EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR MINISTRY
Our Presbyterian Tradition supports the ministry of each person being diverse and needed for the good of the whole. Our ministries make us who we are as God's people, and are used for the good and growth of God's people. The service of Deacons has its origin in the Bible, in its ministry of sympathy witness and service to others uniting us as the Body of Christ.....
The Ministry of Deacons
An Informational Brochure to help you understand our church better and guide your discernment of Call to Service and Ministry
The Office of DEACON
-a ministry with others
The Deacon shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord's Supper."
[In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, natural and acquired, those who undertake paritcular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. -from G-6.0106a.]
The Joint Meeting of Session and Deacons usually happens in January and is a great beginning of a new term!
We hope that these descriptions and this information will be helpful to you as you consider the office of leadership which the Nominating Committee is asking you to pray about.
The Sessions and Deacons have certain committees that help guide the ministries of this church:
Committees of the Congregation
You will be asked to serve on one of these committees, and you might want to look over their descriptions (available in another brochure) to assist you in seeing where your gifts and talents can best fit, and further the ministry of this congregation.
How does this process work?
Nominating Committee calls to ask you to consider service in the church
You PRAY for God's guidance....
If you feel called to this ministry, the Nominating Committee will nominate you at called Congregational meeting
Once the congregation has elected you, you are ordained as an deacon in a worship service--usually during January and you begin service.
What are deacons?
Deacons are the servant-leaders of the church. They are ordained to their ministry which is lifelong, but they serve on terms.
In our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), deacons are elected to three year terms, and serve on a board together to organize and have their ministries flourish
The United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere has a Deacons' board made up of three classes of four members each. These twelve individuals elect a Moderator from their midst, and meet monthly as a board. They may serve on committees to assist in the ministries and governing of the local church.
DEACONS
(FROM G-6.0400)
"The office of DEACON as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgement should be chosen for this office.
It is the duty of the deacons, first of all, to minister: