Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. 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. H #3 - Be prepared to lead the meeting, Remember, leadership is priceless. God let this meeting be productive and, as should be the case in all areas of our lives, help us to keep You at the forefront of our minds as we do the work set before us. I will cross raging waters and walk through burning flames and not be afraid because You are with me through it all. That invariably calls for a business meeting. 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. 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. 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. Now coming to what the Bible has to say, it has no firm rules on a church meeting. 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. Remind me that though I fall short of the glory of God, I am Your handiwork and I am enough. Send your Spirit upon me as I serve your Church. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money" (1 Timothy 3:8). Help us to understand that we don't need full clarity to walk into the unique purpose You've inlaid in our lives. Thank You for giving me this opportunity to work for You. Q They should be persons of deep faith and high moral standards (see 1 Timothy 3:8-13), committed to a life of prayer, study and other spiritual . Praise You for this event, and Your purpose for it. Id like to think of these as a few of the disciplines of good meetings. Give me a discerning mind to know your truth. What truths was Paul trying to emphasize to these Ephesian elders? 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. Is the focus of these qualifications on a mans abilities, or his character? And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 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. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers. We humbly ask that You make us worthy to be Your servants. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faiththat you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. Invite and encourage people to share whats happening in families, at work, whats distracting them right now, whats exciting, whats discouraging, etc. These readings are available for both lectionary cyclesdaily readings and Sunday/Festival readings. 2. ( 1 Tim 3:13, NKJV) This statement foreshadows two eventual, compelling benefits for those who carry out their duties well. Acts 6:1-6 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a . They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Christ is the Head, Elders are the physical leaders of the church, deacons fall under the . Make me a witness for You, Lord. However, only You can see in perfect detail the end of every beginning. Deacons are to control their appetites either for alcohol or money (v. 8). Help us to work together and encourage If you have short devotions that you wish to share, please contact us. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. Proverbs 24:10 4. Oh, right, we did that part already. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. September 2022 - Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing. Time is invested in deacon training. 2. In a cultural context deprived of Christian commitment, today is the day for deacons to model the change they want to see in the church. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Y Agenda Templates 10+ Church Meeting Agenda Templates in PDF | DOC. Acts 6:1-7 1 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. In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. They answer to the pastor as well as the congregation. A Thank You Will Do Thanksgiving; Celebrations 4. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. Loving heavenly Father, Bonus points if they get connected in the Young . Not double-tongued (v. 8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something . 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. It will involve you in followup on decisions from the last meeting, and it will help you to think about what you can do ahead of time to help insure that the next meeting is a good one. 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. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that it is not me speaking, but You through me. Publisher: OpenBible.info. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. J The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses. Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Psalm 3:5 NIV Let Your peace rain down on us today, as we seek You more than anything else. 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. I need to visit more, share stories more, and fellowship more. What's helpful when questions arise about purpose, is to be reminded about our calling to these roles, and how better to remember than to each meeting take a few moments and collect ourselves to remind each other what we were elected to do. Grant us his help, that we may be able to establish who are the ones that are truly in need. Proud member Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. You are God's field, God's building. Recalibrate our intentions and refocus our hearts. 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. Proverbs 3:5-6 3. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. b. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 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. Tell Him your troubles. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 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. Let us examine a final passage of Scripture regarding deacons. Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:8-18. . - Sort By Book Order. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. Do you have feedback? Give [them] a humble heart when [their] work goes unnoticed. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. 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. Give me peace of mind in obedience and service. May we discharge the duties of our office as Christ's ministers of mercy. 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. 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). Read Steve Viars Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church. Beloved, confide in Him. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. b. 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.) Amen. If no one does, expect the meeting to show it. Even in failed attempts, You blow us away with Your faithfulness to provide what we need. 7 And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. decisions through this meeting." Then close the prayer. 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. So, we need to read all of Scripture in light of the whole Bible. Remind us of Your faithful provision when our efforts fail us or fall short. 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. N Bless this meeting today, all those present, as well as the lives of those we will encounter afterward. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. conduct our work with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. Every project, every season, every life. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 2.2 Short Devotions for Advent and Christmas. And Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. 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. Month-by-month lectionary readings . Publication date: Feb 25, 2023. My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. . 1 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Acts 6:1-15 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the . Your email address will not be published. For things to be done decently and in order, we must have a rule of order. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Your righteousness transcends all our efforts and understanding. Why was the office of deacon instituted? Forgive us for our pride. Help me to be a motivator and a spiritual weapon for her. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. B #2 - Plan the meeting carefully. I need to be able to reach over and take Your hand at a moments notice. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. Sculpt us into Your image and make our actions illustrations of Your loving grace. 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. Salem Media Group. Amen. 25 And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. . Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.read more.But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 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. But do this with gentleness and respect,". Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools.