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. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. What if better preparation meant shorter better meetings?! 2. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. It lists the order of business and topics of discussion that address the overall goals of the meeting. Help me to be a motivator and a spiritual weapon for her. 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. : Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary. Give [them] health of body so [they] may serve with strength. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Updated June 01, 2022. Please take that worry from me and erase the apprehensiveness in my voice as I talk with others. 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. 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. 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. Remind me that though I fall short of the glory of God, I am Your handiwork and I am enough. Let us bring love where there is hatred, healing where there is injury, faith where there is doubt, and hope where there is despair. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.. A.The Problem (verse 1)-Greek-speaking Jewish widows being overlooked in the distribution . : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. 22 And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. Id like to think of these as a few of the disciplines of good meetings. Options to hear God's Word may be: a) Through a Relevant Bible Passage Select a Bible passage that relates to diaconal ministry. Publisher: OpenBible.info. 2.1 Short Devotions on Revelation. Make me step out and take up new adventures. Bible verses related to Deacon Duties from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. Deacon Campbell opened the meeting in prayer promptly at 8:15am. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. We love You for that, Father. Deacons from generations past are cheering you on from the sidelines of glory. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 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. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? That means we must begin with an understanding of biblical complementarity in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. 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 . Having a time of devotions and prayer at your deacon's meetings is meant to facilitate a sharing of the living Word. G And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. But this is your time. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. 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. 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. Ways to improve your next deacons' meeting - not painless steps to take, but they WILL reduce pain in the meeting! 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. I need to be able to reach over and take Your hand at a moments notice. For he is God's servant for your good. J 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. August 2022 - The Priority of Prayer. These short, but insightful and inspiring pieces, are all based around the theme of "Live As Examples of Christ Jesus". 33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or clothes. Steve is the author, co-author, or contributor to six books and numerous booklets. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. There are two offices necessary to the church: pastors and deacons. 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. Grant [them] grace as [they] age so [they] may share your wisdom. . In the way the words are often used in Acts and the epistles, a believer in any form of ministry could be called the servant, or deacon, of Christ. 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. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Change them to reflect Your will. 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. Call it Personal Time, and make it part of opening devotions. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. They are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, a good household . Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. "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. These short, but insightful and inspiring pieces, are all based around the theme of "Live As Examples of Christ Jesus". 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. 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. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Our hosting of this content does not imply endorsement, nor can we verify the accuracy of user-submitted posts. Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. #5 - Set a quorum of deacons to be present. Kindle fervent love for the needy in the hearts of your people, that they may generously contribute to them as your stewards. Only You truly know what we are setting out to accomplish today. It can be so vast and open ended that it's difficult to know what to focus on. S Love you guys. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Every project, every season, every life. conduct our work with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 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. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.). Let Your light in me shine brightly for all to see. . 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. They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. The deacon chair has an opportunity to initiate honor by asking his pastor for input in front of the other deacons. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. Create in us an everlasting determination to grow Your kingdom that produces good fruit. Couples Mercy and Kindness Prayer God of Immeasurable Mercies, make us Your instruments to change this world. God, make me brave. 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. 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. Listed below are 19 practical tips for pastors when conducting a Deacons' Meeting. 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. T They are to hold to correct doctrine (v. 9). Your righteousness transcends all our efforts and understanding. For website questions or corrections, please contact us at [emailprotected]. 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. 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. 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. A Purposeful Pastor/Deacons Meeting. ( 1 Tim 3:13, NKJV) This statement foreshadows two eventual, compelling benefits for those who carry out their duties well. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. Z. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. It will help develop your language of faith and help you apply Scripture. We love your comments! 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. These. It can really help to put time for personal talk and informal exchange on the agenda - first. The really good chair will know which agenda item is going to push a particular persons button. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. To find the full context of shorter scripture quotes, click on "Chapter" above each verse. Labs 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Make [them] fertile ground for your inspiration and love. Keep love at the forefront of our minds today, and the guiding light for all we set out to accomplish and celebrate. The last thing Ill mention here is the ounce of prevention step. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. decisions through this meeting." Then close the prayer. Let us marvel at your good gifts and your wise provision. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Forgive us for striving beyond our means, worrying, and forcing results. Have you had experience with any of these ideas? 2. This can satisfy the craving on the part of some for relational time, and it can lead easily and directly into prayer time. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. 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. 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. All rights reserved. So, we need to read all of Scripture in light of the whole Bible. 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. 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. 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. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 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.