Deacon’s Training Manual - Baptist Church Planters
Deacon Training ManualIntroduction from Dr. David C. LittleIt is wonderful to be saved! Praise to God for His unspeakable gift. It is a wonder God doesn’t take usstraight to heaven at the moment of our salvation. He loves us so much and has paid such a price forour salvation that you would think that He would want us to be with Him immediately. But Goddoesn’t do that. He leaves us here to serve.I served as a pastor for twenty-eight years. They were very good years, and there is nothing asprecious as being a shepherd of God’s people. In those years, I was spiritually blessed to havewonderful, godly men as deacons. A few of those men were used of God to mold my ministry life, andI will be eternally indebted to them.When I became the president of Baptist Church Planters (a church planting agency), I determined togive church planters every tool possible to enhance and strengthen the churches they were starting. Asmissionaries start churches, their purpose is to bring the churches to graduation. To do so, they musthave leadership in place, which means a pastor and deacons. Too often, men are put into the office ofdeacon who have no idea what that necessarily means. I felt it would profit the missionaries andchurch plants if they had material that could be used to teach qualified men what deacons are and do.Thus, I started this project which I trust will help many churches and will also help men to be used ofGod as deacons.It is my prayer that God will use this book to help men be godly servants, and if chosen by the churchto be a deacon, will serve as God intended.Dr. David C. Little 2006 Baptist Church PlantersBaptist Church Planters 36830 Royalton Road Grafton, OH 44044 PH: (440) 748-1677 E-mail: bcp@bcpusa.org1
Table of ContentsLesson One- What is a Deacon? .3Lesson Two- The Scriptural Qualifications of a Deacon .6Lesson Three- Should You Accept the Nomination? .9Lesson Four- The Purpose of the Church .11Lesson Five- The Role of Leadership as a Deacon.14Lesson Six- Deacons’ Care for the Membership .15Lesson Seven- Deacons and Counseling .17Lesson Eight- Deacons’ Meetings .19Lesson Nine- Deacons and Temptation .24Lesson Ten- Dealing with Conflict in the Church .27Lesson Eleven- Church Discipline and Deacons .30Addendum .322
Lesson One - What is a Deacon?To understand what God expects of a deacon, we must turn to the Word of God and find out how thebiblical word is used. No one should assume that he knows what a deacon is or does until he hasthoroughly searched the Scriptures.The Greek word is diakoneo dee-ak-on-eh'-o – found in the Bible 37 times, translated servant, serve,deacon or minister. When it uses the word ‘minister,’ it is not talking about an ordained pastor.It means: to be a servant, attendant, wait upon. It is used to describe a minister, one that waits onguests (as a waiter or waitress), a person who supplies food and the necessities of life. Sometimesthe servant would care for the poor or sick.Notice how the word is used in the New Testament:Mt 4:11 “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”Mt 20:26 “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be yourminister.”Mr 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his lifea ransom for many.”Lu 10:40 “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thounot care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.”Joh 12:26 “ If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: ifany man serve me, him will my Father honour.”Ac 6:2 “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason thatwe should leave the word of God, and serve tables.”Ac 19:22 “So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus;but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.”Heb 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewedtoward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”Php 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are atPhilippi, with the bishops and deacons.”Col 1:7 “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister ofChrist.”Notice how the word was used in the preceding verses: Angels ministered to Jesus. Jesus ministered to those to whom He was sent. Martha ministered to those in need of hospitality.3
Paul and Timothy ministered to the saints.The church chose men to serve the widows.Based on the usage of the biblical word, how should deacons minister in the church? Call on people who are in the hospital. Visit new people in the church. Meet the needs of hurting people or those going through trials. Arrange help for the widows. Regularly call on members, reviewing their spiritual condition, devotion and tithing habits. Entertain people in the home. Work with people who are not disciplined in finances to encourage them to become betterstewards.Both the pastor and the deacons are servants of Christ and to Christ’s people. Pastors and deaconswork together to advance the people of God and grow the assembly of the believers. If you fail tounderstand this, you fail to fulfill your role.What a deacon is not: A director. I prefer not to use the term “Board of Deacons” because it misrepresents whatdeacons do. I prefer the simple biblical term deacons. Deacons are not directors of the church,but servants of the church. A representative of the church. Baptists do not have representative government likePresbyterians do, but rather hold to congregational government. Administrator (to manage the affairs of a business, organization, or institution) but facilitator.Webster says of facilitators- “somebody who aids or assists in a process, especially byencouraging people to find their own solutions to problems or tasks.” Deacons will find greatdelight in helping people find solutions with God‘s help. An inspector of the pastor. Some deacons fall prey to this mindset. It is dangerous. This oftenhappens following a bad experience with a pastor and the deacons get apprehensive aboutpastoral leadership. This mindset will not lend to unity.The office of deacon:Baptists believe the Bible teaches two offices, namely, pastors and deacons. Philippians 1:1 says“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,with the pastors and deacons.”Some believe the men chosen in Acts 6 were the first deacons. It is not conclusive that this is true, butthe work of the men in Acts 6 resembles the work of deacons, namely serving.In I Timothy, Paul was writing clearly of the office of deacons.Before a man should be considered for the office of deacon, he should display the servanthoodcharacteristics associated with the meaning. Is this man serving others rather than himself? Is hehelping those in need? Is he calling on those that need encouragement? Is he encouraging theleadership? Is he willing to do the most menial tasks in the church?4
Reading Material- “Who Rules the Church?” by Gerald CowenFor your consideration- The cart before the horse:When men in a church want to be elected to the office of deacon, it can be a mark of trouble. What istheir motive? Are they looking for power or prestige? When a man realizes the amount of workentailed, he is probably a good candidate for deacon.Question- Are you serving Christ and His people?List areas where you are presently serving:Now list ways you serve that are not connected with programs, events, etc. -ways you “on your own”serve people:5
Lesson Two – The Spiritual Qualifications of the Two OfficesThe Bible teaches two offices in the local church i.e., the pastor and the deacons - Philippians 1:1.Also in I Timothy 3, we see the qualifications of the two offices.The office of the pastor:Baptists believe that the terms shepherd, elder and bishop all refer to the same office of pastor.Churches that have multiple elders have multiple pastors. Churches should not elevate deacons toelders unless they have received the “definite call of God,” and the church can care for multiplepastors.From I Timothy 3:1-7Vs. 1DesiresBishopVs. 2BlamelessHusband of one wifeVigilantSoberVs. 3Vs. 4Vs. 6Vs. 7Good behaviorGiven to hospitalityApt to teachNot given to wineNot a strikerNot greedy of filthy lucrepatientNot a brawlerOne that ruleth well his ownhouse, having his children insubjection with all gravityNot a noviceMoreover he must have agood report of them whichare without; lest he fall intoreproach and the snare of thedevil.to stretch oneself, that is, reach out after (long for):—covet after, desire.We get our English word- Episcopal from this Greekword- episcopos —the office of a “bishop,” bishoprick,visitation. Sometimes this is translated overseer.Free from blame, unrebukeable. A finger cannot bepointed at any one thing.A one woman man. Because Christ will not divorceHis church, it is unwise to use men who have beenthrough a divorce.circumspect:—sober, vigilant.self controlled, discreet, sober, temperate. This man ismoderate as to his opinions or passions.of good behaviour, modest.given to (lover of, use) hospitality. He enjoys guests.He can teach others and they understand.Is not controlled by wine.A striker or quarrelsome.without covetousness, money does not control thispersongentle, moderation, patient.peaceableto preside, or to practice:—maintain, be over, rule.newly planted, that is, a young convertproperly beautiful, good morallyreport-record, report, testimony, witness.6
The office of the deacon:From I Timothy, chapter three, verse 8.VS. 8GraveNot double tonguedNot given to much wineVs. 9Vs. 10Not greedy of filthy lucreHolding the mystery of faithin a pure conscienceLet them be provedLet them use the office of adeaconBlamelessVs. 11Vs. 12Even so their wives must begraveNot slandersHusband of one wifeRuling their children andown houses wellVs. 13Purchase to themselves agood degree of and greatboldness in the faithhonest. Be men worthy of respect—that is, seriousmen of dignity, not clowns.telling a different storytowards, that is, pay attention to, be cautious about,apply oneself to, adhere *See note belowNot a money grabber.They must be men of spiritual depth and their theologymust match their professional life.This means tested or examined. **See note below.Use of the office and deacon are the same word.Simply put, if they are tested, get on with being aservant.No one able to point the finger regarding some matteror practice in the present or past.Honest, dignifiedFalse accuser, devil, slanderer. This is a very strongword. The tongue is in view.Only one living wife. A man cannot serve as deaconwho has two living wives ***See noteThe measure of a man’s leadership is revealed in hishome. Do his children living at home obey hiscommands? Does he manage his own house,involving money, order, testimony and etc.**** See note belowThose who deacon well acquire strength and boldness.* Dr. Ken Brown wrote a pamphlet entitled “The Use of Wine in the Bible.” In this pamphlet hewrites: “The general terms for the fruit of the vine (yakin and oinos) do not correspond to the Englishword for the beverage of wine. These biblical terms mean the fruit of the vine without reference topresence or absence of alcohol.” Study done by this author concludes that Middle Eastern countriesand people used the fruit of the vine as their regular beverage and for the purpose of preservation; theymade sure there was little ability for fermentation. Grape juice that ferments results in vinegar, notalcoholic beverage. To make intoxicating wine, the producer must control the sugar and heat of thejuice. The question begs in this passage, why would deacons be asked to control their intake of grapejuice. I believe for two reasons. One, a simple matter of moderation and secondly, some juice mighthave a small amount of fermentation, especially if it was not meticulously cared for when preserved.7
** In some denominations, deacons are ordained and must pass an ordination examination. Ipersonally believe deacons should be able to theologically present their biblical beliefs and also theremust be evidence from Christian service demonstrating their tenacity and faithfulness. Only timeproduces this testing.*** There are different views on this subject, but I believe Christ wanted His church to be led by menwho have proven themselves faithful in all ways, and especially in marriage. A man that has beenthrough a failed marriage does not represent the image of Christ as a faithful groom. Also, this may bean area where some might “point the finger,” disqualifying in the area of blameless. Over the years, Ihave led many divorced and remarried men to Christ. This issue has come up many times. I remindevery man in this situation that the “work of the deacon” can be done by anyone who has a servant’sheart, but the “office of the deacon” can be fulfilled by only those who qualify. It is a very sad day forthe church when a man wants the office over the work. Every man reading this must be passionateabout serving others and leaving the office to the Lord and the church.**** This area has been a problem to some men, especially when their older children walk away fromthe Lord. Here is my suggestion. If the child is not at home, the child is not under the authority of theleader and he is not responsible for the actions of his child. If the leader elects to allow his child, nomatter what age, to live at home, the child should abide by the rules of the home. If the leader does notmake the child responsible to the rules, he should resign his office and dedicate himself to therestoration of the child.The scriptural qualifications stated above should be taken seriously. The church has a responsibility tomake sure the leaders are scripturally qualified men. Failure to do so will have devastating results.8
Lesson Three - Should You Accept the Nomination?Churches have various ways of electing deacons. Some have nominating committees. Others allowthe whole membership to nominate. A few still nominate from the floor (not a good idea).If nominated, how would you know whether to allow your name to be placed on the ballot? Askyourself the following questions and honestly answer them.1. Who nominated you? If it is your relative, you might want to talk to the pastor about histhoughts.2. Have you a desire to serve people? Have you been serving people in helpful ways? Have youopened your home to others?3. Are you anxious to have authority as a deacon? If so, you are probably looking at the office inthe wrong way.4. Can you see how God has prepared you spiritually to serve as a deacon?5. Is your pastor enthusiastic about you serving? Remember, this is a team activity. If you haveissues with the pastor, it may not be the wisest choice to serve.6. Since your wife will be highly involved in hospitality and counseling, is she in completeagreement with you serving as a deacon?7. Have other godly men suggested you serve as a deacon?8. Have you been living for the Lord, having devotions (at least to some degree), tithing, andregular in the Lord’s house.All these questions must be answered honestly, before you are ready to serve the church.Based on honest answers to the above, you can now begin to pray about the matter and proceed,allowing the church to decide if you should be a deacon. Remember, someone has to step up and takethe responsibility. If you have grown in the Lord and see that God has prepared you, accept thenomination and move ahead. God will bless you. If you don’t feel it is the time, decline and committo preparing yourself for this service if the church would desire you to serve in the future. God willbless your decision.Note: In many churches, members do not know of a previous divorce and remarriage. As deacons,you can really help godly men in this position not to be faced with this matter year after year. You canalso provide ways to serve and help them be used in the church in multiple ways. Remind them thatwhat pastors and deacons do can be done by anyone. Illustrations: call at the hospital; preach atprisons, campgrounds, nursing homes, etc; Bible studies with unbelievers; discipleship courses; and onit goes. They can do the work, but not hold the office. Encourage them.What if you are elected?1. Take time to thank the Lord, HE prepared you for this time in your life. Look back over theyears of your Christian walk and review God’s leading in your life.2. Be sure to ask the pastor for time in the first deacons’ meeting to share your testimony ofsalvation and your testimony of God’s preparation in your life.3. Start immediately to pray for the pastor and other deacons on a regular basis. Remember thatif the leadership falls into sin, the results are catastrophic for the church.9
4. Start immediately praying for your own ministry, asking God to give you opportunities whereyou might serve in special ways.5. Look forward to the deacons’ meetings. I trust these meetings will be exciting and encouragingto you.10
Lesson Four - The Purpose of the ChurchThis is a huge topic but should be addressed since you may be or are a deacon of a local church.Definition- A local church is an organized body of believers that have been born again by the Spiritthrough the blood of Jesus Christ, immersed upon confession of faith, and who have banded together tofollow Christ, observe the ordinances, fulfill the great commission through evangelism anddiscipleship.The church is designed to nurture spiritual infants in Christ. It is a hospital for sinners, not a showcaseof saints. We must be careful not to get a warped view of the church. People will not be perfect, andneither are the leaders.As the church fulfills her mission, she will train believers for the work of the ministry. See Ephesians4. Her training will prepare them for serving in the local church and sending them into the world tofulfill the great commission.The four main purposes of the church:Acts 2:42 is a verse within the context of the first church being described. The text says that thechurch practiced four main things.1.2.3.4.Doctrine- the systematic teaching of God’s word.Fellowship- interaction between believers.Breaking bread- the Lord ’s Supper.Prayer- dependence on God.Let’s take each one and do some review: Doctrine- Matt. 7:28- And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the peoplewere astonished at his doctrine. Doctrine is instruction.I Tim. 4:13- Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.4:16- Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thoushalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. Fellowship- the Greek word, koinoônia- partnership, participation, distribution or fellowship.This is much more than dinners and refreshments (which are not all bad), but it involves caringfor each other, encouragement, exhortation, accountability and sometimes confrontation.Fellowship should be plann
deacon or minister. When it uses the word ‘minister,’ it is not talking about an ordained pastor. It means: to be a servant, attendant, wait upon. It is used to describe a minister, one that waits on guests (as a waiter or waitress), a person who supplies food and the necessities of life. Sometimes the servant would care for the poor or sick.
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This manual is dedicated to helping you as a deacon to serve faithfully and effectively. It is designed to acquaint you with the biblical materials related to the office of deacon and the particulars of the deacon ministry of First Baptist Church. The church has elected you to the honorable position of a deacon, because your life has
Peace Missionary Baptist Church Community Baptist Church North East Baptist Church Greater New Birth Baptist Church St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church Lincoln Memorial-Baptist Church Mt. Gilead Baptist Church West Durham Baptist Church New Metropolitan Faith Winners Baptist Church Mount
0.00 Ogreeta Baptist Church 0.00 0.00 Boiling Springs Baptist Church 1,200.00 4,789.00 Old Shooting Creek Baptist Church 2,374.19 0.00 Downings Creek Baptist Church 0.00 0.00 Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church 16,096.87 2500.00 Ebenezer Baptist Church 3,618.25 1,000.00 Pilgrim Baptist Church 100.00 881.78
Rev. Michael Mac Mahon, Pastor 883-4359 Rev. Jonathan Howell, Associate Pastor 882-1132 fatherjonathanhowell@gmail.com Administrative Assistant Rev. Francisco Park, Pastor Korean Catholic Community 867-1679 Deacon Bob Becher, Deacon Lee Heckman Music Ministry Deacon Matthew Koh, Deacon Tony Moreno Deacon Mike Sudnik Weekday/dÍa de semana
Center Archives for their research assistance, and Deacon Lindsey of New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon Eddie White of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Mary Thomas and Rhunette Morse, both of New Hope AME church, and Helen Oman, Deacon Frank Porter, and David Lemons, all of Mt. Pleasant
deacon. In his book, Baptist Churches in Action (1929), Dr. Dobbins called attention to the spiritual qualities deacons should possess. He referred to the deacon as a "specially qualified man of God called by his church to high and holy scriptural office." Churches began to rethink the work of deacons and a new spiritual dimension began to .
deacon ministry as it relates to Southern Baptist churches. You can study the material in five ways: 1. Use it for self-study; be sure to do additional reading from the reference books listed throughout the material 2. Use it in a special deacon training meeting 3. Use it on deacon retreats along with the reference books listed, or with a certified
