Deacon Update

In the early weeks of the early church there arose some conflict between the Hellenists and the Hebrews. The Hellenist widows were not receiving their daily distribution of food.  The Apostles knew that their responsibility was in studying and teaching Scripture and refereeing the feeding of widows would be a distraction of that priority.  They asked the Hellenists to pick seven men from among themselves to help with the duty of serving the widows.  These seven Hellenists were “men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” (Acts 6:3).  The Apostles laid hands on them and prayed.

It appears that this is the beginning of the office that will become known as deacon.  Deacon means servant but do not miss the bigger role that these men played within the church.  They were men of high character and integrity.  In fact, one of the men, Stephen, was a great preacher and worker of signs.  He was arrested and became the first martyr.  Their role ultimately was in serving the church and protecting the unity of the church. They made it possible for the Apostles to spend their time in God’s Word

We have been in the process of electing new deacons for our church.  This has been an exciting and encouraging journey getting to interview the men nominated.  Five of these men were presented to the church at our last Quarterly Ministry Celebration and were approved to begin the training process.  We are still in the process of interviews and may have more to present to the church in the coming weeks.  These men play an important role in helping the pastor serve those in need within our church as well as protect the unity among our people. The five deacons approved by the church are Ryan Bennett, D’Wayne Conner, Steven Davis, Daryl Thomas and Steve Warehime. They will join the deacons over the next six months and then be presented to the church for ordination.  Please pray for these men as they transition into this new role.