NCCF Diaconate 1 MEETING AGENDA AND MINUTES Meeting Date: 2 January 2016 Meeting Time: 08:00 am Location: NCCF Cafeteria Recorder: Deaconess Lisa Facilitator: Deacon Bonner Alternate Recorder: Deaconess Ros West Meeting Purpose: Discuss General Issues Related to the Carrying Out of Diaconate Responsibilities Distribution and Attendee List: x Bonner, Ken (Chairman) Keys, Raymond Allen, Rosie (Deaconess Emerita) Kennamore, Anthony (Asst to Chairman) x King, Debra Manuel, Liz (Deaconess Emerita) Francois, Robert (1 st Asst to Chairman) Marbury, Darryl Stevenson, Bonnie (Deaconess Emerita) x Dyer, Kathy (2 nd Asst to Chairman) x Mata, Paula (Candidate) Terrell, Charley (Chairman Emeritus) x Campbell, A. Marc (A Team Lead) McCrary-Holland, Renee Terrell, Florence (Deaconess Emerita) x West, Ros (Asst A Team Lead) Mickel, Tiffany x Johnson, Marlene (B Team Lead) Moore, Pam x, Lisa (Asst B Team Lead) x Nevels, Arthur Harris, Harmony (Candidate NW) x Pearson, Maurice Harris, Paul (Candidate NW) Allen-Outen, Rose x Pipersburg, Leroy (Candidate) x McFarland, Maurice (Candidate NW) x Anderson, Dominique Rose, Patricia (Candidate) x Thompson, Chris (Candidate NW) Brown, Linda x Sadler, Dexter (Candidate) Carter, Velma (Candidate) x Sanderson, Arthur x Clark, James (Candidate) x Sherman, David x Clark, Monica (Candidate x Simmons, Teresa Cummings, James Slater, Monique x Draughn, Precious Slater, Perry Flournoy, Anna x Smith, Douglas Flournoy, James x Smith, Ira (Candidate) 45 # of Deacons Total Emeriti Deacons Gorham, Edwin x Smith, Teryl 24 # of Ordained Deacons x Goode, Pearl (Candidate) x Smith, Tina 21 # of Certified Deacons x Harris, Edward (Candidate) x Stewart, Gregory 5 # of Deacons Emeriti x Holmes, Irene (Candidate) x Stuart, Corey 13 # of Candidates NCCF Main Hosley, Art Sutton, Laddine 4 # of Candidates NCCF NW Hosley, Nichelle x Wilkerson, Cora (Candidate) Howard, Joe x Wilkerson, Patricia Jackson, Lawrence x Wilkerson, Tony Jackson, Riveian Williams, Priscilla x Johnson, Johnnie Wilson, Darlene Jones, Marvin Kemp, Rufus (Candidate) Kemp, Sharrell (Candidate) D indicates for distribution only no attendance required X indicates that the member was present T indicates member present via teleconference *indicates member inactive
NCCF Diaconate 2 Topic Allotted Time Responsible Devotion Opening Prayer/Blessing of Food 10 min Deacon Bonner Deacon Campbell called the meeting to order and Deacon Sanderson gave the opening prayer. Deacon Bonner led the Diaconate in the song, When All God s Children Get Together. Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-3, 1 Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. 2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God. Topic 1: Opening Comments 10 min Deacon Bonner Deacon Bonner s opening remarks were as follows: Before proceeding with the agenda, I would like to remind the Diaconate of those who need our prayers. (1) Deaconess Brown and Family for the homegoing of Baby Zoe and her sister Sarai who is still critically ill. Andrea, daughter of James and Anna Flournoy, Deacon Marvin Jones, Deacon Candidate Maurice McFarland, Deaconess Pam Moore, Deaconess Laddine Sutton and Deacon/Deaconess Terrell s son who are all facing health challenges. We already have a strong vision within the Diaconate. However, we will move forward looking for ways to multiply our commitment and service to Pastor/Bishop, the Church and the Community. There are many among us that are true leaders and in 2016, I will be handing several of the tasks I am now doing to them. In the days ahead, I will identify the what, who and when for those tasks. For the tasks that take considerable time, we will determine and publish the timeline for completion. Pastor has repeatedly reiterated and made every effort to help us to understand that NCCF is Pentecostal, Evangelical and Liturgical. While we understand that we are Pentecostal because all that we strive to do is under the auspice of the Holy Spirit and that we are Liturgical because we believe and practice certain ordinances and rituals such as communion and foot washing, we may not understand our role as the Diaconate when it comes to Evangelism. Our part in Evangelism is rooted in attending to the needs of the people so that the Bishop/Pastor/Elder and Ministers can be free to minister without encumbrances. We are in covenant with our Pastors. They are the voice of God to us. Count it as a privilege to serve them. As a caveat, Deacon Campbell stated that process can be taught but heart cannot. We have to have a willingness and the heart to be available to serve wherever there is a need. Let s not get comfortable just serving in areas that appeal to us. Topic 2: General Diaconate Business Per the Agenda 20 min Deacon Bonner Vision Statement: NCCF s vision statement remains Transforming lives through Jesus Christ Mission Statement: We will engage all people to become New Creations IN Christ, through INspired worship, INviting evangelism, INnovative discipleship, INvested lifestyles of salvation, stewardship and service.god will grant the INcrease! Fasting and 21 Days of Decrease: Our 21 days of decrease will begin on 6 January and end on 29 January 2015. Please heed the instructions provided to us. If you did not receive a hard copy of the instructions, they are posted on the NCCF website. It is not only important that we participate but as Leaders be able to explain the instructions to others. Diaconate (Self) Evaluation on Service and Love: Deacon Bonner read Matthew 25:31-40 and 1 Cor 13:1-3 and asked for commentary on the scripture. The commentary evolved into a very passionate discussion. While the entire discussion was recorded only the high points have been transcribed into the meeting minutes. Please see page 4 for those highlights. Confirmation of Areas of Assignment: The service areas of assignment spreadsheet was reviewed and Deacon Bonner made changes and/or updates as necessary. Please review your roles and if you desire to change roles, please let Deacon Bonner know. The spreadsheet was emailed with the agenda on December 29, 2015. New Member Diaconate Assignments: We will revisit the manner in which new member Diaconate assignments are made. Elders Juan and Sharon Moore will assist us in updating our processes. More information and instructions to follow. Midweek Service at NCCF-NW: Midweek service is due to start at NCCF-NW in April. More info to come. Deacon s Retreat: The tentative time frame for the Deacon s Retreat is sometime in May. Additional Agenda Items: Due to the lengthy discussion, all of the agenda items were not addressed. They will be addressed in a subsequent meeting. An agenda will be emailed prior to each meeting. Please feel free to print it and bring it to the meeting.
NCCF Diaconate 3 Topic Allotted Time Responsible Party Topic 5: Diaconate Training 60 min Deacon Wilkerson No training was scheduled for today. The training schedule for 2016 is forthcoming Topic 6: Diaconate Department Operations Updates 30 min Department Leads Baptism Deaconess Simmons Ceremonies Deacon Francois/Deacon Gorham Opening and Closing Deacon Sanderson Van Support Deacon Pearson Security Deacon Keys Logistics Deacon Marbury Metrics/Care Groups Deacon Campbell Communion/Thanksgiving Deaconess Johnson/Deaconess Angle Tree Deaconess McCrary-Holland Board of Directors/ Dues Deacon Bonner/Deacon Pearson/Deacon Johnson Licensing Deaconess Allen/Deacon Gorham Monthly Reports Deacon Sherman Events Deaconess Ros West Topic 7: Action Items list 10 min Deaconess 1. Work on drafting a Diaconate Tri-fold to outline all of the services for which the Diaconate have responsibility. Deacon Campbell is the lead for this action. (In Work) 2. Coordinate with Elder Pope to substitute the shuttle for a van due to continued challenges with available CDL drivers. Deacon Bonner is the lead for this action. (In Work) 3. Work on getting business cards for each Deacon. Deacon Bonner is the lead for this action. (In Work) 4. Coordinate to have a card printed with instructions on how to request van pickup service for church. Deacon Bonner is the lead for this action. (In Work) 5. Ensure connection concerning Elderly Care between Deacons, Care Groups, Pastoral Care and CCC Nursing Home Ministry. (Ongoing) 2. Will work on SOP/Organization of Parking Lot Ministry. (In Work) Topic 8: Closing Remarks/ Adjourn 10 min Deacon Bonner In closing the Diaconate was asked to pray for Deacon Sherman as he visits his 93 year old Aunt, Deacon Marvin Jones as he recovers, Deacon Precious Draughn who will be undergoing tests this week, Deaconess Pat Wilkerson who lost a family member, Deacon Doug Smith who will be undergoing a medical procedure and Mother Dukes. Please remember to continue to pray for those who names were called out at the beginning of the meeting, Deacon Bonner also gave approval for the Diaconate Candidates at NCCF-NW to start assisting the Certified/Ordained Deacons at that location immediately upon his instructions. Deaconess Marlene Johnson gave the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:30. Next Scheduled Meetings Date Time Location Facilitator/Recorder 6 February 2016 8:00 am NCCF Cafeteria* Deacon Bonner/Deaconess 5 March 2016 8:00 am NCCF Cafeteria* Deacon Bonner/Deaconess 2 April 2016 8:00 am NCCF Cafeteria* Deacon Bonner/Deaconess Note: * Location subject to change.
NCCF Diaconate 4 Diaconate (self) Evaluation on Service and Love Deacon Bonner read Matthew 25:31-40 and stated that the Deacons are striving to be in place and take the word of God to heart. We are serving the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick and imprisoned and entertaining the stranger. But, he posed the question, Why would I start the meeting with this scripture? Two Deacons answered: (1) This scripture defines the areas of services truly required of a Deacon and (2) This scripture serves as a reminder of our areas of service to keep us focused. Deacon Bonner then read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and asked how the two scriptures were related. The response was that the scripture clearly tells us that we can do many good works but if we do not walk in love, all of our good works are for naught. Deacon Bonner continued to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a which expresses what love is and is not. The statement was made that love must start amongst the Deacons before we can demonstrate it to the people. When asked for an example of the Deacons not showing love and/or there being schisms, the example of Mary and Martha as outlined in Luke 10:38-42 was given as to say there are many Deacons who feel as if they are working constantly while others get to sit at the feet of Jesus. A passionate discussion ensued. The following is a high view of many of those comments: a. The consolidated Diaconate schedule was implemented to provide equal days of work/worship for each Deacon. However, this may not be happening and is causing some of the frustration. Deacon Bonner acknowledged that in some instances the scheduled may not be working as intended but will make every effort to: (1) Ensure definitive guidance is put out reference how the schedule is to be read in order to mitigate confusion and no-shows. (2) Check to see if Deacons are serving in areas that need to be on the schedule but are not and update the schedule. (3) Continue to stress accountability. If a Deacon will not be in place, he/she is reminded to let the Team Lead/Asst Team Lead know so that gaps can be covered. b. In any group, you will have differences of thought. Those differences are all part of group dynamics and should not be viewed as being negative or a lack of love but as an opportunity to learn and grow. If there is a perceived problems let s be brother/sister enough to talk it out and get it right. c. If the difference of thought gets in the way of us serving and/or doing the will of God, let s address it in love, remedy it and move on. If it does not, let s stop revisiting it. Let s not sweat the small stuff. d. Often discussions of this magnitude are a symptom of something deeper. It can be the manifestation of self-centeredness or soul-weariness. We have to always check ourselves and also recognize that we are always engaged in spiritual warfare. Whatever is wrong, let s call it out by name and put it under the blood. e. Matthew 25:31-40 is not about us or even our Pastors but about Jesus. Let us all follow His example. f. Remember, Love is more than words/feeling. Love is action. With a servant s heart, if we see a gap and/or a need, let s not be reluctant to step in and help even if we are not scheduled to do so. We do not have to let our concerns fester until they get to a boiling point. The monthly report has a space to submit our concerns and issues. However, with each issue cited, suggest a solution. And, trust that our Diaconate Leaders, by the help of the Holy Spirit, make decisions and implement processes that will benefit us all. Keep our Leaders lifted in prayer. Deacon Bonner listened intently to each comment. At the conclusion of the discussion, he stated that he believes that as we enter into these 21 days of fasting, praying and decreasing, we will get to where we need to be. As we come together on one accord in prayer and fasting, the Lord will guide us and show us what to do and how to reconcile our challenges. He admonished us all to embrace this fast wholeheartedly and watch God do a work in each of us that will make the Diaconate better as a whole.
NCCF Diaconate 5 OPEN DISCUSSION Deaconess Please provide updates to your contact information for the Diaconate Directory no later than Wednesday, 6 January 2016. The Diaconate wants to be intentional about recognizing birthdays, if your birthday is not listed in the Directory, please provide it to me. If you prefer you birthday not be published, please let me know. Deacon Smith, Douglas Clarified comments on disciplining Deacons by sitting them down. They were suggestions to produce a better Deacon as I have experienced this type of discipline. Are the Deacons (not candidates) at NCCF-NW still assigned to A or B team and accountable to the main campus? Yes! Deacon Candidate Clark, Monica What is the date for the Diaconate Certification and will we be given invitations for our families? The date is pending and will be provided to you as soon as it is determined. The church will provide invitations for the candidates. Deacon Sanderson, Arthur I want to thank the Openers/Closers for your support. We are looking to replace Deacon Francois for opening/closing 1 st Sundays as he will be relinquishing some duties and keys. Per Deacon Marbury, we will conduct some additional training to fine tune our opening/closing procedures. We need two more people on the Team. If anyone is interested, please see me. The church doors open on Sunday at 6:30 am. I will double check to see if the church will be open at 6:00 am for the Consecration. Deacon Pearson, Maurice Thanks to Deaconess Ros for an outstanding Christmas Party. We need to get together more often so that we can strengthen our relationships and get to know each one another better. We should plan to get together at least quarterly. What are we to do with those who are mentally challenged and/or otherwise disturbed? This item needs to be considered when we talk about safety and security. Deacon Wilkerson, Tony The New Braunfels Bible Study is conducted the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 pm at the Landa Haus. This Tuesday, 5 January 2016, Pastor Copeland will be teaching. Elder Wilson is in charge with Elder Johnson supporting. The address for Landa Haus is 360 Aquatic Circle Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Deacon Sherman, David The Diaconate list on the back of the church bulletin needs to be updated. What is the function of the Team Leaders? Deacon Campbell responded that the Team Leaders no longer act as schedulers. However, they do remain as the point of contact for information flow and accountability to include ensuring the monthly reports are completed. Disciplinary action/correction should come thru the team leads.