47+ Year Church Goers to Overnight Deacons?

Not 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV - Study to shew thyself approved unto? It is not a position to which one appoints oneself.

THE BIBLICAL / HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF A DEACON

Question: "What are the responsibilities of deacons in the church?" Answer: In the New Testament, the word usually translated "serve" is the Greek word diakoneo, which literally means "through the dirt." It refers to an attendant, a waiter, or one who ministers to another. From this word we get the English word “deacon.” We first see the word "deacon" used this way in the book of Acts. “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” (Acts 6:2). The men who were giving themselves to feeding the flock by preaching and teaching realized that it wasn’t right for them to leave those activities to wait tables, so they found some other men who were willing to serve, and put them in place to minister to the church’s physical needs while the elders or pastors ministered to their spiritual needs. It was a better use of the resources they were given, and a better use of everyone’s gifts. It also got more people involved in serving and helping one another.

Acts 6:1- 7 is the passage often cited for the be ginning of the office of deacon in the early

Christian church. Though the seven who were elected were not specifically called "deacons" in

the technical sense, they nonetheless functioned as deacons. The office of deacon probably

grew out of this experience.

Without belaboring all of the details of the Acts 6 passage, let's look at the purpose for which

these men were selected. One reason they were chosen was to solve a problem that arose among the church fellowship. They were called upon to preserve the harmony of the church.

Another reason was to free the apostles to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the

Word (v. 4).

The Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ the Lord, Inc. DOES NOT HAVE AN ELECTED Board of Trustee's but "Church Trustees", WHO ARE TO ONLY assume the responsibility for overseeing the facilities and physical need WITHIN THE CHURCH.

ALSO, AN OVERSEER CAN BE REMOVED! Get up from the counter! Being fed falsehoods of self-serving agendas.

Nothing here in the duties about a “Board of Trustee”, nor in the ratified “Plan and Bylaws” of the Church, oh that’s right, we want to use the “bogus” falsified forged ones. Not good to lie to the COURTS! FORGET Qualifications and a Character Above Reproach.

QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

The Biblical qualifications for a deacon are found in Acts 6 and in I Timothy 3:8-13.

1. SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS (ACTS 6:1-6)

a) Men of good reputation

b) Full of the Spirit

c) Full of wisdom

2. MORAL QUALIFICATIONS (I TIMOTHY 3: 8-10, 12-13)

a) Worthy of respect

b) Not hypocritical

c) Not drinking a lot of wine

d) Not greedy for money

e) Holding the mystery of faith with a clear conscience

f) The husband of one wife

g) Managing their children and their own households well

3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE WIFE OF A DEACON (I TIMOTHY 3:11)

a) Worthy of respect

b) Not slanderers

c) Self-controlled

d) Faithful in everything

PRACTICAL DUTIES OF A DEACON

The practical duties unique to First Baptist Church, Fairhope, are the following:

1. Loyal support and respect of the pastor and staff.

2. Faithful attendance at the services of the church.

3. Encouragement of and participation in the organizations of the church –Sunday School, Music, Discipleship, Ministries, Outreach, Special Events, etc.

4. A consistent commitment to stewardship by tithing to the church.

5. Personal evangelism among the lost; visitation of the sick & shut-in of the membership.

6. Assistance with new member assimilation.

7. Help serve the Lord’s Supper.

8. Pray in worship services.

9. Help with Preschool Hall security.

10. Serve at annual Widow/Widower’s Banquet.

11. Minister to the needs of the Sunday School class as assigned.