And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.". First, theres just no getting around it, somebody has to do some good preparation, and that usually falls to the chair. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. F While being dispersed across various locations, our teams can use these meetings as a time to come together and build unity. Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Having a time of devotions and prayer at your deacon's meetings is meant to facilitate a sharing of the living Word. Only You know what lies ahead. Forgive us for striving beyond our means, worrying, and forcing results. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. 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 term translated "deacon" simply means servant. 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. Deacons are an example to people. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. I trust in You. : Grace Theological SeminaryD.Min. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. V Q 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. 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. 2.4 Short Devotionals for Young Women. He is the source of all the direction we need. c. What does this passage contribute to our study of the relationship of pastors and deacons? 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. Allow both my wife and me to be encouragers, supporters, and smile-makers, not only at church but everywhere we go. The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). 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. Give me eyes to see the needs of your people. Humble us in our servanthood and use us for Your will. For he is God's servant for your good. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. 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. Psalm 32:8 2. You are our good Father, just and righteous. Do not wait for that to happen in the meeting. Make me a humble servant, a role model, and a friend to all who call on Your name. 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. 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. Sculpt us into Your image and make our actions illustrations of Your loving grace. It will help develop your language of faith and help you apply Scripture. A church meeting agenda is an outlined plan for a church administrative meeting. 2.3 Short Inspirational Devotions for Women Who Love Christian Fiction. Romans 8:28 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Call it Personal Time, and make it part of opening devotions. We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would clearly show us how to The greatest among you shall be your servant. The prototypical . Create in us an everlasting determination to grow Your kingdom that produces good fruit. Grant us sufficient means to bring relief to the needy. 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. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. Strengthen our confidence in who You have made us to be. In Jesus name, I pray. 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. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Listed below are 19 practical tips for pastors when conducting a Deacons' Meeting. W 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 2. Not only could this devotional resource keep our vision fresh, but it also will invite us to explore the meaning of the phrases in the charge of deacons - encouraging us to search for ways to make this come alive in our own contexts. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. Amen. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. Amen. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? We need You. Invite and encourage people to share whats happening in families, at work, whats distracting them right now, whats exciting, whats discouraging, etc. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. T Do you have feedback? 1. For each mind and heart that fills the presence of this room, we thank You. Make us both blameless in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. But you have to get there one step at a time. 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. All rights reserved. Give me peace of mind in obedience and service. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. You have ordained the service of deacons for your church, in order that the needy members may receive the necessary support. E Help all of the teachers to be able b. 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. ); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. Loving heavenly Father, Praise You for this event, and Your purpose for it. So, we need to read all of Scripture in light of the whole Bible. But this is your time. 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. So they gave a dinner for him there. 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. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 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. Church Membership of officers in Deacons. 33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or clothes. Give me a discerning mind to know your truth. Dr. Viars serves on the boards of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, Biblical Counseling Coalition, Vision of Hope, and the Faith Community Development Corporation. Scripture: 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your . Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Lift our eyes to seek You first today, and always, surrendering our need to achieve, understand, and be known. From this text and elsewhere, we know that the Bible recognizes two offices within the church: elder and deacon (cf. Bonus points if they get connected in the Young . Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. Never leave my side. 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. #3 - Be prepared to lead the meeting, Remember, leadership is priceless. 2. It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. January 2023 - A Biblical View of Church Membership. 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. In a cultural context deprived of Christian commitment, today is the day for deacons to model the change they want to see in the church. Thank you for the roles of deacon, elder, and minister and for the uniqueness each brings to the table. All of our devotions have a printable option at the bottom of each page if you wish to print. b. "Make every effort to preserve the unity the. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Deacons from generations past are cheering you on from the sidelines of glory. If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. 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. Kindle fervent love for the needy in the hearts of your people, that they may generously contribute to them as your stewards. 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. So, if you want the real Jell-O, do not be deceived by the Snack Pack. b. 1 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Acts 6:1-15 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the . As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. What does the Bible say about Deacons? For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 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. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Deacon Campbell opened the meeting in prayer promptly at 8:15am. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Devotions. 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. I am Yours. Options to hear God's Word may be: a) Through a Relevant Bible Passage Select a Bible passage that relates to diaconal ministry. Keep the words of King David fresh in our minds, and renew our hearts to the tune of Your truth.I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 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. A Diaconate that PRAYS Together, Stays Together! Thank You for every seat that has been filled here, today. b. May we discharge the duties of our office as Christ's ministers of mercy. Phil. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. Geocoding How would these passages help us understand the purpose of a deacons meeting? He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. on 08/23/2019. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 3. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Amen Prayer Before Sunday School Jesus as we gather together to learn about You, may You meet us here. For we are God's fellow workers. 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. But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. A Psalm of David. 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. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, " For by grace are ye saved through faith.". But test everything; hold fast what is good. Keep Me Grounded Prayer Lord Jehovah, Self-Existent One, I ask that You keep me grounded and on the path You have for my life. We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. In Christ, Kendall. 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. 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. I wanted to briefly share what our meeting will look . Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Deacons need to be able to look it over a couple of days in advance so it can "percolate"; we all need time to clarify our own thinking and decide what we want to say in the meeting. 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. Bless, we pray, our work of mercy that we all may praise and thank you, while we await the blessed appearance of your Son, Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sakes that he might enrich us with eternal treasures. Give us renewed strength and godly courage to obey You without questioning. Amen. I know you have strong feelings about keyboards, and so I wanted to have a conversation with you before the meeting to make sure you dont feel blind-sided, and help you feel assured that well handle this in a way that feels respectful to you.. Prayer should be biblically informed. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 1. How do you start your deacon meetings? Every project, every season, every life. For example, the Bible is the authority for Baptist faith and practice. Is the focus of these qualifications on a mans abilities, or his character? 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. Publisher: OpenBible.info. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. Finally, they are to be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and home with integrity (v. 12). It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. Remind us of Your faithful provision when our efforts fail us or fall short. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Keep love at the forefront of our minds today, and the guiding light for all we set out to accomplish and celebrate. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. A Taste of Life Time of trouble in congregation/community 3. 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. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Every meeting begins with prayer. 2.1 Short Devotions on Revelation. Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. 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. As I continue the path of being a deacon in my church, I ask that You give me the words I need to help those who come to me. 8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Prayers An Opening Prayer for the Meetings of the Deacons Merciful God and Father, you have not only declared that we will always have the poor with us, but have also commanded us to support them in their need. 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful What then, brothers? Read Chapter All Versions 1 Timothy 3:8-13 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. #5 - Set a quorum of deacons to be present. We can not comprehend the number of blessings you pour out on us from day to day. I will cross raging waters and walk through burning flames and not be afraid because You are with me through it all. The men seek God's mind, heart, and guidance. My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. I am Your servant and desire to further Your kingdom and guide Your sheep to green pastures and eternal life with You. 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. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. Use your departure as a time to thank God and ask for His protection and blessings. Our hosting of this content does not imply endorsement, nor can we verify the accuracy of user-submitted posts. FENCES. decisions through this meeting." Then close the prayer. 3. Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone. Deacons hold important positions of service in their churches and shine Gods light through their words and actions. God, make me brave. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. In standard usage, it described someone devoted to carrying out the commands, accomplishing the will, or meeting the needs of another person. We surrender completely to You. Amen. New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. 1. Lead us to them and help us to distribute the offerings that have been collected in a spirit of joy, fidelity, and liberality. A Bit of Clay Anytime; Pentecost 2. You don't have deacon's meetings without the pastor present unless your goint to fire him. In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Give [them] a generous spirit when [they are] tired but needed. OpenBible.info Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. The New American Standard Bible. Amen. Make me step out and take up new adventures.