning deacons (importance of, qualifications, etc.). It s time to begin thinking and praying about who to nominate. March: Church nominates deacon candidates. April: Deacon Screening Panel interviews nominees to confirm qualifications and willingness to serve. Church Council meets with nominees. May: Candidates are presented to the church body. Church votes to affirm deacon candidates. June October: Deacon Candidate orientation, training and probation period. Candidate testimonies will be given before the church. October: Church vote to ordain. November: Ordination service for new deacons. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 11 of 18
Appendix B HRBC Deacon Nomination Form (Please be sure you have spoken with and received permission to nominate an individual to serve as a deacon.) BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS Good reputation (Acts 6:3) Full of the Spirit (Acts 6:3) Full of wisdom (Acts 6:3 Full of faith (Acts 6:5) Worthy of respect (1 Tim. 3:8) Sincere (1 Tim. 3:8) Not indulging in much wine (1 Tim. 3:8) Not pursuing dishonest gain (1 Tim. 3:8) Holding the deep truths of the faith (1 Tim. 3:9) Tested (1 Tim. 3:10) Beyond reproach (1 Tim. 3:10) Husband of only one wife (1 Tim. 3:12) Managing his children and his household well (1 Tim. 3:12) Great boldness in the faith (1 Tim. 3:13) In addition to these qualifications, deacons should support the unity of the church, be active in worship and Sunday school, serving in ministry and financially supportive of the church. Deacon nominees must have been a member of HRBC for a minimum of one year. A member of HRBC may nominate individuals to fill the position of deacon, keeping in mind the qualifications noted above. Your name: Your email: Date: Phone #: I wish to recommend this man to serve as Deacon at Hampton Road Baptist Church: Name: How long have you known the nominee? Nominee s email: Nominee s Phone #: Please write one sentence of why you think this person should be nominated as a Deacon. Please submit this form by March 31 st by placing in the offering plate, handing to a deacon officer, handing to a member of the Deacon Screening Panel, or submitting to the church office. (The standard size deacon nomination form may be obtained from an officer of the deacons or church office.) Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 12 of 18
Appendix C Deacon Widow/Widower Ministry Responsibilities Each active Deacon of HRBC will be assigned one or more widows or widowers for whom he will provide at least a basic level of care and contact. Each Deacon may choose to be involved as much as is practical or feasible in caring for those assigned to him. As a basic level of contact and care, the following points are suggested. Contact/Telephone as necessary (suggest at least monthly) to check on welfare and current spiritual need. Keep widow/widower in daily prayer Visit the widow/widower at least semi-annually. Acknowledge birthday of widow/widower with at least a birthday card that is separate from the cards sent from the deacon body. Invite and host widow/widower for annual banquet, may involve providing transportation to and from the banquet Seek support of other Deacons for additional support, Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 13 of 18
Appendix D Deacons of the Week Responsibilities Each Deacon Family Group shall be assigned responsibilities per a schedule provided by the Deacon Secretary. Lead Deacon Responsibilities: Ensure that each Deacon assigned can fulfill his assigned task. If a Deacon is unable to fulfill his task, the Lead Deacon will secure an alternate from his family group or from some other family group. The Lead Deacon will inform the church office and the deacon chairman of any assignment changes by Wednesday prior to the assigned Sunday. Lead in the offertory prayer at the scheduled time in the morning worship service. Deacon should sit near the front of the sanctuary (or near the end of a row if he is in the choir) to facilitate his being ready to pray at the appointed time. Remember, the assignment is to pray, not to preach or lead in a devotional. Be prepared (come to the front row at the beginning of the invitation) to assist during the Invitation time of the service. Prior to the worship service, check to be sure there are Decision cards and pens available on the front pews. Provide assistance in completing the Decision card for anyone responding to the Invitation. Hand any completed Decision cards to a member of the church staff. At the conclusion of the morning service, check with the Deacon Chairman to receive any Visitor cards. If there are Visitor cards, set a time with one of the other Deacons assigned for that Sunday to visit the visitor that afternoon or early in the week. After making the visit, return a copy of visitor information along with comments to the mail box at rear of church office and send an email to the Pastor and the vice-chair of Deacons citing any pertinent information concerning the visit. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 14 of 18
Intercessory Prayer Deacon Responsibilities: Pray before and during the morning worship service for the staff, those who lead in worship, and the members of the congregation. You may choose to pray at the back of each section of the sanctuary or you may pray over the congregation from the balcony in an inconspicuous manner. Provide a measure of security by walking the church facilities around the sanctuary, the atrium and the fellowship hall areas during the worship services. Assist in making visits to Sunday morning visitors as requested by the Lead Deacon. Childcare Deacon Responsibilities: Please see complete guidelines in Appendix E Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 15 of 18
Appendix E You are the first contact and security for the area. Arrive by 10:20 a.m. Wear your name tag. Child Care Desk Procedures Check with Preschool/Children s Associate for any specific instructions for the day. Please stay at the security desk until the service is over and all children have left the area. Considering the need to stay at the desk, reviewing the monitors adjacent to the Childcare Desk can improve security for all entrances to the Childcare area. Be friendly-greet with a smile.. Introduce yourself. Find out about the family if this your first time to meet them. Fill out the white page for information. Fill out both parts of the printed colored card. Be sure to write the parent s cell phone number on the log. Explain to them that we will text them if they are needed in the preschool area during the service. Ask them to place their phone on silent-vibrate. A Parent/person who signed the child in must come back and pick up the child. Please don t release a child to another child even if they have the yellow card. When a child is checked in, walk the child down the hall to the proper room and be sure the teacher is aware that a new child has arrived. You may relieve a teacher in a room but only for a short time. Listen for a teacher that may need help. Remind parents picking up their children to pick-up the papers their child may have completed that morning. (the papers are usually on the floor just outside the room) All deacons who fulfill this responsibility must submit to a background check and complete the Ministry Safe training. NO ONE COMES IN OR OUT THE BACK DOORS. Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 16 of 18
Appendix F Baptism Procedures Deacons assisting in baptism will follow these procedures: (Note: Deacon s spouse or some other female should be engaged to assist female baptism candidates) Before Sunday School: Check the water in the baptistry to make sure it is adequately filled and warm. (If not, notify the church maintenance staff person or the Administrator ASAP) Inspect the dressing rooms to ensure they are relatively neat, find the fresh dry towels, baptistry robes and waders (men s side only) After Sunday School and Prior to Worship Service: Meet the person(s) who will be baptized outside of room B220 between 10:10-10:15 Assist in picking out an appropriate baptismal robe and direct the candidate to change in a stall (all candidates are to wear bathing suits under the baptismal robe) Place dry towels on the floor in the dressing rooms to prevent slipping on the wet tile Assist the pastor (or person performing the baptism) into their waders Explain the process to the candidate Assist the candidate(s) and pastor into and out of the baptistry Once out of the baptistry, assist the candidate and pastor by providing physical support (so they don t slip), removing their wet robes (and waders for the pastor), and providing them a dry towel Direct the candidate to a stall to change into dry clothes Hang up wet robes, waders and towels to allow them to dry Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 17 of 18
After Church Service: Remove the used towels from the baptistry and take them home to be washed, then return fresh towels to the dressing rooms Launder baptismal robes as necessary Date Adopted: May 2017 Page 18 of 18