Phil. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. That means sitting through lots of less than great ones. But you have to get there one step at a time. ); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. Transform us Lord, and make us more like you. The process of preparing a good agenda demands thought and prayer. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God suppliesin order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. We dedicate our lives to You, our God. Comfort [them] when [they] question [themselves and their] ministry. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Focus our work on the good things that can only come from You. This allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. It is seen in several places in Scripture, most often describing someone who is a domestic servant that is subordinate to their superior. 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? b. When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. Proverbs 24:10 4. I want to do my best for You, and I need Your help to do that. Is the focus of these qualifications on a mans abilities, or his character? Deacon Campbell opened the meeting in prayer promptly at 8:15am. Everyone must guard himself against the various foes that threaten to rob us of our joy in the Lord, our usefulness in the kingdom, our relationships with our brothers and sisters, and our leadership of our home. 4. Dr. Viars serves on the boards of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, Biblical Counseling Coalition, Vision of Hope, and the Faith Community Development Corporation. 4. A Thank You Will Do Thanksgiving; Celebrations 4. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Give me a humble heart when my work goes unnoticed. Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. 35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Send your Spirit upon me as I serve your Church. Read Steve Viars Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. G In Jesus name, I pray. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. Help us to understand that we don't need full clarity to walk into the unique purpose You've inlaid in our lives. I trust in You. Shift our perspective to seek Your peace above all else. Keep my breathing deep and peaceful, let anxieties roll off my back, and help me to stay focused on supporting the elders in my church. In verse 13, Paul says, "For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and a great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." Paul is saying that those who serve in the often quiet, behind the scenes work of deacons, will be rewarded with high standing. 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. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Timothy 3:13 Here Paul explains the function of the deacon, and two things will result when the service of a deacon is done correctly. I am Yours. Amen. Deacons need to be able to look it over a couple of days in advance so it can "percolate"; we all need time to clarify our own thinking and decide what we want to say in the meeting. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Let us marvel at your good gifts and your wise provision. July 2022 - Honoring God with Our Giving. O 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. Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12: 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. And they were accompanying him to the ship. How do you start your deacon meetings? Ephesians 2:8 tells us, " For by grace are ye saved through faith.". Praise You for this event, and Your purpose for it. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. I know you have strong feelings about keyboards, and so I wanted to have a conversation with you before the meeting to make sure you dont feel blind-sided, and help you feel assured that well handle this in a way that feels respectful to you.. 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. How would these passages help us understand the purpose of a 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. Here is a beautiful prayer to use in closing your time together. Overcoming Roadblocks in Ministry - Devotions for Deacons. c. What does this verse contribute to our overall subject? The greatest among you shall be your servant. B N Your email address will not be published. The church secretary will record the church meeting minutes to distribute to all attendees and relevant absentees after the meeting has adjourned. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. There is only one way for us to go to heaven. 2.3 Short Inspirational Devotions for Women Who Love Christian Fiction. Ephesians 4:11-16 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. Because the Bible is God's word, it will not contradict itself. 12. Give [them] peace of mind in obedience and service. Bless, we pray, our work of mercy that we all may praise and thank you, while we await the blessed appearance of your Son, Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sakes that he might enrich us with eternal treasures. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. Often I hear deacons express an uncertainty about what is expected, and what their role actually is. Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Strengthen our stance so we can defeat the schemes of the devil through prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and Your holy word. Read Chapter All Versions 1 Timothy 3:8-13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. There are two offices necessary to the church: pastors and deacons. Do not wait for that to happen in the meeting. 2. Many pastors like to have a list of devotions that they can give to others as well as use in their own personal life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. Meetings of the first church have more to do with keeping in line with . The term translated "deacon" simply means servant. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Give me eyes to see the needs of your people. View Pastor Viars' Salvation Testimony Video, 5526 State Road 26 EastLafayette, IN 47905. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Dr. Steve Viars has served at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN since 1987. I need to be able to reach over and take Your hand at a moments notice. Having a time of devotions and prayer at your deacon's meetings is meant to facilitate a sharing of the living Word. #4 - Use simple parliamentary rules. . So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. What are the implications to us? decisions through this meeting." Then close the prayer. Do it by email, or do it by snail mail, or do it by using church mailboxes. That invariably calls for a business meeting. It will help develop your language of faith and help you apply Scripture. Set us free from comparison in order to work together efficiently. Only You truly know what we are setting out to accomplish today. The Bible is very clear on how the church should be run. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive. All rights reserved. For we are God's fellow workers. One of the important principles of Bible interpretation is that we must allow Scripture to interpret itself. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. In Jesus name, I pray. If no one does, expect the meeting to show it. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Amen. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Help us to share Your word and Your truth with all who enter our presence. OK, you are on your way to consistently great meetings. Listed below are 19 practical tips for pastors when conducting a Deacons' Meeting. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Make me a humble servant, a role model, and a friend to all who call on Your name. The Four "F" Words Deacons Utter About Classis and Synod, Deacons at Classis & Synod: Moving From Formal to Focused. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that it is not me speaking, but You through me. R 1 Peter 5:1-11 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. You are our good Father, just and righteous. Help all of the teachers to be able The Bible says that deacons who serve well (meaning serve effectively) receive a high standing and have confidence in Christ ( I Timothy 3:13 ). Bless this meeting today, all those present, as well as the lives of those we will encounter afterward. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. They are to teach what is good. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.". Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 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. 2.1 Short Devotions on Revelation. Deacons need to be able to look it over a couple of days in advance so it can percolate; we all need time to clarify our own thinking and decide what we want to say in the meeting. The expectations for elders differ from those of deacons in a one critical way. To help focus on the TASK at hand, each agenda item should be labeled clearly, so that the group knows exactly what it needs to do with that agenda item. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. They were faithful in their time. Prayer should be biblically informed. 7. Work in and through me, Jesus. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 2.5 Short Devotions on Encouragement for Moms. Keep us physically safe and guard our hearts and minds from pride and selfishness. Deacon Pearson read Isaiah 55:9-12. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. The primary relationship of the deacons to the church is as follows: 1. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. But do this with gentleness and respect,". 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. for choosing to use ordinary, average people like us to impact the world. These short, but insightful and inspiring pieces, are all based around the theme of "Live As Examples of Christ Jesus". Verse 7)? In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. B.S. Tell Him your troubles. I commit everything I have and everything I am to You, Lord God. Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. . All rights reserved. As we gather together, we praise You for this day and Your purpose for it. That even when we have done what You have asked, the results are so much greater than we ever could have imagined. Call that person before the meeting and say, Harv, I want to give you a heads up that were going to be talking about the budget item for a new keyboard. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. 2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Updated June 01, 2022. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Let us bring love where there is hatred, healing where there is injury, faith where there is doubt, and hope where there is despair. From this text and elsewhere, we know that the Bible recognizes two offices within the church: elder and deacon (cf. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. Setting a specific time for this meets a need, builds community, and reassures people who get quickly impatient with it because they know it has a specific boundary around it. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Their family lives prove that they apply the truth of Scripture in all areas of their lives. Depend on the Lord July; Pentecost; time of difficulty 2.4 Short Devotionals for Young Women. A Taste of Life Time of trouble in congregation/community 3. Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. For things to be done decently and in order, we must have a rule of order. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? The deacon chair has an opportunity to initiate honor by asking his pastor for input in front of the other deacons. 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. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful What then, brothers? 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. A.The Problem (verse 1)-Greek-speaking Jewish widows being overlooked in the distribution . Inspire me with Your wisdom so that my wife and I can work together as a team so I can faithfully fulfill my duties to the church. K Give me patience, dependability, and a continued, trustworthy reputation. 1. Take what we have prepared and multiply our efforts as only You can. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. What if better preparation meant shorter better meetings?! Grant us his help, that we may be able to establish who are the ones that are truly in need. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. His point here is that deacons are to have an upright character which is an example to people in the church. The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 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. Make me fertile ground for your inspiration and love. b. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. December 2022 -. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? Geocoding Having a good agenda in hand 2 or 3 days before the meeting is important. : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. The Lord's Servants Read the Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Fences must be erected, must be guarded, and must be constantly repaired. Your righteousness transcends all our efforts and understanding. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. Bible scholars are generally agreed that the "office" of deacon finds its roots in Acts 6:1-7, where the early church selected seven men to assist the apostles in caring for the needs of the widows in the early church. Time is invested in deacon training. They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. It is rooted in the Greek word diakanos, which is translated as deacon, minister, or servant (1).