Psalm 32:8 2. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (Read More.) Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. Christ is the Head, Elders are the physical leaders of the church, deacons fall under the . Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus. What are the implications to us? Time is invested in deacon training. A Psalm of David. Make [their] heart[s] like yours so [they] may love your people. For Hard Times For Financial Prosperity For Physical Health For Emotional Health For Protection For a Marriage For Babies and Pregnancy For Family For Spiritual Warfare For Spiritual Health For a Death For the Workplace For Bedtime, Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 18 Strong Prayers for a New Place to Live, Righteousness Exalts a Nation Meaning and Meditation, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. While planning any church meeting, you need to think of all the details about what will interest the church members that will make them attend the meeting without any confusion. But do this with gentleness and respect,". 1. 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. Here is a beautiful prayer to use in closing your time together. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Giving My Best to God Prayer Dear Christ in Heaven, please give me the strength, energy, and endurance to be a tireless servant in Your Church who spreads Your love. There is only one way for us to go to heaven. II. However, only You can see in perfect detail the end of every beginning. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, " For by grace are ye saved through faith.". Prayer should be biblically informed. Invite and encourage people to share whats happening in families, at work, whats distracting them right now, whats exciting, whats discouraging, etc. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. : Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary. All of our devotions have a printable option at the bottom of each page if you wish to print. In Your holy name, I pray. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. 3. They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. Make my heart like yours so I may love your people. 4. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. "Make every effort to preserve the unity the. Make me a witness for You, Lord. OpenBible.info "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that this in Christ Jesus (1Tim.3:13)." Tonight the leadership (pastor and deacons) of Pleasant Hill Baptist church will meet with a purpose. Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. For example, the Bible is the authority for Baptist faith and practice. Read Steve Viars Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. The expectations for elders differ from those of deacons in a one critical way. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.". I trust in You. Service Times8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. 1920 Northwestern AveWest Lafayette, IN 47906, Biblical Counseling in Winter Break Childcare, The Hope of Avoiding Poisonous Responses to Trials. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. 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. b. Baptists interpret the Bible as indicating there are two offices in a New Testament churchpastor and deacon. His point here is that deacons are to have an upright character which is an example to people in the church. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Give me the courage to overcome my shyness and be more social to further the impact I make in Your holy name. Loving heavenly Father, Robert's Rules Of Orderis a handy reference to have on hand, but it is somewhat too detailed for the typical business meeting in a small, Baptist church. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. We surrender completely to You. 8. The men seek God's mind, heart, and guidance. This allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). They help to respect peoples time, their ideas, their willingness to serve. H It can be so vast and open ended that it's difficult to know what to focus on. Help us to understand that we don't need full clarity to walk into the unique purpose You've inlaid in our lives. Grant [them] grace as [they] age so [they] may share your wisdom. Acts 6:1-6 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a . b. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. Open our eyes to see what you are doing in our lives. Every deacon 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. These short, but insightful and inspiring pieces, are all based around the theme of "Live As Examples of Christ Jesus". Give me peace of mind in obedience and service. : Grace Theological SeminaryD.Min. But qualifications for a deacon's character are clearly outlined in Scripture. I commit everything I have and everything I am to You, Lord God. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. Our hosting of this content does not imply endorsement, nor can we verify the accuracy of user-submitted posts. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them,You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. Proverbs 3:5-6 3. Implications? FENCES. Deacons are an example to people. The pastor should be more than an "honorary" member of of deacons' meetings. Blog, A Finally, they are to be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and home with integrity (v. 12). Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. Grant us sufficient means to bring relief to the needy. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. In standard usage, it described someone devoted to carrying out the commands, accomplishing the will, or meeting the needs of another person. decisions through this meeting." Then close the prayer. Honor widows who are truly widows. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Amen. It is rooted in the Greek word diakanos, which is translated as deacon, minister, or servant (1). 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. But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.. We know that when we gather together, You always have a divine agenda. 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. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. It is seen in several places in Scripture, most often describing someone who is a domestic servant that is subordinate to their superior. So, we need to read all of Scripture in light of the whole Bible. I wanted to briefly share what our meeting will look . How would these passages help us understand the purpose of a deacons meeting? Ephesians 6:18 Whether you are headed into a work meeting that needs guidance and wisdom or gathering as a small group or church, these opening prayers will set your focus on God's will. Forgive us for our pride. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. 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. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Steer our intentions to align with Your righteous will. Shift our perspective to seek Your peace above all else. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. U An exceptionally good piece of news is that these devotions are available for free on the DMC website! 22 And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.