2.5 Short Devotions on Encouragement for Moms. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. F Baptists interpret the Bible as indicating there are two offices in a New Testament churchpastor and deacon. I commit everything I have and everything I am to You, Lord God. 25 And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. 2.4 Short Devotionals for Young Women. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. For things to be done decently and in order, we must have a rule of order. 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. Required fields . 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. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 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. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. Deacons are to be problem solvers and preservers of church harmony. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Their family lives prove that they apply the truth of Scripture in all areas of their lives. We know that when we gather together, You always have a divine agenda. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. T Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. What then is Apollos? These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Service Times8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. 1920 Northwestern AveWest Lafayette, IN 47906, Biblical Counseling in Winter Break Childcare, The Hope of Avoiding Poisonous Responses to Trials. 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is necessary to begin your staff meeting with these collections of 6 Powerful Prayers for Staff Meetings with scriptures on this post. Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. In Jesus name, I pray. 1. Deacons Meeting Use chat feature below to be counted and heard. Psalm 3:5 NIV Let Your peace rain down on us today, as we seek You more than anything else. Make [them] fertile ground for your inspiration and love. Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. Lift our eyes to seek You first today, and always, surrendering our need to achieve, understand, and be known. A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! Amen. 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. 12 Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 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. As an apostle, Paul described himself as a "servant of the Lord" (Rom 1:1; Col 1:25). 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. The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. Pour your heart before Him. D Blanket us with Your peace today, Father. Allow both my wife and me to be encouragers, supporters, and smile-makers, not only at church but everywhere we go. You and I must be diligent and watchful so that we are not deceived. The Four "F" Words Deacons Utter About Classis and Synod, Deacons at Classis & Synod: Moving From Formal to Focused. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Couples Guidance Prayer Righteous Savior, bless my role as a deacon in the church and bless my wife in her support of the work I do in Your name. Give me the courage to overcome my shyness and be more social to further the impact I make in Your holy name. Our prayer today is that Your will be done through this event. Remind us of Your faithful provision when our efforts fail us or fall short. Bible scholars are generally agreed that the "office" of deacon finds its roots in Acts 6:1-7, where the early church selected seven men to assist the apostles in caring for the needs of the widows in the early church. The pastor should be more than an "honorary" member of of deacons' meetings. What does the Bible say about Deacons? Open our eyes to see what you are doing in our lives. 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. 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. Devotions. 2.2 Short Devotions for Advent and Christmas. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. Everyone must guard himself against the various foes that threaten to rob us of our joy in the Lord, our usefulness in the kingdom, our relationships with our brothers and sisters, and our leadership of our home. 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. These short, but insightful and inspiring pieces, are all based around the theme of "Live As Examples of Christ Jesus". The prototypical . Keep love at the forefront of our minds today, and the guiding light for all we set out to accomplish and celebrate. Having a time of devotions and prayer at your deacon's meetings is meant to facilitate a sharing of the living Word. The process of preparing a good agenda demands thought and prayer. The men seek God's mind, heart, and guidance. While being dispersed across various locations, our teams can use these meetings as a time to come together and build unity. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? In Christ, Kendall. There is only one way for us to go to heaven. 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. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. They answer to the pastor as well as the congregation. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. I trust in You. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. October 2022 - Sacrifice for God and Others. Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. You are free to use any of our devotions. Psalm 32:8 2. Transform us Lord, and make us more like you. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Proverbs 24:10 4. : Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. Updated June 01, 2022. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. "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. Deacon Campbell opened the meeting in prayer promptly at 8:15am. "Make every effort to preserve the unity the. 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. Many pastors like to have a list of devotions that they can give to others as well as use in their own personal life. Only You truly know what we are setting out to accomplish today. Help me to be a motivator and a spiritual weapon for her. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Agenda Templates 10+ Church Meeting Agenda Templates in PDF | DOC. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Let us bring love where there is hatred, healing where there is injury, faith where there is doubt, and hope where there is despair. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 24 But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Recalibrate our intentions and refocus our hearts. I am so blessed to have Your mercy, grace, and love. Steer our intentions to align with Your righteous will. A Bit of Clay Anytime; Pentecost 2. 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. The Bible is very clear on how the church should be run. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God suppliesin order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. 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. The word "deacon" means "servant." It was used of those who waited on tables serving food and did menial work.1 Deacons are the servants of the church. 3 But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. The church secretary will record the church meeting minutes to distribute to all attendees and relevant absentees after the meeting has adjourned. May we discharge the duties of our office as Christ's ministers of mercy. First, theres just no getting around it, somebody has to do some good preparation, and that usually falls to the chair. That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. Church Membership of officers in Deacons. on 08/23/2019. Amen. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 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. A Thank You Will Do Thanksgiving; Celebrations 4. Finally, they are to be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and home with integrity (v. 12). 2. 35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.). 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. We need You. Humble us in our servanthood and use us for Your will. E For we are God's fellow workers. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. As we gather together, we praise You for this day and Your purpose for it. Amen. You can find the devotionalsby clicking here. I don't believe deacons "run" the church. 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. Deacons bring stability for people. Dr. Steve Viars has served at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN since 1987. U The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. A Purposeful Pastor/Deacons Meeting. We love your comments! Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. Let all things be done for building up. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. 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. 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. A chair who signals to her group that she really values them and respects them, is on the way to a good meeting. Now coming to what the Bible has to say, it has no firm rules on a church meeting. 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. Work in and through me, Jesus. Acts 6:1-7 1 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. Strengthen our confidence in who You have made us to be. c. What does this verse contribute to our overall subject? Beloved, confide in Him. Pray through a passage of Scripture. May all glory go up to You when we reach the finish line and climb over benchmarks. Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. Stephen's life shows that he received both these things: He received honor (high standing) because he had the privilege of giving up his entire life in one moment for the glory of Christ. Robert's Rules Of Orderis a handy reference to have on hand, but it is somewhat too detailed for the typical business meeting in a small, Baptist church. I will tend to the poor and the hungry, the sick and the discarded. Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, Just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. Make us both blameless in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Read Chapter All Versions 1 Timothy 3:10 A church meeting agenda is an outlined plan for a church administrative meeting. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 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.. Shift our perspective to seek Your peace above all else. Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. Never leave my side. b. What is Paul? G But it does include specifics on the roles and duties of church leaders. 3) HEARING GOD'S WORD It is important for a deacon's meeting to begin with an encouraging Word from God. Praise You for this event, and Your purpose for it. I want to do my best for You, and I need Your help to do that. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. Let us examine a final passage of Scripture regarding deacons. Call that person before the meeting and say, Harv, I want to give you a heads up that were going to be talking about the budget item for a new keyboard. January 2023 - A Biblical View of Church Membership. Guide My Footsteps Prayer O God, my Promise-Keeper, be with me as I step out every day into the darkness of this world to bear Your light. Sculpt us into Your image and make our actions illustrations of Your loving grace. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. Take what we have prepared and multiply our efforts as only You can. Trust the merit of His blood, the power of His arm, and the love of His heart. You are God's field, God's building. So what else? Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 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. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. K Nov 23, 2022 - Explore Lorna Andrejewski's board "Deacon meeting" on Pinterest. Thank you for the roles of deacon, elder, and minister and for the uniqueness each brings to the table. . Make me a humble servant, a role model, and a friend to all who call on Your name. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Ready us to make every moment count. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. Id like to think of these as a few of the disciplines of good meetings. : Grace Theological SeminaryD.Min. 7. decisions through this meeting." Then close the prayer. There are two offices necessary to the church: pastors and deacons. - Sort By Book Order. Comfort me when I question myself and my ministry. 8. It is rooted in the Greek word diakanos, which is translated as deacon, minister, or servant (1). These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.read more. The Bible teaches that all persons who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are priests with direct access to God (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Give me health of body so I may serve with strength. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. We love You for that, Father. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. OK, you are on your way to consistently great meetings. Read Steve Viars Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church. While planning any church meeting, you need to think of all the details about what will interest the church members that will make them attend the meeting without any confusion. Thank You for giving me this opportunity to work for You. Set us free from comparison in order to work together efficiently. The deacon title derives from a general Greek word that describes the work of a servant (diakonos). Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023, Orientation Resources for Deacon Leadership. Giving My Best to God Prayer Dear Christ in Heaven, please give me the strength, energy, and endurance to be a tireless servant in Your Church who spreads Your love. 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. Send your Spirit upon me as I serve your Church. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Salem Media Group. But qualifications for a deacon's character are clearly outlined in Scripture. Focus our eyes on consoling those who hurt and bringing Your light into the darkness. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. In Jesus name, I pray. In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, " For by grace are ye saved through faith.". Focus our work on the good things that can only come from You. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive. c. What warnings do we find here, both for pastors and church members? But you have to get there one step at a time. Amen. #4 - Use simple parliamentary rules. Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. 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. 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. We have an idea, a vision, hints, and daily instructions. Deacons' Meetings. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. C Implications? 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. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. Give us your grace to relieve needs by means of material gifts and to instill the comfort of your holy Word into the hearts of the afflicted, that they may put their trust in you alone. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. 2.3 Short Inspirational Devotions for Women Who Love Christian Fiction. But this is your time. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. It will involve you in followup on decisions from the last meeting, and it will help you to think about what you can do ahead of time to help insure that the next meeting is a good one. The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). Help me to devote my life to best supporting the elders of the church and the congregation. Woman's hips extend to new horizons on the east, our. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Deacons from generations past are cheering you on from the sidelines of glory. Amen. 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. Mold me in Your image and guide me in my actions each day. A Taste of Life Time of trouble in congregation/community 3. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. I am Your servant and will go wherever You lead me. They are to teach what is good. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. 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. Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. They should be persons of deep faith and high moral standards (see 1 Timothy 3:8-13), committed to a life of prayer, study and other spiritual . 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. Help us to understand that we don't need full clarity to walk into the unique purpose You've inlaid in our lives. Make my heart like yours so I may love your people. The goal of each meeting is to make sure that we (deacons and pastoral staff) are leading and serving in ways that glorifies God and builds His church. I need to be able to reach over and take Your hand at a moments notice. After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Your email address will not be published. Thank You for allowing service to Your Church to be the mission of our lives.