FBC Vision Deacon Ministry
MISSION STATEMENT
We, as a body of Deacons, are resolved that the cause of Christ must predominate our ministry as Deacons, to the church and the community. In other words, the Staff and the Deacons are committed to reviving Christ's commission to us, to serve the Church and our community through Pastoral Ministry. Future Deacons meetings will be a time of sharing the results of our Pastoral ministries with each other and celebrating the results of Christ's work through our lives.
We will begin training for our ministry focus immediately. We will fully support our staff and be obedient to the vision for our church that God has placed on their hearts. To God be the Glory.
We resolve that:
Whereas, we the Deacons of the First Baptist Church realize that the Scriptures do not call us to be a board of directors of the Church, and
Whereas, we the Deacons of the First Baptist Church realize that the Scriptures do not call us to be business managers of the Church.
Now, therefore, we resolve to serve the Church as Pastoral ministers, by:
4. Training church members to perform the functions of the Church.
6. Assuming the role of encouragers to care for a certain number of members.
7. Aiding, encouraging and protecting the pastor and staff
The term of office of deacons will be three (3) years on a rotating basis. A deacon who rotates off is ineligible for re-nomination until a year has expired.
There will be thirty-six (36) deacons.
A. Election of deacons:
1. A nominating ballot is to be presented to the church on or about the second and third Sundays in July. On the nominating ballot, church members may nominate qualified men of the church to be deacons. Each member present may nominate up to as many names as there are deacons to be chosen.
2. Prior to being nominated, men will be given an opportunity to indicate if they do not want to be considered as a deacon.
3. A team appointed by the deacons will visit with qualified nominees and discuss the qualifications of a deacon and their willingness to serve.
4. A list of qualified, willing nominees, up to twice as many names as there are deacons to be chosen, will be made and submitted to the church.
5. The church will vote to elect deacons during the morning worship services on or about the second Sunday in September. Each member present may vote for their choices for the number of deacons to be chosen.
6. As soon as those selected with the highest number of votes have agreed to serve, the elected list of deacons will be presented to the church.
7. New deacons will assume the duties of a deacon in October.
8. On or about the first Sunday in October, the church will ordain as deacons any men elected to serve who have not been previously ordained.
9. In case of death, or removal, or incapacity to serve, the church may elect to fulfill the unexpired term in the manner prescribed.
10. It shall be pertinent for the deacons to recommend to the church active life-time membership for any deacon who by reason of age or infirmities shall, after honorable service, be no longer able to render active service.
B. Qualifications of Deacons
1. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 NIV “Deacons , likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
2. Baptist Faith and Message as found in Appendix I of the Constitution.
3. Church Covenant as found in Appendix II of the Constitution.
4. Member of First Baptist for more than one year.
5. At least 18 years of age.
C. General Duties – In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament that deacons are to be the servants of the church.
1. First, they are to be zealous to guard the unity of the Spirit within the church in the bonds of peace.
2. They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. With the Pastor they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the kingdom of God.
3. By proper organization and method among themselves, they are to establish and maintain personal fraternal relations with, and inspiring oversight of, all the membership of the church. Especially are they to seek to know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of the brethren and sisters; and to serve the whole church in relieving, encouraging, and developing all who are in any such need.
4. In counsel with the Pastor and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they are to have oversight of the discipline of the church in administering which they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5: 9-13; I Thessalonians 5:12-14. The deacons shall be free to call upon any member of the church to aid in the discipline.
5. In case of absence or unavailability of the Pastor, subject to advice from and conference with him, they will provide pulpit supplies. In any period when the church is without a Pastor, unless the Church shall otherwise provide, the deacons will arrange for temporary ministry continuity and secure an Interim Pastor or pulpit supply.
6. In counsel with the Pastor, they shall administer the Lord’s Supper in such a manner as is Biblical, fitting, practical, and in accordance with the wishes of the Pastor.
7. The deacon body may review and make recommendations to the church body regarding such matters as they deem advisable.
D. Methods of Procedure
1. The deacons shall elect annually one of their members as chairman, one as vice chairman, and one as secretary. This election shall be held at the October meeting of the deacons each year.
2. The whole body of deacons shall be organized as a unit for the consideration of all larger problems and general policies and shall regularly meet each month. They may organize themselves into such groups as their wisdom may direct for efficiency in service.
3. They shall apportion the membership of the church among themselves or make plans whereby the entire membership may have the benefit of the oversight in Christ of their brethren.
4. Each deacon shall freely confer with the Pastor about all matters and cases of discipline which in his judgment would be more wisely and spiritually handled in private.
9(9*Off)11(2*2)&utmwv=1&utmn=7488993308&utmsr=-&utmsc=-&utmul=-&utmje=0&utmfl=-&utmdt=-&utmhn=fbcmtn.com&utmr=&utmp=/noscript&utmac=UA-27114567-1&utmcc=__utma%3D95091573.1766179930.1368922170.1368922170.1368922170.2%3B%2B__utmb%3D95091573%3B%2B__utmc%3D95091573%3B%2B__utmz%3D95091573.1368922170.2.2.utmccn%3D(direct)%7Cutmcsr%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B%2B__utmv%3D95091573%3B)