The Ministry of Being a Deacon
by Andrea Overby, FBC member
Peacemakers, encouragers, shepherds, unifiers, uplifters, servants, leaders, advisors, exemplifiers of speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity...
Seldom can the above words be used to describe one body of people, but those are the qualifications and descriptions of the Deacons of First Baptist Church.
Sixty church members are elected to four-year terms to share the duties of deacons as outlined in the Deacon Purpose Statement: "Deacons of FBC, individually and collectively, are to prayerfully and consistently undergird and support the mission and ministry of the church through moral, spiritual and servant leadership."
"It's the servant-leadership role that I think is so meaningful to me," said Mary Lea Roselle. She and her husband Richard have enjoyed seeing how being a leader so often means being a servant, as well as interacting with the other deacons because it gives them a chance to "hear about the passions and ministries" of others in the church.
The deacon terms are staggered, so 15 rotate off and 15 more begin new terms in January of each year. The purpose and qualifications of deacons are based on scripture, and areas of service are meant to impact all areas of need in the congregation. Each deacon serves on one of six committees: Baptism, Benevolence, Lord's Supper, Offering, Building Security, and Seminary Student Assistance. All deacons participate in Doorstep Visitation to Sunday visitors.
Deacon election is Sunday, October 21. You may pick up an absentee ballot in the Pastor's Office on Sundays, October 7 and 14, if you will not be present in the October 21 service.
Also in the September 26, 2007 Issue of The Evangel
» Frank and to the Point
» In Case You Missed It
» Oktoberfest
» The Ministry of Being a Deacon
» First Walk is October 6
» October Staff
» We Are Changing One Life at a Time
» Adopt a Student
» Wide World of Sports
» Minister of Music Listening Sessions
» Craft Your Christmas
» Discipleship Opportunities
» Young Musicians to Attend Kids Choral Connection
» Thank You, Pastor Frank!
» This Weekend: Mark Edwards' Retirement Concert and Reception
» Upcoming Events
» This Week in Worship
