Deacons

General Qualifications

Deacons must have a caring and compassionate heart, the gift of joyful service to others and aproven ability to do the work of shepherding in the communities they are a part of. The nominating committee recognizes that someone is already demonstrating attributes of a deaconand asks that person to consider ordination as a deacon in the life of FPC.

In 1 Timothy 3:8-12 Paul lays out the qualifications for a deacon:

A deacon is self-controlled in speech, appetites, and actions (1 Tim. 3:8; see also 1 Tim. 3:11). According to Paul, deacons must be “dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”

A deacon is sound in the faith (1 Tim. 3:9). Deacons must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,” which means that they must have a firm grip on the truths of the gospel and live consistently with those truths.

A deacon has been tested (1 Tim. 3:10). Paul writes, “Let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” Practically, this means that deacons should have a proven track record of faithful service before they are nominated to the office of deacon.

If married, a deacon is faithful to his spouse (1 Tim. 3:12). If single, the deacon must honor Christ with his body (1 Cor. 6:18-19).

A deacon manages his children and household well (1 Tim. 3:12). Does the way he manages his household indicate that he will faithfully serve the church’s needs? The basic message is that deacons are to be Christians whose trustworthiness, self-control, and soundness in the faithshows that they are able to be trusted (i) to faithfully care for the church’s physical needs and (ii) to serve as an example of faithful service to others.


The Deacon term is for 3 years, beginning in April thru March.


The following are deacon functions in which all are expected to take part:

1. Monthly Board Meetings – These occur on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

2. Calling/Contact Ministry – Deacons make monthly contacts to family units in our church membership: developing relationships, providing care, and connecting them with relevant ministries when needed. These members are considered a “flock.” Additionally, as new members join the church throughout the year, they may request to have a deacon. Deacons are asked to have contact with any of these folks who get assigned to them. This relationship will continue for 12 months to encourage assimilation into the congregation. After a year, they can be removed from their flock unless they want to continue their deacon relationship. (*All contacts are recorded and submitted to the Caring Ministries office or directly input into our software “ROCK’ on a monthly basis.)

3. Home Communion and Plant Delivery – Home communion is offered 4 times a year to flock members and other congregants who are not able to get to church on communion Sundays. This is encouraged to be done in deacon pairs. Plant delivery occurs during Easter and Christmas seasons for assigned members who are elderly and/or those who have lost a family member to death in the previous year. Deacons may also be asked to deliver to people not in their flocks.

4. Four Score and More Party – Each June, the Deacons host a party for congregants who are 80 years old and up. Deacons are to attend with their flocks and help host.

5. Special Care Visitation - When asked by Caring Ministries staff, provide “special care” to an assigned member who is unable to get out and requires additional love and attention.

6. Worship Service Communion – At First Pres, Communion Sundays occur the 1st Sunday of every month (10 times/year). Saying “yes” to serve communion in either the Sanctuary or Worship Center for these particular Sundays is an important part of a deacon’s ordained role.


Deacons also serve on at least one of the following teams:

1. Bereavement Support (Available daytime, weekdays, Saturdays)

2. Deacon Support (multiple simple duties during the year)

3. Four-Score Party (planning)

4. Hospital Visitation (Available daytime Wednesday and Saturday only)

5. Retirement Home (Location is Inn at Garden Plaza)


Other Contact & Care Suggestions for Deacons:

➢ Make visits to and pray for any of their flock who are hospitalized or in rehab facilities.

➢ Follow up with words of encouragement and comfort when an assigned member experiences a death in his/her family.

➢ If First Pres has a memorial service, deacons are encouraged to attend to be a caring presence if available.

➢ Consider joining the Sunday morning prayer team on occasion to offer prayer and support at the conclusion of worship services.