Originally published in the June 25, 2009 issue of The Evangel.
by Tom Clark, deacon chair
We, the congregation, will soon be involved in the process of nominating and electing 15 new deacons to serve a four-year term. Do you ever wonder what deacons do at First Baptist Church? Deacons Meeting is scheduled for the first Monday of each month. Deacons gather for a meal and a meeting--they hear reports, make suggestions, pray for needs, and consider the health of the congregation. You guessed that--right?
However, you may not know what the deacons do on an ongoing basis. Take a typical Sunday. You are in your pew and the worship service begins with baptism. The deacon Baptism Committee members are in the dressing rooms encouraging and assisting the candidates as they enter and exit the baptismal pool. The deacon Building Security Committee folk are walking the halls of our facilities and are stationed at the main entrance to ensure the security of the congregation. They may encounter an individual or family who will need the aid of the deacon Benevolence Committee today or some time in the future.
As the service progresses, an offering is received. The individuals coordinating this process are members of the deacon Offering Committee. The service may also include the ordinance of Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper Committee prepares the elements, and additional deacons come forward and serve these elements when Pastor Frank moves to this part of the service.
When the invitation is given, you may hear the testimony of a person who feels called to ministry and plans to attend seminary. The deacon Seminary Student Assistance Committee pays extra attention to what is being said, knowing they may soon be providing some financial support and encouragement to this person as well as our other seminary students.
Members of the deacon Doorway Ministry stand at the various sanctuary exit points to greet members and guests as they leave the worship service. You may also have noticed the activity at the Welcome Center after the service. Coordinators of the deacon Doorstep Ministry have designated deacons to deliver packets of information and materials to the first-time guests who shared their contact information.
As you ponder those individuals to nominate and vote for, consider your choice serving on one of these deacon committees. Now you know
