. Beloved, confide in Him. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. If you are not the chair, offer to help; this business of having better meetings involves taking responsibility stepping up to the tasks. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. Phil. We have an idea, a vision, hints, and daily instructions. Strengthen our stance so we can defeat the schemes of the devil through prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and Your holy word. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs. II. 6. The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. Amen. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. Use your departure as a time to thank God and ask for His protection and blessings. 3) HEARING GOD'S WORD It is important for a deacon's meeting to begin with an encouraging Word from God. 3. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. The process of preparing a good agenda demands thought and prayer. Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. For he is God's servant for your good. Dashes January; to memorialize someone 6. Forgive us for our pride. Father, Tell her then to help me.. Amen. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. Work in and through me, Jesus. You can find the devotionalsby clicking here. Meetings are a way to strengthen ties within a group of staff whether it is a work or religious place; in any of them, its members share and open their minds and hearts to learn about others and also know a little more about others oneself. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Proud member The New American Standard Bible. In Jesus name, I pray. That even when we have done what You have asked, the results are so much greater than we ever could have imagined. They were faithful in their time. Make me a witness for You, Lord. Because the Bible is God's word, it will not contradict itself. Leading Others to God Prayer Light in the Darkness, keep my heart pure, let me do all that I can to lead others to You. 2.1 Short Devotions on Revelation. That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. Help me to persevere in all I do in Your mighty name. I want to help and be there for our members and friends, but I worry that I wont say the right thing or have the correct answer. All of our devotions have a printable option at the bottom of each page if you wish to print. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. and social character. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. To find the full context of shorter scripture quotes, click on "Chapter" above each verse. Updated June 01, 2022. 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. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Why was the office of deacon instituted? In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. December 2022 -. 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. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Having set forth the qualifications for elders, Paul now does the same for deacons. Time is invested in deacon training. Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. Help us plant seeds of hope and faith in eternal life with You. Many pastors like to have a list of devotions that they can give to others as well as use in their own personal life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 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. To help focus on the TASK at hand, each agenda item should be labeled clearly, so that the group knows exactly what it needs to do with that agenda item. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. Ways to improve your next deacons' meeting - not painless steps to take, but they WILL reduce pain in the meeting! The Apostle Paul wrote, "Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money" (1 Timothy 3:8). Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. Give [them] health of body so [they] may serve with strength. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. The primary relationship of the deacons to the church is as follows: 1. Our prayer today is that Your will be done through this event. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Discover the top Bible verses about Deacons from the Old and New Testaments. Read Chapter All Versions 1 Timothy 3:10 What then is Apollos? Thank You for allowing service to Your Church to be the mission of our lives. A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! You have called us to the office of deacon in this congregation, and we are now assembled in your name to deal with the matters pertaining to our office. Psalm 3:5 NIV Let Your peace rain down on us today, as we seek You more than anything else. FENCES. 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. Verse 7)? of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (Read More.) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Amen. Geocoding And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. The prototypical . b. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. But Martha was distracted with much serving. Deacons' Meeting March 8, 2023 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Hamburg Bible Church 731 Port Clinton Ave. Hamburg, PA 19526 Get Directions Stitches For Souls. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. Your acts are amazing Lord. What the Bible says about Deacons Topics Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8 - 1 Timothy 3:13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 12. If no one does, expect the meeting to show it. Their ministry seems to have begun in Acts 6:3-4 when the apostles sought men "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" who would serve the widows in the church. Let us marvel at your good gifts and your wise provision. 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. Even in failed attempts, You blow us away with Your faithfulness to provide what we need. They are to hold to correct doctrine (v. 9). The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. I am Your servant and will go wherever You lead me. Help me to be a motivator and a spiritual weapon for her. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. Allow both my wife and me to be encouragers, supporters, and smile-makers, not only at church but everywhere we go. 2 And 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. Or am I trying to please man? We love your comments! Amen. rather than doing business as usual, using a meeting or a part of a retreat to have a foot-washing service together. "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. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Begin meetings by obeying this command and asking God for wisdom on all the matters on your agenda. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 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 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. All rights reserved. Month-by-month lectionary readings . 2 Timothy 2:24-26 24 And the Lords bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Church Membership of officers in Deacons. We might even want to call someone to check something out before the meeting. You are God's field, God's building. 2.6 Short Morning Devotions for Couples. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. b. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. But test everything; hold fast what is good. A Taste of Life Time of trouble in congregation/community 3. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. Let me put my fears of public speaking and meeting new people behind me and allow me to be all that I can for You. Not double-tongued (v. 8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something . Allow us to work together as a team to confront struggles of every kind, at home, in the church, and in our community. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says Jesus is accursed! and no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. But it does include specifics on the roles and duties of church leaders. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. God let this meeting be productive and, as should be the case in all areas of our lives, help us to keep You at the forefront of our minds as we do the work set before us. "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that this in Christ Jesus (1Tim.3:13)." Tonight the leadership (pastor and deacons) of Pleasant Hill Baptist church will meet with a purpose. First, theres just no getting around it, somebody has to do some good preparation, and that usually falls to the chair. 2. July 2022 - Honoring God with Our Giving. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. Set us free from comparison in order to work together efficiently. We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. It is seen in several places in Scripture, most often describing someone who is a domestic servant that is subordinate to their superior. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, " For by grace are ye saved through faith.". For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. That invariably calls for a business meeting. Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. Recalibrate our intentions and refocus our hearts. That means sitting through lots of less than great ones. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. The Four "F" Words Deacons Utter About Classis and Synod, Deacons at Classis & Synod: Moving From Formal to Focused. In Jesus name, I pray. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. #2 - Plan the meeting carefully. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. I need to be able to reach over and take Your hand at a moments notice. Give me a discerning mind to know your truth. All rights reserved. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. 33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or clothes. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). Give us renewed strength and godly courage to obey You without questioning. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Devotions. First, theres just no getting around it, somebody has to do some good preparation, and that usually falls to the chair. But you have to get there one step at a time. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Publication date: Feb 25, 2023. 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. 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. c. List several characteristics of a healthy church from this passage. Often I hear deacons express an uncertainty about what is expected, and what their role actually is. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 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. 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 love of money. Grant [them] grace as [they] age so [they] may share your wisdom. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. This can satisfy the craving on the part of some for relational time, and it can lead easily and directly into prayer time. Make me Your vessel, dear God. Amen. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. 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. 1 Timothy 3:11 Verse Concepts Trust the merit of His blood, the power of His arm, and the love of His heart. In verse 13, Paul says, "For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and a great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." Paul is saying that those who serve in the often quiet, behind the scenes work of deacons, will be rewarded with high standing. The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. W Let us examine a final passage of Scripture regarding deacons. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. each other to excellence. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. G OK, you are on your way to consistently great meetings. 2.7 Short Funny Devotionals for Essential Oils Users. I am so blessed to have Your mercy, grace, and love. I am so blessed to have Your mercy, grace, and love. b. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Dr. Steve Viars has served at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN since 1987. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. Ready us to make every moment count. 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. Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone. Proverbs 3:5-6 3. Setting a specific time for this meets a need, builds community, and reassures people who get quickly impatient with it because they know it has a specific boundary around it. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. Z. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Loving heavenly Father, Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful What then, brothers? These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.. Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12: Dignified (v. 8): This term normally refers to something that is honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy, and is closely related to "respectable," which is given as a qualification for elders (1 Tim. D What's helpful when questions arise about purpose, is to be reminded about our calling to these roles, and how better to remember than to each meeting take a few moments and collect ourselves to remind each other what we were elected to do. We dedicate our lives to You, our God. A Purposeful Pastor/Deacons Meeting. Please share your ideas for improved meetings. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. Do not wait for that to happen in the meeting. Amen. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. To help focus on the TASK at hand, each agenda item should be labeled clearly, so that the group knows exactly what it needs to do with that agenda item. What does the Bible say about Deacons? January 2023 - A Biblical View of Church Membership. October 2022 - Sacrifice for God and Others. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. . Let all things be done for building up. It lists the order of business and topics of discussion that address the overall goals of the meeting. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Romans 16:1: A Female Deacon (Deaconess) In Acts 6:3, the apostles appoint seven male deacons: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus. Every meeting begins with prayer. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?