Believe it or not, we need some more Deacons. The Deacons we have are doing a marvelous job but their numbers are a bit down. Curtis McDonald and his family have moved and Joey Smith is deployed and he and his family are due to move in the near future. With the blessing of a military community comes difficulty! Also, former Deacons Michael Collins and Sean Waters are now serving as Elders.
Diakonos means servant and is the word from which we derive “deacon”. Deacons follow the example of Christ in a ministry of sympathy and service (Acts 6:1-7). It is at this time that we are seeking men to serve in this office. What do Deacons do?
We find this in the PCA Book of Church Order which serves as a part of our constitution as a church:
“It is the duty of Deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and buildings belonging to the congregation… In the discharge of their duties the Deacons are under the supervision and authority of the Session.” (Chapter 9-2)
What Are the Qualifications for Deacon? These are given to us in I Timothy 3:
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
What will be our process for nominating and electing Deacons? Active male members of HLPC are eligible for nomination. All nominations will be considered by the Session. Nominees will undergo a time of training and then be examined by the Session. Those candidates approved will then stand for election.
This Sunday you will have nominations forms you are encouraged to use. Please prayerfully consider who you will nominate and be in prayer that God will raise up some men to help in this time of need. The deadline for receiving nominations will be Sunday, September 29th.