OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 21, ISSUE 10 The Rocky Hock Anchor The Mission of Rocky Hock Baptist Church is to magnify Christ and make disciples of all people. The Biblical Qualifications and Responsibilities of Deacons By Dr. Benjamin Merkle, Professor of New Testament and Greek at SEBTS, Wake Forest, NC Who should be a deacon? What does the Bible say deacons should do? The Two Biblical Offices: Elders and Deacons Comparing the office of deacon to the office of elder will help us answer these questions. The primary spiritual leaders of a congregation are the elders, who are also called overseers or pastors in the New Testament. Elders teach or preach the Word and shepherd the souls of those under their care (Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9; Heb. 13:17). Deacons, too, have a crucial role in the life and the health of the local church, but their role is different from the elders. The biblical role of deacons is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the elders can concentrate on their primary calling. This distinction is based on the pattern found in Acts 6:1 6. The apostles were devoted to prayer and to the ministry of the word (v. 4). Since this was their primary calling, seven men were chosen to handle more practical matters in order to allow the apostles the freedom to continue with their work. This division of labor is similar to what we see with the offices of elder and deacon. Like the apostles, the elders primary role is one of preaching the Word of God. Like the seven, deacons serve the congregation in whatever practical needs may arise. The Qualification of Deacons The only passage that mentions the qualifications for deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8 13. In this passage, Paul gives an official but not exhaustive list of the requirements for deacons. The similarities of the qualifications for deacons and elders/overseers in 1 Timothy 3 are striking. Like the qualifications for elders, a deacon must not be an addict (v. 3,), not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 3), blameless (v. 2; Titus 1:6), the husband of one wife (v. 2), and an able manager of his children and household (vv. 4 5). Furthermore, the focus of the qualifications is the moral character of the person who is to fill the office: a deacon must be mature and above reproach. The main difference between an elder and a deacon is a difference of gifts and calling, not character. Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12: 1. 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. 3:2). 2. Not double-tongued (v. 8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something else to others, or say one thing but mean another. They are two-faced and insincere. Their words cannot be trusted, so they lack credibility. 3. Not addicted to much wine (v. 8): A man is disqualified for the office of deacon if he is addicted to wine or other strong drink. Such a person lacks self-control and is undisciplined. 4. Not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 8): If a person is a lover of money, he is not qualified to be a deacon, especially since deacons often handle financial matters for the church. 5. Sound in faith and life (v. 9): Paul also indicates that a deacon must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. The phrase the mystery of the faith is simply one way Paul speaks of the gospel (cf. 1 Tim. 3:16). Consequently, this statement refers to the need for deacons to hold firm to the true gospel without wavering. Yet this qualification does not merely involve one s beliefs, for he must also hold these beliefs with a clear conscience. That is, the behavior of a deacon must be consistent with his beliefs. 6. Blameless (v. 10): Paul writes that deacons must be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless (v. 10). Blameless is a general term referring to a person s overall character. Although Paul does not specify what type of testing is to take place, at a minimum, the candidate s personal background, reputation, (continued on page 2)
THE ANCHOR PAGE 2 (continued from page 1) and theological positions should be examined. Moreover, the congregation should not only examine a potential deacon s moral, spiritual, and doctrinal maturity, but should also consider the person s track record of service in the church. 7. Godly wife (v. 11): It is debated whether verse 11 refers to a deacon s wife or to a deaconess. For the sake of this discussion, we will assume the verse is speaking about the qualifications of a deacon s wife. According to Paul, deacons wives must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things (v. 11). Like her husband, the wife must be dignified or respectable. Secondly, she must not be a slanderer or a person who goes around spreading gossip. A deacon s wife must also be sober-minded or temperate. That is, she must be able to make good judgments and must not be involved in things that might hinder such judgment. Finally, she must be faithful in all things (cf. 1 Tim. 5:10). This is a general requirement which functions similarly to the requirement for elders to be above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6) and for deacons to be blameless (1 Tim. 3:10). 8. Husband of one wife (v. 12): The best interpretation of this difficult phrase is to understand it as referring to the faithfulness of a husband toward his wife. He must be a one-woman man. That is, there must be no other woman in his life to whom he relates in an intimate way either emotionally or physically. 9. Manage children and household well (v. 12): A deacon must be the spiritual leader of his wife and children. In general, if a moral qualification is listed for elders but not for deacons, that qualification still applies to deacons. The same goes for those qualifications listed for deacons but not for elders. For example, a deacon should not be doubletongued (v. 8, ESV). Paul does not explicitly say this about elders, but no doubt it applies to elders since Paul has said that elders must be above reproach, which would include this prohibition. Still, we should observe the differences in the qualifications, since they either signify a trait that is particularly fitting for the office-holder in order to accomplish his duties, or is something that was a problem in the location to which Paul writes (in this case, Ephesus). This should be more clear as we turn to considering a deacon s responsibilities. The Responsibilities of Deacons Whereas the office of elder is often ignored in the modern church, the office of deacon is often misunderstood. Based on the New Testament, the role of the deacon is mainly to be a servant. The church needs deacons to provide logistical and material support so that the elders can focus on the Word of God and prayer. The New Testament does not provide much information concerning the role of deacons. The requirements given in 1 Timothy 3:8-12 focus on the deacon s character and family life. There are, however, some clues as to the function of deacons when their requirements are compared with those of the elders. Although many of the qualifications are the same or very similar, there are some notable differences. Perhaps the most noticeable distinction between elders and deacons is that deacons do not need to be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2). Deacons are called to hold to the faith with a clear conscience, but they are not called to teach that faith (1 Tim. 3:9). This suggests that the deacons do not have an official teaching role in the church. Like elders, deacons must manage their house and children well (1 Tim. 3:4, 12). But when referring to deacons, Paul omits the section where he compares managing one s household to taking care of God s church (1 Tim. 3:5). The reason for this omission is most likely due to the fact that deacons are not given a ruling or leading position in the church that function belongs to the elders. Although Paul indicates that a person must be tested before he can hold the office of deacon (1 Tim. 3:10), the requirement that he cannot be a new convert is not included. Paul notes that if an elder is a recent convert he may become puffed up with conceit (1 Tim. 3:6). One implication concerning this distinction could be that those who hold the office of elder are more susceptible to pride because they possess leadership over the church. On the contrary, it is not as likely for a deacon, who is in more of a servant role, to fall into this same sin. Finally, the title overseer (1 Tim. 3:2) implies general oversight over the spiritual well-being of the congregation, whereas the title deacon implies one who has a service-oriented ministry. Beyond what we can glean from these differences in qualifications, the Bible does not clearly indicate the function of deacons. Yet based on the pattern established in Acts 6 with the apostles and the Seven, it seems best to view deacons as servants who do whatever is necessary to allow the elders to accomplish their God-given calling of shepherding and teaching the church. Just as the apostles delegated administrative responsibilities to the Seven, so the elders are to delegate certain responsibilities to the deacons so that the elders can focus their efforts elsewhere. As a result, each local church is free to define the tasks of deacons based on their particular needs. What are some duties that deacons might be responsible for today? They could be responsible for anything that s not related to teaching and shepherding the church. Such duties might include: (continued on page 3)
PAGE 3 THE ANCHOR (continued from page 2) Facilities: The deacons could be responsible for managing the church property. This would include making sure the place of worship is prepared for the worship service, cleaning up, or running the sound system. Benevolence: Similar to what took place in Acts 6:1 6 with the daily distribution to the widows, the deacons may be involved in administrating funds or other assistance to the needy. Finances: While the elders should probably oversee the financial business of the church (Acts 11:30), it may be best left to the deacons to handle the day-to-day matters. This would include collecting and counting the offering, keeping records, and so on. Ushers: The deacons could be responsible for distributing bulletins, seating the congregation, or preparing the elements for communion. Logistics: Deacons should be available to help in variety of ways so that the elders are able to concentrate on teaching and shepherding the church. CONCLUSION Whereas the Bible charges elders with the tasks of teaching and leading the church, deacons role is more serviceoriented. That is, they are to care for the physical or temporal concerns of the church. By handling such matters, deacons free up the elders to focus on shepherding the spiritual needs of the congregation. Yet even though deacons are not the congregation s spiritual leaders, their character is of utmost importance, which is why deacons should be examined and held to the biblical qualifications laid down in 1 Timothy 3. See you in worship! Dr. Horton Senior Adult Thursday, October 5th at 6:00 PM in the Special Function Room Popcorn & Drinks provided! Isaac Maleki and his daughter, Lebo, from Mukhanyo Theological College will be our Guest Speakers at our Wednesday Night Bible Study on October 11th at 7 PM. Everyone will meet in the Sanctuary. MUKHANYO Theological College
THE ANCHOR PAGE 4 From our Minister of Youth & Children I came across this article and thought it was interesting for today s youth culture. It was written by a teen for teens. Pastor Mike By Katherine Forster For me, Bible study started at a young age. I was blessed to have parents who encouraged my brothers and me to get into the word early, to write things down, to learn for ourselves what it had to teach. I m sure I thought it was boring at the time; but now that I m a teenager, I m starting to realize this personal discipline is essential to my life and future. It was through personal, inductive Bible study that I learned to really love God s word. But when I look at the church around me, I don t see much emphasis on Bible study in youth ministries. We re encouraged to read our Bible, of course; but what the Christian culture gives us is one lesson after another on issues, and very little encouragement to study the Scriptures in depth. But we teens need Bible study more than we even realize. Here are four reasons I believe pastors, teachers, youth leaders, and Christian parents need to encourage and exhort us to study the Bible, and teach us how to do it. 1. We desperately need the truth. Teens today are rarely encouraged to engage in deep, life-transforming study of the Bible. No one argues that Christian teens today are facing a massive onslaught of temptation and opposition, perhaps even more so than previous generations. Chances are the youth in your church are dealing with all kinds of issues from depression to peer pressure to the LGBT agenda to uncertainty about what lies beyond graduation. Now, more than ever, we need the truth of God s word as our rock and anchor. Only the Bible gives us what we need to sift through the lies; to stand strong in the face of trials; to live lives that are focused on Christ and his glory, and even to make this goal a priority. 2. We need to see these truths for ourselves. It s also no secret that we learn more and remember better when we enter into the process of discovery for ourselves. I ve benefited hugely from the teaching of my parents, my pastor, and many others but my greatest joy in God s word has been in the truths I discovered on my own. There s something about the process of discovery that makes the thing discovered so much more valuable. You hold it closer, and treasure it more highly. Teens need this experience of discovery in the Bible. Middle and high school are often a time of searching, of discovery, and of wonder. We don t just want to be told something; we want to find it for ourselves. So, teach us to search the Scriptures, and give us the tools to do it. 3. We need to be challenged. Luke 2:52 records that Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. By age twelve, he was learned enough in the Torah that he could hold an educated conversation with the religious leaders of his day. Teens today are rarely encouraged to engage in deep, life-transforming study of the Bible, or in literate conversations about it. We re encouraged to read it, and while that s a great starting place (and a necessary one), it can t be the end. We are definitely capable of thinking deeply and wrestling with tough topics, so hold us to a higher standard. Challenge us, give us something to reach for. The teen years are a time of habit development. If we begin now to form the habit of Bible study, we ll be equipped with a solid foundation when we finally leave the authority of our parents, teachers, and youth leaders. 4. We need the fellowship. The stereotype is unfortunate, but true. Youth groups can often be breeding grounds for cliques, fights, and all kinds of high school drama. With a little help from social media, little things become big things and a circle of friends turns into an exclusive group faster than a relationship can become Facebook official. Teens are the future church. Equip us now to do what we will be called to do then. At the start of his first epistle, the apostle John explained his reason for writing. That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3). The basis of all true fellowship is God s word. Do you want unity in your youth group? Let your teens come together around the Bible. When there s something deeper in common than school, sports teams, or music preferences, fellowship becomes much deeper, more lasting, and more impactful for both us and the larger community of faith. Equipping the Future Church Teens are the future church. We re the leaders, teachers, pastors, evangelists, authors, artists, engineers, and stay-athome moms of twenty years from now. Please, equip us to do what we ve been called to do. Give us the tools to pursue a dynamic, growing relationship with our Creator. Entertainment is not necessarily bad, but we can t survive on or find real joy in that alone. We need the truths of the Bible. Teach us to find them for ourselves, and you will impact the rest of our lives and ministries.
PAGE 5 THE ANCHOR From Our Minister of Music & Education THE SECOND EDITION QUARTET The Second Edition is composed of four dedicated and talented men who respect the calling of Christ in their lives. Although the group travels on a "part-time" basis, each member invests a "full-time" commitment into the organization and its mission. Only two of the five original members remain. The group today consists of Anthony Bennett, bass/manager; Brad Everington, baritone/piano; Jonathan Pope, tenor; and Keith Jones, bass guitar. Together, the group contends to present the Gospel with humility and sincerity, as well as enthusiasm, quality, class, and professionalism. Since the beginning, they have recorded a total of 12 albums, become a committed and active member group of the East Coast Gospel Music Association, purchased a custom coach for travel, been featured on both television and radio, and ministered to countless souls across the east and beyond. Even so, the measure of success is not based upon accomplishments, but rather the contribution to the Kingdom by leading souls to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Second Edition Quartet strives to produce an entertaining and high energy worship experience for its audience, and is determined to reach the young and old through a unique blend of progressive and traditional melodies and harmonies, profound lyrics, and personal testimony. As their slogan says, they are truly "Another Generation of Southern Gospel Music." The Second Edition Quartet will be in Concert at Rocky Hock Baptist on October 29 th at 6:00 pm. A love offering will be taken to help support these four Godly men as they continue to share the Gospel through music. EVERYONE IS INVITED! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD! ARK ENCOUNTER AND CREATION MUSEUM TRIP Another opportunity that is available to our congregation is the trip to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio / Kentucky. The trip is April 3-6, 2018 (Edenton-Chowan Schools Spring Break). The cost of the trip is $579 for double occupancy. Currently, there are 31 spots already taken on the bus (we must have 40 to sign up in order to go), so we need 9 more names on our list! If you are interested in going, please sign up in the Connecting Corridor. The Ark Encounter is a Christian evangelical and fundamentalist theme park that opened in Grant County, Kentucky on July 7, 2016. The centerpiece of the park is a full-scale model of Noah's Ark as described in the Genesis flood narrative of the Bible. It is 510 feet (155 m) long, 85 feet (26 m) wide, and 51 feet (16 m) high. It is one of only three full-size Noah's Ark replicas and derivatives in the world, and the largest of the three. The Creation Museum portrays a literal interpretation of the creation narrative from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. The purpose of the museum is to "exalt Jesus Christ as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer," to "equip Christians to better evangelize the lost," and to "challenge visitors to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord." Answers in Genesis (AiG) founder Ken Ham says: The devastating effect that evolutionary humanism has had on society, and even the church, makes it clear that everyone including Christians needs to return to the clear teachings of Scripture and Genesis and acknowledge Christ as our Creator and Savior. In fact, Genesis has the answer to many of the problems facing the compromising church and questioning world today. Pastor Tyler Events & Opportunities for Youth Sundays @ 6 PM - INCREASE Student Ministries (ISM) - Youth Suite Wednesdays @ 7 PM - INCREASE Student Ministries (ISM) - Youth Suite Saturday, October 21st @ 5 PM - UNDIVIDED Youth Event featuring Faith Force (Games, Give-aways, Food, Worship)
THE ANCHOR PAGE 6 Baptist Women Ladies, please consider joining a Circle Group if you are not already a part of one! We meet each month for fellowship and food and we seek to grow closer to God and find ways to serve Him together. We would love to have you become a part of our Baptist Women's group. Contact a Circle Leader or Laura Turner (312-5035) if you would like to join. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." ~ Hebrews 10:24-25 P.S. Circle Leaders, please don t forget to turn in to the Church Office your monthly Meeting Schedule / Hostess List, as well as a list of your active members so the Secretary will know the correct number of Journey and Missions Mosaic magazines to order. Thank you! Bap ist Men Men s Breakfast Sunday, October 15th at 7:30 AM in the Special Function Room Men s Bible Conference On the second Monday night of each month at 7 PM in the Special Function Room, we are inviting any men who are interested to view a message delivered at the East Coast Men s Bible Conference. These are messages delivered by dynamic speakers from the 2016 and 2017 Conferences. There are 12 in all, and we began in June. If you haven t had the opportunity to participate yet, don t worry! Just join in on the next one on October 9th! We will fix a pot of coffee or you can have a bottle of water. But, our main objective is to fellowship and worship through watching these inspiring messages. We plan to be finished by 8 PM nightly. The American Red Cross has asked us to do another Blood Drive, especially now after two major hurricane disasters. RHBC s next Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th from 2:00-7:00 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room. The need for blood never goes away. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. On average, the Red Cross must collect 14,000 blood donations every day for patients across the country. When disasters strike, the need for blood increases due to unforeseen injuries, and people who normally give are unable to because they are just trying to survive and get their lives back together. Can you take one hour out of your day on October 24th to give blood? Hope to see you there!
PAGE 7 THE ANCHOR For children of all ages! FOR Saturday, October 14 9 AM - 12 Noon at Camp Cale Information is available in the foyer of the Multi-Purpose Building RHBC s Annual Children s Friday, October 20th 6:00-9:00 PM Inflatables, Trunk or Treat, Hay Rides, Door Prizes, Food Also featuring Faith Force, performing High Energy Feats of Strength, beginning at 8:00 PM Operation Christmas Child Collecting for: October - Toothbrushes & Toothpaste November - Hard Candy OCC shoeboxes will be available on Sunday, October 1st in the vestibule of the Sanctuary and in the foyer of the Multi-Purpose Building.
THE ANCHOR PAGE 8 Serve the Lord with gladness... ~ Psalms 100: 2 Deacon Ministry Teams Deacon Greeters 10/1/17 10/7/17 Russell Byrum, Col. Bill Smith, Chris Sykes 10/8/17 10/14/17 Wayne Howell, Ted Peele, Bill (Janet) Smith 10/15/17 10/21/17 Adam Bunch, Steve Evans, Allen Peele 10/22/17 10/28/17 Fenton Eure, Ruston Howell, Fred Smith 10/29/17 11/4/17 Lee Bass, Joey Byrum, Oscar White Offering Col. Bill Smith (Chairman), Ruston Howell (Co-Chairman), Carroll Evans, Keith Nixon, Keith Rollins, Oscar White Senior Adult Building: Ruston Howell Sanctuary Main: Keith Nixon Connecting Corridor: Mike Evans Multi-Purpose Main: Chris Turner Ushers Adam Bunch, Wayne Copeland, J. C. Forehand, Allen Nixon, Mike Nixon, Bill (Janet) Smith, Jay White Counting Committee Butch & Emily Byrum, Jasper Evans, Lee & Ruth Jordan, Keith Rollins Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the first Monday of the month, upstairs in the Administrative Building. Join us! Items needed in October: Canned Tuna or Chicken
PAGE 9 Nursery & Pre-School Workers THE ANCHOR During Sunday School 1st Sunday Penny Byrum Linda Layton Lisa Smith 2nd Sunday Ashley Byrum Kristia Noble Michelle Tynch 3rd Sunday Mary Jo Bass Susan Sykes 4th Sunday Bonnie Bond Holly Evans Kimberly Riddick Kaiden Riddick 5th Sunday Arlene Bass Beth Evans Sunday AM Worship (Nursery) 1st Sunday Maryann Bunch Kim Forehand Kimberly McPherson Denise Nixon Lindsay Smith 2nd Sunday Alanna Bass Brittany Smith Lauren Smith Amy Turner 3rd Sunday Chandler Cone Kristia Noble Michelle Tynch 4th Sunday Laura Bass Carolyn Bassett Cher Bassett Dawn Bunch 5th Sunday Claire Evans Karen Miller Kristia Noble Mia Noble Sunday AM Worship (2 year olds) 1st Sunday Louvenia Stewart Audrey Bassett 2nd Sunday Holly Evans Donna Harrell 3rd Sunday Hope Gosser Susan Sykes 4th Sunday Anna Evans Karen (Roger) Smith Logan Smith 5th Sunday Kimberly McPherson Denise Nixon Sunday PM Worship 1st Sunday Amber Young 2nd Sunday Karen Miller Rene` Smith 3rd Sunday Karen Miller Amanda Howell 4th Sunday Donna Harrell Audrey Eley 5th Sunday Ashley Byrum Michelle Tynch Wednesday PM Worship 1st Wednesday Leslie Peele Elizabeth Riddick Chandler Cone Mission Friends Chris & Susan Sykes 2nd Wednesday Rhonda Bass Laura Turner Mission Friends Kim Forehand Sherlynne Smith 3rd Wednesday Ashley Byrum Carolyn Bassett Mission Friends Dawn Bunch Chandler Cone 4th Wednesday Alanna Bass Molli Riddick _Mission Friends Amber Young Allen & Sarah Nixon 5th Wednesday Michelle Tynch Elizabeth Riddick Mission Friends Sallie Chappell Sue Hoggard * indicates teachers of the week 1st Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Catina Byrum Faith Byrum Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) Joey & Ashley Byrum Amanda Howell Laura Turner *Mike & Heather Denny 2nd Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Regina Copeland Kim Forehand Chelsea White Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) Gloria Horton Jay & Felicia Parrish Chandler Cone *Mike & Heather Denny Children s Church 3rd Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Carolyn Bassett Cher Bassett Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) Trey & Alanna Bass Wayne & Donna Harrell LeAnn Nixon *Mike & Heather Denny 4th Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Sherlynne Smith Amber Young Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) Sharon Nixon Chris & Susan Sykes *Mike & Heather Denny 5th Sunday Son Seekers (3-4 year olds) Allen & Sarah Nixon No Children s Church for Kingdom Kids (K-5th Grade) on 5th Sunday
Rocky Hock Baptist Church 113 Rocky Hock Church Road Edenton, North Carolina 27932 Address Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID EDENTON, NC PERMIT NO. 127 Check us out on the web at www.rhbce.org Weekly Church Activities: Sundays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: 9:45 AM - Bible Study for all ages 10:55 AM - Worship 5:45 PM - GROW - Kids In Discipleship (K.I.D. Groups) 6:00 PM - Adult Bible Study; INCREASE (Youth Bible Study) 10:00 AM - Young at Heart Adult Bible Study 7:00 PM - Senior Adult Choir Dr. James Horton, Senior Pastor jhorton@rhbce.org 7:00 PM - Adult Bible Study; INCREASE (Youth); GROW (Children - Mission Friends, GA s, RA s) 8:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir Mike Denny, Associate Pastor: Youth & Children mdenny@rhbce.org 221-4948 (Home) 336-266-9493 (Cell) Tyler Cone, Associate Pastor: Worship & Education 252-903-2565 (Cell) tcone@rhbce.org Mr. Steve Evans, Chairman of Deacons flatbilly@yahoo.com Mrs. Linda B. Bunch, Administrative Assistant lbunch@rhbce.org 333-8567 (Cell) 221-4133 (Office)