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. Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. For he is God's servant for your good. They were faithful in their time. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. What then is Apollos? For each mind and heart that fills the presence of this room, we thank You. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Thank You for every seat that has been filled here, today. The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. 25 And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. Honor widows who are truly widows. 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. He is a God of love: if you would give . What do these verses teach about pastoral ministry? Give me patience, dependability, and a continued, trustworthy reputation. 1 Timothy 3:11 Verse Concepts Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband. We might even want to call someone to check something out before the meeting. Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. Overcoming Roadblocks in Ministry - Devotions for Deacons. Amen. 2. Read Steve Viars Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church. Thank You for giving me this opportunity to work for You. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Couples Spiritual Weapon Prayer Lord of Heavens Armies, bless my wife as she works and prays daily to be molded into the image of You. Help all of the teachers to be able For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. Amen. Geocoding 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the Give me a humble heart when my work goes unnoticed. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. c. What warnings do we find here, both for pastors and church members? Give me a discerning mind to know your truth. Ephesians 4:11-16 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. 1 Timothy 3:8 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. 3) HEARING GOD'S WORD It is important for a deacon's meeting to begin with an encouraging Word from God. August 2022 - The Priority of Prayer. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Strengthen our confidence in who You have made us to be. But it does include specifics on the roles and duties of church leaders. Kindle fervent love for the needy in the hearts of your people, that they may generously contribute to them as your stewards. Publisher: OpenBible.info. Key Bible Passages on Pastors and Deacons. Scripture: 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your . May you find some insight from these related scripture quotes! We have talents, abilities, and time to work. And Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. 5 Short Devotions for Online Meetings By Jordan An April 27, 2020 Meeting togetherin person or more often now onlineis an important way to stay connected. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. We love your comments! R Not only could this devotional resource keep our vision fresh, but it also will invite us to explore the meaning of the phrases in the charge of deacons - encouraging us to search for ways to make this come alive in our own contexts. 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. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. But test everything; hold fast what is good. Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or clothes. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 4. The prototypical . Working with people's problems, hurts, disappointments and needs requires, as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Book of Order puts it, that deacons be "persons of spiritual character.". Send your Spirit upon me as I serve your Church. They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. F Grant us his help, that we may be able to establish who are the ones that are truly in need. Support us daily as we wear our full suits of armor for You, and when we go into battle, give us the words to say and the tools we need. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. If no one does, expect the meeting to show it. Options to hear God's Word may be: a) Through a Relevant Bible Passage Select a Bible passage that relates to diaconal ministry. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. B For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. First Corinthians 12:5 tells us that "there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord." Ministries in that verse is also diakonia. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. We might even want to call someone to check something out before the meeting. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. It will also increase your ability to use Scripture as you minister to those inside and outside of the church. You are free to use any of our devotions. Couples Mercy and Kindness Prayer God of Immeasurable Mercies, make us Your instruments to change this world. Only You know what lies ahead. If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Allow others to see You in everything I do and the gratefulness in my heart for the privilege of serving You. Deacon Campbell opened the meeting in prayer promptly at 8:15am. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 - 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 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. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. They answer to the pastor as well as the congregation. Giving My Best to God Prayer Dear Christ in Heaven, please give me the strength, energy, and endurance to be a tireless servant in Your Church who spreads Your love. The pastor should be more than an "honorary" member of of deacons' meetings. Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff Church Membership of officers in Deacons. His point here is that deacons are to have an upright character which is an example to people in the church. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. An exceptionally good piece of news is that these devotions are available for free on the DMC website! Verse 7)? 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. c. How would you describe their relationship? For things to be done decently and in order, we must have a rule of order. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Only You truly know what we are setting out to accomplish today. Their family lives prove that they apply the truth of Scripture in all areas of their lives. ); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. The New American Standard Bible. read more. Our hosting of this content does not imply endorsement, nor can we verify the accuracy of user-submitted posts. Baptists interpret the Bible as indicating there are two offices in a New Testament churchpastor and deacon. The greatest among you shall be your servant. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. Comfort [them] when [they] question [themselves and their] ministry. How do you start your deacon meetings? Benediction End of school/church/calendar year 5. We need You. For example, the Bible is the authority for Baptist faith and practice. OK, you are on your way to consistently great meetings. "I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you." Isaiah 46:4 As we grow older, our bodies begin to change.