This is the time of year we get to select new deacons to serve the church. As Discipleship Pastor I have the opportunity to work closely with these men. There are eleven new ones stepping forward to serve on a rotation for the next three years. I am reminded of the first deacon type ministry in Acts 6. It wasn’t too long after the birth of the church that the apostles realized they could not do all the serving and still maintain their commitment to preaching and teaching the Word of God. So they selected seven men, filled with the Spirit, to meet the physical needs of the congregation. These men helped with various areas of service, including widows and food needs. That set a pattern which was followed through the New Testament and even to this day.
Today we have over forty deacons who serve on Sundays by setting up for worship and for children’s classes. I appreciate these men and their dedication to serve on a team every fifth week. They come early and stay late to help our morning services and program. They also take young boys fishing during the summer. They cut wood or help folks in other ways as needed. Paul gives instructions for choosing deacons in I Timothy 3. They are to be temperate and hold to the truths of the faith. Their wives support them as they minister. Our deacons have typically been members of the church at least a year, and most of them for many years.
We have the opportunity to affirm them this Sunday and they will be commissioned the following Sunday to serve. They have been recommended by staff and elders. And speaking of elders, two former deacon captains are recommended to serve as elders. Evan Wagner and Corey Callahan have been faithful in their duties and are being asked to take on new shepherding responsibilities. Today I want to celebrate these servants who watch over and serve the flock here at Fairfield. We also want to pray for them as they begin their service over the next couple weeks. They will meet regularly with Dean and four other elders. Evan and Corey have been members here for nearly twenty years and were part of our young married class when they first came to FCC. The elders also serve for a three year term and typically meet twice a month.
It is a blessing to me to have known many of these men for so many years. It is also a blessing to work with our deacons on a regular basis.
Lord, thank you for all the men who serve our church family faithfully. We thank you for their willingness to commit to serve and be an example for others. Help us all to find our place of service so that the church can function and grow in practical ways.
We pray for new deacons stepping forward to be filled with your Holy Spirit and empowered to serve. Bless their wives and families as they fulfill their commitment. Equip them and give them faithfulness to the truths of the faith. Protect their health and the health of their families: Brad, Rod, Matt and Jonathan, John and Jim, Roger, Bob and Paul, Bob and Howard.
Please bless and equip Evan and Corey as they join the elders. Give them wisdom and ability, along with all the elders, to oversee the flock and shepherd the people. Guide them in the years to come.
Thank you Lord for all our pastors and ministry directors and bless us as we continue to lead the flock here. May you bless other churches with such leadership as you have blessed ours. In Jesus’s Name, The Chief Shepherd of the Sheep, Amen.