One of the heartbreaking things church members go through is losing a pastor they love. The church may not even notice the Pulpit Committee (Pastor Search Committee) that quietly shows up one Sunday. They may not notice the pastor missed a Sunday or two to preach “in view of a call” at another church. They may not know the pastor wanted to move; they thought everything was fine. And the pastor has good reason to keep things quiet until another church has called him as pastor. So often the first information the church has that their pastor is leaving is when he stands in the pulpit and formally announces his resignation.
How do you keep a pastor?
To the deacons and laymen out there who want to keep their pastor, these are a few things that might help. And these are things your pastor will probably never mention.
1. A cost of living adjustment for your pastor each year. Not really a raise in salary, just keeping up his salary with inflation. Over several years, a set salary seriously declines. And like you, the pastor has to support his family and pay his bills. Give him some pride and ability to do so.
2. Consider a real, live, honest to goodness raise in his salary. After all he’s doing a good job, is experienced, and you want to keep him.
3. Take him aside and tell him what a good job he’s doing. Better yet, tell it in front of the church.
4. Get the church to add to his monthly retirement contributions to GuideStone. If you don’t know about Guidestone Financial Services of the SBC, check with a fellow pastor or your Baptist Association’s Director of Missions. If he is not contributing to his GuideStone Retirement, have the church begin doing so for him.
5. Check with the pastor and his wife about things needing improved in the parsonage. Provide the money, but if they prefer, let them take care of it. After all, as long as they are there, it’s their house. Give them some privacy. You wouldn’t want someone else running things in in your house.
6. Make sure the pastor and his family are free to take a couple of days off each week. Make sure the church knows and supports this.
7. Seriously pray for your pastor. He has burdens and stress you will never know.
8. Bring others with you to church.
9. Be present, with a good attitude, at every church service; Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, or whatever schedule your church has. A good crowd is encouraging and helps him preach better.
10. Allow the pastor the funds to buy at least one new book each month.
11. Support his plans to reach more people for Christ.
12. Faithfully give your tithes and offerings to your church.
Make things so good for your pastor he’d be crazy to go anywhere else.
But know that sometimes under the best of circumstances, God will lead your pastor elsewhere. If so, use the above to encourage your next pastor.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 1, AD 2014.
Articles:
How to Get a Life When Ministry Drains it Out of You
Church Buildings - Dos and Don'ts #1
Earth Day
The Girl Who Saved His Ministry
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad
More Articles in lower right margin.
Showing posts with label Deacons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deacons. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Order of Service for DEACON ORDINATION
Below is a copy of our Order of Service for Deacon Ordination last year. We made a special bulletin just for this service. This bulletin was prepared on a regular sized folded paper. The front of the bulletin, in addition to our church name and address, has the heading, Deacon Ordination, March 22, AD 2009. Of course in this format the spacing will not be the same as in the original bulletin.
Hope this Order of Service can help another pastor or church in their Ordination Service.
Northside Baptist Church
317 Barbers Hill Road
Highlands, Texas 77562 USA.
281/426-5415; cell 281/705-3433
nsbc77562@LWOL.com
David R. Brumbelow - Pastor
Gene Littlejohn - Music
James & Becca Cain - Youth
Karen Bascom - Pianist
Deacon’s Ordination Service
March 22, AD 2009; 3 pm
I Will Sing Of My Redeemer p. 281
Prayer Jim Selkirk
Lead Me To Calvary p. 251
Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Bobby Powell
Special Music Amazing Grace - Gene Littlejohn
Introduction of Candidates - Kenneth Stanley; James Cain
Introduction of Ordination Council
Questioning of Candidates - Jack Cone
Vote of Ordaining Council and Vote of the church.
Ordination Prayer - Randy Gilchrist
Laying on of Hands * - Ordination Council and any in the audience that are ordained are invited to come forward to pray for the new deacons.
Victory in Jesus p. 499
Sermon Qualifications of the Deacon David R. Brumbelow
Presentation of Certificate of Ordination
Benediction
* Numbers 8:10; 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:6; 9:17; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.
Time of Fellowship will follow this service.
Current Deacons: James E. Selkirk; Jack Cone
Ordination Council: James E. Selkirk, Jack Cone, Thomas Tulley, Randy Gilchrist, Bobby Powell; David R. Brumbelow.
“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” -Philippians 1:1
Notice that the believers are called saints, then the two biblical offices are addressed, bishops (also called pastors, elders; these three titles used interchangeably in Acts 20:17,28) and deacons.
What is a Deacon? Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
Kenneth Raeburn Stanley was born August 6, 1942 in Alto, TX to Thomas and Freddie Stanley. He has three brothers and two sisters. Kenneth attended Highland Elementary, Baytown Junior High and Robert E. Lee High School. He married Brenda McHugh in 1961 and they have three boys, one girl, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild with two more on the way. He has been a mechanic and motor machinist for 50 years and enjoys car racing. Kenneth joined Northside in the early 1990s and was baptized here.
James Cain was born September 25, 1970 to Charles Cain and Winnie Johnson. Attended Sterling High School, Baytown, TX and received his GED in 1995. Began attending Northside in 1995. James accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and was baptized here in 1996. Has a brother, William Cain and sister, Cheryl Cain.
James married Rebecca Franklin in June, 2003. The two of them have taught the youth group since 2004. James works as an Industrial Fire Protection Technician.
~
Two documents that define much of the beliefs of Northside Baptist Church are the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since.
The scriptural offices in the local church are pastors and deacons.
The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
*******
Note: For a listing of all articles in this Deacon Ordination Series, go to Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels), toward the bottom of the right hand margin of this blog, and click the Articles/Labels for Deacons, or Ordination.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 7, AD 2010.
Other Gulf Coast Pastor Articles:
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Top Three Seminaries
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad (Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, the book)
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Hope this Order of Service can help another pastor or church in their Ordination Service.
Northside Baptist Church
317 Barbers Hill Road
Highlands, Texas 77562 USA.
281/426-5415; cell 281/705-3433
nsbc77562@LWOL.com
David R. Brumbelow - Pastor
Gene Littlejohn - Music
James & Becca Cain - Youth
Karen Bascom - Pianist
Deacon’s Ordination Service
March 22, AD 2009; 3 pm
I Will Sing Of My Redeemer p. 281
Prayer Jim Selkirk
Lead Me To Calvary p. 251
Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Bobby Powell
Special Music Amazing Grace - Gene Littlejohn
Introduction of Candidates - Kenneth Stanley; James Cain
Introduction of Ordination Council
Questioning of Candidates - Jack Cone
Vote of Ordaining Council and Vote of the church.
Ordination Prayer - Randy Gilchrist
Laying on of Hands * - Ordination Council and any in the audience that are ordained are invited to come forward to pray for the new deacons.
Victory in Jesus p. 499
Sermon Qualifications of the Deacon David R. Brumbelow
Presentation of Certificate of Ordination
Benediction
* Numbers 8:10; 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:6; 9:17; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.
Time of Fellowship will follow this service.
Current Deacons: James E. Selkirk; Jack Cone
Ordination Council: James E. Selkirk, Jack Cone, Thomas Tulley, Randy Gilchrist, Bobby Powell; David R. Brumbelow.
“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” -Philippians 1:1
Notice that the believers are called saints, then the two biblical offices are addressed, bishops (also called pastors, elders; these three titles used interchangeably in Acts 20:17,28) and deacons.
What is a Deacon? Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
Kenneth Raeburn Stanley was born August 6, 1942 in Alto, TX to Thomas and Freddie Stanley. He has three brothers and two sisters. Kenneth attended Highland Elementary, Baytown Junior High and Robert E. Lee High School. He married Brenda McHugh in 1961 and they have three boys, one girl, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild with two more on the way. He has been a mechanic and motor machinist for 50 years and enjoys car racing. Kenneth joined Northside in the early 1990s and was baptized here.
James Cain was born September 25, 1970 to Charles Cain and Winnie Johnson. Attended Sterling High School, Baytown, TX and received his GED in 1995. Began attending Northside in 1995. James accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and was baptized here in 1996. Has a brother, William Cain and sister, Cheryl Cain.
James married Rebecca Franklin in June, 2003. The two of them have taught the youth group since 2004. James works as an Industrial Fire Protection Technician.
~
Two documents that define much of the beliefs of Northside Baptist Church are the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since.
The scriptural offices in the local church are pastors and deacons.
The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
*******
Note: For a listing of all articles in this Deacon Ordination Series, go to Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels), toward the bottom of the right hand margin of this blog, and click the Articles/Labels for Deacons, or Ordination.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 7, AD 2010.
Other Gulf Coast Pastor Articles:
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times
Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?
Top Three Seminaries
Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad (Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, the book)
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Other articles in lower right hand margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels).
Monday, July 5, 2010
Questioning of the Deacon Candidates
A member of the Ordination Council can be selected to ask questions of the candidates. Don’t have too many questions and don’t draw it out too long. If you just have one or two candidates, have each answer each question.
After the questioner has asked his questions, the council is then asked if they have additional questions.
Do this on the platform of the sanctuary so everyone can easily see and hear what’s going on. You may need to have more than one microphone stand or ask someone to speak up so everyone can hear.
As previously mentioned, don’t try to trip them up. Just ask basic questions about Baptist faith and practice.
By this time the pastor and council should know the candidates pretty well. They should know the basics of their answers.
But this gives the congregation a chance to hear the questions and answers. It lets the church know that that these are issues that are important. It gives the church the opportunity to hear the candidates answer the questions in their own words.
Note: Unlike a pastor, a deacon is not required to be able to teach or preach. If a deacon can do so, that is great. Stephen and Philip were preaching deacons. But it is not necessary for him to be a good speaker to serve.
Questions for Deacon Candidates
A few sample questions.
1. Briefly tell us your personal testimony. When did you accept Jesus as your Savior? When and where were you baptized?
2. What do you believe about the importance of the church and your church membership?
3. What do you believe about the Bible?
4. Do you believe personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation?
5. What do you believe about missions and evangelism?
6. Are you in agreement with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant?
7. What do you believe about drinking? *
8. Do you believe in “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion?”
9. Do you believe in eternal security, or, once a person is truly saved, he is saved forever?
10. Do you believe in tithing?
11. Are the deacons supposed to run the church?
(Hopefully the answer is no. The church is under that authority of Jesus Christ. While deacons will be influential and may make recommendations, the church is to be led by the pastor and the majority vote of the members.)
12. Is there anything else you would like to share with the ordaining council and the church at this time?
NEXT: Deacon Ordination Order of Service; last article in series on deacon ordination.
* You may be interested in Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2010.
After the questioner has asked his questions, the council is then asked if they have additional questions.
Do this on the platform of the sanctuary so everyone can easily see and hear what’s going on. You may need to have more than one microphone stand or ask someone to speak up so everyone can hear.
As previously mentioned, don’t try to trip them up. Just ask basic questions about Baptist faith and practice.
By this time the pastor and council should know the candidates pretty well. They should know the basics of their answers.
But this gives the congregation a chance to hear the questions and answers. It lets the church know that that these are issues that are important. It gives the church the opportunity to hear the candidates answer the questions in their own words.
Note: Unlike a pastor, a deacon is not required to be able to teach or preach. If a deacon can do so, that is great. Stephen and Philip were preaching deacons. But it is not necessary for him to be a good speaker to serve.
Questions for Deacon Candidates
A few sample questions.
1. Briefly tell us your personal testimony. When did you accept Jesus as your Savior? When and where were you baptized?
2. What do you believe about the importance of the church and your church membership?
3. What do you believe about the Bible?
4. Do you believe personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation?
5. What do you believe about missions and evangelism?
6. Are you in agreement with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant?
7. What do you believe about drinking? *
8. Do you believe in “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion?”
9. Do you believe in eternal security, or, once a person is truly saved, he is saved forever?
10. Do you believe in tithing?
11. Are the deacons supposed to run the church?
(Hopefully the answer is no. The church is under that authority of Jesus Christ. While deacons will be influential and may make recommendations, the church is to be led by the pastor and the majority vote of the members.)
12. Is there anything else you would like to share with the ordaining council and the church at this time?
NEXT: Deacon Ordination Order of Service; last article in series on deacon ordination.
* You may be interested in Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 5, AD 2010.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Obituary: Deacon Charlie Joe Law
CHARLIE JOE LAW went to be with the Lord on May 30, 2010. He was born September 5, 1927 to parents Newell and Nettie Law in Atlanta, Texas.
Charlie was a faithful servant of God who was preceded in death by his wife Ella Mae Law.
He is survived by wife Georgie Jurischk Law; daughters: Sherry Bogus (Mel) and Sandra Warren (Stephen); and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and loved ones.
His funeral service was June 2, 2010 at 10 am at North Oaks Baptist Church, 18411 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, Texas 77379. Interment at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorials were asked to be sent to the Gideon’s International Bible Fund. Obituary was published in the Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2010. Arrangements by Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX.
Those officiating included: Pastor Fred Wiesen, Danney Stanley, Emmett Hunt, Jimmy Moore. Pianist Dorothy Salser; Audio Visual Brad Bogus Makeshift Productions. Music included Rock of Ages, I’ll Fly Away, The Lighthouse, I Surrender All.
Charlie Law was a businessman who worked his way from being a delivery boy to management, to business owner. He opened Photo Haus in 1979 with partner Waymon Perry. It was the first one-hour photo lab in Texas and the fourth in the United States. It should also be included that he loved hunting and fishing.
Charlie Law was devoted to his family, his church, and to his Lord. He was a longtime member of Gideon’s International, the Christian businessman’s organization that distributes Bibles in America and around the world. He was respected as a deacon and spiritual leader. He was a devoted friend to his pastor. He often shared his faith in Jesus Christ with others.
Brother Law served as a deacon in Doverside Baptist Church and North Side Baptist Church in Houston, TX where my dad, Joe Brumbelow served as pastor. He and dad served together during parts of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Charlie was a great example of what a deacon ought to be. He loved and supported his church and his pastor. During his memorial service his current pastor mentioned he had a special connection with Charlie Law. I thought every pastor that ever served with him would have felt the same way. That’s just the kind of man Brother Law was.
When I was about 14 years of age I remember overhearing part of a conversation between my dad and Charlie Law. There was some problem in the church and they had been discussing it. I don’t remember the problem. But I remember a comment by Brother Law. He said something along these lines: “Brother Joe, as our pastor you’ve already taken enough hits and criticism. I think I should take the lead and be the one to get the criticism for this issue. Just let me take care of it and you just keep leading us as pastor.”
Even at my young age, I remember being impressed with that, thinking, now that’s a deacon.
Another Charlie Law story goes back even further to about 1962 when I was about 5 years old. We would sing the song To the Work with the chorus, “toiling on, toiling on.” I remember thinking how famous Deacon Charlie Law was. The reason? I actually thought we were singing, instead of toiling on, toiling on; that we were singing Charlie Law, Charlie Law. I knew he must be famous to have a hymn written about him! Years later I told him what I thought we were singing; he enjoyed that story. His daughter Sandra asked me to say a few words at his graveside service and to be sure to include that story. I did, as well as the previous story.
My mother, Bonnie Brumbelow, brother Mark, and I attended the funeral and graveside service. We saw so many old friends. We saw, heard, remembered so many stories of God’s grace connected with Charlie Law, those churches he served, and God’s people. Stories of God’s grace that had affected one generation to another to another.
Thank God for deacons like Charlie Joe Law. Someone said at his funeral that some people are born and leave this world no better than they found it. Some leave it a little worse. But some leave this world a better place because of their life and legacy. Charlie Law left the legacy of a godly man.
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. -1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
During this series about deacons, I thought it appropriate to include this article.
NEXT: Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 30, AD 2010.
Charlie was a faithful servant of God who was preceded in death by his wife Ella Mae Law.
He is survived by wife Georgie Jurischk Law; daughters: Sherry Bogus (Mel) and Sandra Warren (Stephen); and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and loved ones.
His funeral service was June 2, 2010 at 10 am at North Oaks Baptist Church, 18411 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, Texas 77379. Interment at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorials were asked to be sent to the Gideon’s International Bible Fund. Obituary was published in the Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2010. Arrangements by Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX.
Those officiating included: Pastor Fred Wiesen, Danney Stanley, Emmett Hunt, Jimmy Moore. Pianist Dorothy Salser; Audio Visual Brad Bogus Makeshift Productions. Music included Rock of Ages, I’ll Fly Away, The Lighthouse, I Surrender All.
Charlie Law was a businessman who worked his way from being a delivery boy to management, to business owner. He opened Photo Haus in 1979 with partner Waymon Perry. It was the first one-hour photo lab in Texas and the fourth in the United States. It should also be included that he loved hunting and fishing.
Charlie Law was devoted to his family, his church, and to his Lord. He was a longtime member of Gideon’s International, the Christian businessman’s organization that distributes Bibles in America and around the world. He was respected as a deacon and spiritual leader. He was a devoted friend to his pastor. He often shared his faith in Jesus Christ with others.
Brother Law served as a deacon in Doverside Baptist Church and North Side Baptist Church in Houston, TX where my dad, Joe Brumbelow served as pastor. He and dad served together during parts of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Charlie was a great example of what a deacon ought to be. He loved and supported his church and his pastor. During his memorial service his current pastor mentioned he had a special connection with Charlie Law. I thought every pastor that ever served with him would have felt the same way. That’s just the kind of man Brother Law was.
When I was about 14 years of age I remember overhearing part of a conversation between my dad and Charlie Law. There was some problem in the church and they had been discussing it. I don’t remember the problem. But I remember a comment by Brother Law. He said something along these lines: “Brother Joe, as our pastor you’ve already taken enough hits and criticism. I think I should take the lead and be the one to get the criticism for this issue. Just let me take care of it and you just keep leading us as pastor.”
Even at my young age, I remember being impressed with that, thinking, now that’s a deacon.
Another Charlie Law story goes back even further to about 1962 when I was about 5 years old. We would sing the song To the Work with the chorus, “toiling on, toiling on.” I remember thinking how famous Deacon Charlie Law was. The reason? I actually thought we were singing, instead of toiling on, toiling on; that we were singing Charlie Law, Charlie Law. I knew he must be famous to have a hymn written about him! Years later I told him what I thought we were singing; he enjoyed that story. His daughter Sandra asked me to say a few words at his graveside service and to be sure to include that story. I did, as well as the previous story.
My mother, Bonnie Brumbelow, brother Mark, and I attended the funeral and graveside service. We saw so many old friends. We saw, heard, remembered so many stories of God’s grace connected with Charlie Law, those churches he served, and God’s people. Stories of God’s grace that had affected one generation to another to another.
Thank God for deacons like Charlie Joe Law. Someone said at his funeral that some people are born and leave this world no better than they found it. Some leave it a little worse. But some leave this world a better place because of their life and legacy. Charlie Law left the legacy of a godly man.
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. -1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
During this series about deacons, I thought it appropriate to include this article.
NEXT: Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 30, AD 2010.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Preparing For The Deacon Ordination Service #2
Where and how to have the candidates kneel.
Laying on of Hands is a very important part of the service. It needs to be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). The congregation will be especially interested in this part of the service. Make sure they can see what is going on.
I don’t know how to delicately say this; make sure the candidates’ rear ends are not pointing toward the congregation!
Pastor, get a couple of deacons and practice this a day or two before the service. Have someone kneeling and someone laying on hands. While they do this, the pastor should sit out in the sanctuary to see how it will look to the congregation. If you have a large pulpit that could obstruct the congregation‘s view, you may want to move it and use a smaller speaker’s stand for this service.
Once you decide on the procedure, let the deacons, deacon candidates, and council know the procedure and what to expect.
We took two nice, armless chairs and placed them on the platform back to back on either side of the pulpit. The candidates knelt at each chair and were sideways to the audience. Each member of the Ordination Council would come, one by one, stand to the side of the kneeling candidate, with the candidate between them and the audience. This allowed the audience to see everything that was going on.
The Ordination Council is led by the pastor. He goes to the first candidate, lays hands on him, and quietly, but aloud, prays for the new deacon. The pastor then goes to the next deacon, while the next member of the Ordination Council lays hands on and prays for the first deacon. This procedure continues until all members of the Ordination Council has laid hands on the deacons.
Some council members may lay their hands on the head of the deacon. Some may lay hands on the shoulders of the deacons. Just however they fell led by the Spirit. What do they pray as they lay hands on the deacon? That is between the council member, the deacon, and the Lord.
Don’t make the people bow their heads and close their eyes during the Laying on of Hands. They want to see, and they ought to see what is happening.
Ordination Sermon
This is no time to skimp on your sermon (if there ever is a time to do so). Make this an outstanding sermon. Preach like you were preaching in a Revival Service. Preach the Word of God. Preach to the deacons, their wives and families, and to all the church. This is a great opportunity to emphasize the peacemaking role of deacons.
Presentation of the framed Deacon Certificate of Ordination
Have new deacons’ families come and stand with them for the prsentation. You may want to have them continue to stand at the front so that after the closing prayer folks can shake their hands and congratulate them.
Fellowship
Have a Fellowship after the Deacon Ordination Service to honor the deacons, especially the new deacons.
After Publicity
Send a brief news article to area newspapers. Send brief news article to your state Baptist Paper.
Afterwards make a nice photo copy or two of these articles and give them to the new deacons. By the way, a photo copy (on good paper) of a newspaper article will last longer than the original newsprint copy. Make sure to write on the copy the name, city, and state of the newspaper and the complete date.
NEXT: Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 22, AD 2010.
Laying on of Hands is a very important part of the service. It needs to be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). The congregation will be especially interested in this part of the service. Make sure they can see what is going on.
I don’t know how to delicately say this; make sure the candidates’ rear ends are not pointing toward the congregation!
Pastor, get a couple of deacons and practice this a day or two before the service. Have someone kneeling and someone laying on hands. While they do this, the pastor should sit out in the sanctuary to see how it will look to the congregation. If you have a large pulpit that could obstruct the congregation‘s view, you may want to move it and use a smaller speaker’s stand for this service.
Once you decide on the procedure, let the deacons, deacon candidates, and council know the procedure and what to expect.
We took two nice, armless chairs and placed them on the platform back to back on either side of the pulpit. The candidates knelt at each chair and were sideways to the audience. Each member of the Ordination Council would come, one by one, stand to the side of the kneeling candidate, with the candidate between them and the audience. This allowed the audience to see everything that was going on.
The Ordination Council is led by the pastor. He goes to the first candidate, lays hands on him, and quietly, but aloud, prays for the new deacon. The pastor then goes to the next deacon, while the next member of the Ordination Council lays hands on and prays for the first deacon. This procedure continues until all members of the Ordination Council has laid hands on the deacons.
Some council members may lay their hands on the head of the deacon. Some may lay hands on the shoulders of the deacons. Just however they fell led by the Spirit. What do they pray as they lay hands on the deacon? That is between the council member, the deacon, and the Lord.
Don’t make the people bow their heads and close their eyes during the Laying on of Hands. They want to see, and they ought to see what is happening.
Ordination Sermon
This is no time to skimp on your sermon (if there ever is a time to do so). Make this an outstanding sermon. Preach like you were preaching in a Revival Service. Preach the Word of God. Preach to the deacons, their wives and families, and to all the church. This is a great opportunity to emphasize the peacemaking role of deacons.
Presentation of the framed Deacon Certificate of Ordination
Have new deacons’ families come and stand with them for the prsentation. You may want to have them continue to stand at the front so that after the closing prayer folks can shake their hands and congratulate them.
Fellowship
Have a Fellowship after the Deacon Ordination Service to honor the deacons, especially the new deacons.
After Publicity
Send a brief news article to area newspapers. Send brief news article to your state Baptist Paper.
Afterwards make a nice photo copy or two of these articles and give them to the new deacons. By the way, a photo copy (on good paper) of a newspaper article will last longer than the original newsprint copy. Make sure to write on the copy the name, city, and state of the newspaper and the complete date.
NEXT: Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 22, AD 2010.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Preparing For The Deacon Ordination Service #1
Date & Time
Set the date and time of the Deacon Ordination Service at least three weeks ahead of time. This gives you time to publicize the meeting and invite area pastors. Deacon candidates have time to invite family and friends. We set it on a Sunday afternoon so those outside our church could attend without having to miss one of their regular Worship Services.
This also gives you time to order Deacon Certificate of Ordination, frame, etc.
Publicity
Have an announcement in the Sunday bulletin for at least a couple of Sundays before the Ordination Service. Build it up to the church; let them know this is a special kind of service.
Contact the Baptist Association and area pastors and invite them to the Deacon Ordination Service. Ask the Ordination Council to arrive one hour early. The Ordination Council will consist of ordained pastors and deacons in your church and, if you choose, visiting ordained Baptist pastors and deacons.
Ordination Certificate & Frame
The ordination council should chose a Clerk; his primary responsibility should be to get all members of the ordination council to sign the Certificate of Ordination. Also, he may want to take notes of those serving on the council and the proceedings.
Make sure the Certificate is signed by the entire ordination counsel before the Ordination Service. If you don’t get everyone to sign it then, you never will have them all sign it. . If the vote is not to ordain, you can tear it up!
Sometimes the front of the certificate just has room for the pastor and the clerk to sign it. If there is not room on the front for everyone on the Ordination Council to sign, then have them all sign it on the back.
Place the filled out and signed Deacon’s Certificate of Ordination in a nice frame. Place a couple of copies of the Ordination Service Bulletin in the frame behind the Certificate.
If possible, have the Ordination Certificate framed and ready to present to the new deacon(s) at the conclusion of the service. This will also give the church an opportunity to see the framed Certificate after the service.
Deacon Candidates and their families
During the Ordination Service, at the appropriate time, introduce the current deacons and their wives, the deacon candidates and their wives, and the Ordination Council.
Explain what is going on
During the Ordination Service, let the congregation know what is going on. Explain the laying on of hands. Explain what the Bible teaches about ordination and the laying on of hands. Don’t assume they understand what is going on.
Ordination Council
The Ordination Council will meet an hour early in a back room. At the opening of the Ordination Service, you may want the council to walk in together and take their seats. Some churches have them sit in the choir loft. Or you could have them sit to the side at the front of the sanctuary.
NEXT: Preparing For the Deacon Ordination Service #2; Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 21, AD 2010.
Set the date and time of the Deacon Ordination Service at least three weeks ahead of time. This gives you time to publicize the meeting and invite area pastors. Deacon candidates have time to invite family and friends. We set it on a Sunday afternoon so those outside our church could attend without having to miss one of their regular Worship Services.
This also gives you time to order Deacon Certificate of Ordination, frame, etc.
Publicity
Have an announcement in the Sunday bulletin for at least a couple of Sundays before the Ordination Service. Build it up to the church; let them know this is a special kind of service.
Contact the Baptist Association and area pastors and invite them to the Deacon Ordination Service. Ask the Ordination Council to arrive one hour early. The Ordination Council will consist of ordained pastors and deacons in your church and, if you choose, visiting ordained Baptist pastors and deacons.
Ordination Certificate & Frame
The ordination council should chose a Clerk; his primary responsibility should be to get all members of the ordination council to sign the Certificate of Ordination. Also, he may want to take notes of those serving on the council and the proceedings.
Make sure the Certificate is signed by the entire ordination counsel before the Ordination Service. If you don’t get everyone to sign it then, you never will have them all sign it. . If the vote is not to ordain, you can tear it up!
Sometimes the front of the certificate just has room for the pastor and the clerk to sign it. If there is not room on the front for everyone on the Ordination Council to sign, then have them all sign it on the back.
Place the filled out and signed Deacon’s Certificate of Ordination in a nice frame. Place a couple of copies of the Ordination Service Bulletin in the frame behind the Certificate.
If possible, have the Ordination Certificate framed and ready to present to the new deacon(s) at the conclusion of the service. This will also give the church an opportunity to see the framed Certificate after the service.
Deacon Candidates and their families
During the Ordination Service, at the appropriate time, introduce the current deacons and their wives, the deacon candidates and their wives, and the Ordination Council.
Explain what is going on
During the Ordination Service, let the congregation know what is going on. Explain the laying on of hands. Explain what the Bible teaches about ordination and the laying on of hands. Don’t assume they understand what is going on.
Ordination Council
The Ordination Council will meet an hour early in a back room. At the opening of the Ordination Service, you may want the council to walk in together and take their seats. Some churches have them sit in the choir loft. Or you could have them sit to the side at the front of the sanctuary.
NEXT: Preparing For the Deacon Ordination Service #2; Deacon Charlie Joe Law; Questioning the Deacon Candidates; Order of Service for Deacon Ordination
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 21, AD 2010.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Baptist Deacon
Basic Bible passages on deacons: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1.
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
A deacon is to be a servant of the church. The pastor (also called bishop and elder in the NT) is the spiritual leader in the church. But in a practical sense the deacons are also looked to as spiritual leaders in the local church. Deacons are not to rule over the church or the pastor, but they are to be loving, serving leaders. Deacons assist in presenting the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and, if needed, in the ordinance of baptism. They are to assist and support the church, the pastor, and its leaders. Deacons should have a positive view of their church. They should do all in their power to foster harmony and minimize dissention. Unless a pastor seriously steps out of line, the deacons should be his biggest supporters.
A deacon should: be a baptized believer; praying, faithful, loyal supporter of his church; live a committed life for the Lord; be a tither; a problem-solver; not drink alcoholic beverages or engage in any practice that would hurt the church or his influence for Christ; faithfully love, support, and lead his wife and family; discipline and raise his children well; never bring reproach on the cause of Christ; be a witness for Jesus Christ. If a deacon gets out of church and out of God’s will, he should resign as a deacon and return his certificate of ordination.
Two documents that define much of Northside Baptist Church, Highlands, TX would be the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since. In 1970 Northside made the decision that a divorced man would not serve as pastor or deacon. Of course, those who have been divorced, are a welcome part of Northside and may serve in any other church capacity.
Current deacons of Northside: James E. Selkirk, Oswall Harman, Jack Cone.
Those under consideration as deacons: Kenneth Stanley, James Cain.
Process: Present deacon recommendation to church, vote, then set up ordination service.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.” -Baptist Faith & Message, 2000.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
NEXT: Preparing for the Deacon Ordination Service
See all Deacon articles in this series by clicking Deacons under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2010.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Deacon - from the Greek word diakonos; literally means “servant.” It can be used unofficially of anyone serving the church, or used in its official sense of the office of deacon.
A deacon is to be a servant of the church. The pastor (also called bishop and elder in the NT) is the spiritual leader in the church. But in a practical sense the deacons are also looked to as spiritual leaders in the local church. Deacons are not to rule over the church or the pastor, but they are to be loving, serving leaders. Deacons assist in presenting the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and, if needed, in the ordinance of baptism. They are to assist and support the church, the pastor, and its leaders. Deacons should have a positive view of their church. They should do all in their power to foster harmony and minimize dissention. Unless a pastor seriously steps out of line, the deacons should be his biggest supporters.
A deacon should: be a baptized believer; praying, faithful, loyal supporter of his church; live a committed life for the Lord; be a tither; a problem-solver; not drink alcoholic beverages or engage in any practice that would hurt the church or his influence for Christ; faithfully love, support, and lead his wife and family; discipline and raise his children well; never bring reproach on the cause of Christ; be a witness for Jesus Christ. If a deacon gets out of church and out of God’s will, he should resign as a deacon and return his certificate of ordination.
Two documents that define much of Northside Baptist Church, Highlands, TX would be the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 and the Church Covenant. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 is the doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Church Covenant was written in the 1850s and has been used by many Baptist churches ever since. In 1970 Northside made the decision that a divorced man would not serve as pastor or deacon. Of course, those who have been divorced, are a welcome part of Northside and may serve in any other church capacity.
Current deacons of Northside: James E. Selkirk, Oswall Harman, Jack Cone.
Those under consideration as deacons: Kenneth Stanley, James Cain.
Process: Present deacon recommendation to church, vote, then set up ordination service.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.” -Baptist Faith & Message, 2000.
“Deacons served in both material and spiritual matters (Acts 6:2 to 7:60; 8:5-40). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a deacon. Note that when both pastors and deacons did their work faithfully, the work of the church prospered (Acts 6:7). That there are two ordained offices does not mean that a church may not have other workers, such as teachers and leaders, in various phases of the work. Such may be chosen as the need demands. But the ordained officers are pastors and deacons.” -Herschel H. Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message, Convention Press, Nashville, TN, 1971; p. 81.
NEXT: Preparing for the Deacon Ordination Service
See all Deacon articles in this series by clicking Deacons under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels) in lower right margin.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 7, AD 2010.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Deacons - Basic Baptist Doctrines
Below is a handout I prepared and gave to our deacons and deacon candidates. We went over the doctrines and discussed them. A deacon needs to know what we believe and why we believe it. Deacons should be grounded in the faith. They also need to be prepared to answer questions during the Ordination Service!
We also discussed a handout on The Baptist Deacon. That will be posted next.
Fundamental or Basic Christian Doctrines are the foundational beliefs of Christianity. They have been believed by all, or at least the huge majority, of all Christians. Distinctive Baptist Doctrines are those beliefs that distinquish Baptists from all other, or some other, Evangelical Christian groups.
Deacons - Basic Baptist Doctrines
(Summary, for a complete statement, read the Bible!)
Fundamental, Basic Christian Doctrines:
1. Divine inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The Bible is our supreme rule of faith and practice.
2. The Trinity. God is one, but reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is God.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus.
5. Jesus’ sinless life
6. The blood atonement. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, shed His blood for us.
7. Jesus literally, physically rose from the dead.
8. Literal Return of Christ to the earth.
9. Resurrection and Judgment
10. Reality of Heaven and Hell
11. Man is a sinner in need of a Savior.
12. Personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation. Faith alone in Christ alone.
A deacon should have a basic understanding of how to share the plan of salvation (see previous GCP article on The Roman Road).
Distinctive Baptist Doctrines:
1. Believers Baptism by Immersion, is the scriptural means of baptism.
2. Two scriptural offices: pastors and deacons. In the Bible pastor, bishop, and elder are used synonymously for the same office.
3. Eternal Security of the believer. Once saved, always saved. But true faith should result in good works for the Lord.
4. Autonomy of the local church. The local church is a democratic body, with Christ as the head of the church. No one outside a local Baptist church can tell them what to do.
5. Religious liberty. Citizens of a country should be free to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. They should be free to witness to others.
6. Requirements for church membership: salvation and believer’s baptism by immersion.
7. Priesthood of the believer. Each believer is responsible before God to search the Scripture and believe and live accordingly.
8. The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are not sacraments. A sacrament carries with it the idea of having “saving grace.” We are only saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Ordinance - a special command given by Jesus for the church to observe.
9. The elements (unleavened bread & fruit of the vine) of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic, not literal. They are not His literal body, they symbolize Jesus’ body and blood given for us on the cross. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice, it is a memorial service.
10. Missions and Evangelism. We are to go into all the world with the Gospel.
11. Southern Baptists stand against beverage alcohol,*** destructive drugs, and gambling.
12. Our church is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), and the San Jacinto Baptist Association (SJBA).
More Information:
Baptist doctrine and practice: Baptist Faith & Message, 2000; Church Covenant.*
Good Bible Translations: NKJV, NIV, NASB, HCSB, KJV.
Good Study Bibles: Criswell Study Bible (aka Believer’s Study Bible; Baptist Study Edition); Ryrie Study Bible; Scofield Study Bible.
Keep up with Baptist life by reading the Southern Baptist Texan (texanonline.net) & Baptist Press at bpnews.net.**
* Print copies of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant can be obtained from LifeWay. See previous GCP articles on these two statements. We gave copies of these to the deacons and deacon candidates.
** Our deacons are subscribed to the print copy of the Southern Baptist Texan, the state paper of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
*** You may be interested in
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
NEXT: The Baptist Deaon (find all Deacon articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2010.
We also discussed a handout on The Baptist Deacon. That will be posted next.
Fundamental or Basic Christian Doctrines are the foundational beliefs of Christianity. They have been believed by all, or at least the huge majority, of all Christians. Distinctive Baptist Doctrines are those beliefs that distinquish Baptists from all other, or some other, Evangelical Christian groups.
Deacons - Basic Baptist Doctrines
(Summary, for a complete statement, read the Bible!)
Fundamental, Basic Christian Doctrines:
1. Divine inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The Bible is our supreme rule of faith and practice.
2. The Trinity. God is one, but reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is God.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus.
5. Jesus’ sinless life
6. The blood atonement. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, shed His blood for us.
7. Jesus literally, physically rose from the dead.
8. Literal Return of Christ to the earth.
9. Resurrection and Judgment
10. Reality of Heaven and Hell
11. Man is a sinner in need of a Savior.
12. Personal faith in Jesus is the only way of salvation. Faith alone in Christ alone.
A deacon should have a basic understanding of how to share the plan of salvation (see previous GCP article on The Roman Road).
Distinctive Baptist Doctrines:
1. Believers Baptism by Immersion, is the scriptural means of baptism.
2. Two scriptural offices: pastors and deacons. In the Bible pastor, bishop, and elder are used synonymously for the same office.
3. Eternal Security of the believer. Once saved, always saved. But true faith should result in good works for the Lord.
4. Autonomy of the local church. The local church is a democratic body, with Christ as the head of the church. No one outside a local Baptist church can tell them what to do.
5. Religious liberty. Citizens of a country should be free to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. They should be free to witness to others.
6. Requirements for church membership: salvation and believer’s baptism by immersion.
7. Priesthood of the believer. Each believer is responsible before God to search the Scripture and believe and live accordingly.
8. The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are not sacraments. A sacrament carries with it the idea of having “saving grace.” We are only saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Ordinance - a special command given by Jesus for the church to observe.
9. The elements (unleavened bread & fruit of the vine) of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic, not literal. They are not His literal body, they symbolize Jesus’ body and blood given for us on the cross. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice, it is a memorial service.
10. Missions and Evangelism. We are to go into all the world with the Gospel.
11. Southern Baptists stand against beverage alcohol,*** destructive drugs, and gambling.
12. Our church is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), and the San Jacinto Baptist Association (SJBA).
More Information:
Baptist doctrine and practice: Baptist Faith & Message, 2000; Church Covenant.*
Good Bible Translations: NKJV, NIV, NASB, HCSB, KJV.
Good Study Bibles: Criswell Study Bible (aka Believer’s Study Bible; Baptist Study Edition); Ryrie Study Bible; Scofield Study Bible.
Keep up with Baptist life by reading the Southern Baptist Texan (texanonline.net) & Baptist Press at bpnews.net.**
* Print copies of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and the Church Covenant can be obtained from LifeWay. See previous GCP articles on these two statements. We gave copies of these to the deacons and deacon candidates.
** Our deacons are subscribed to the print copy of the Southern Baptist Texan, the state paper of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
*** You may be interested in
Preserving Unfermented Wine in Bible Times and other articles on the Bible and alcohol. Find these other articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles (Labels). Click the label for Alcohol.
Ancient Wine and the Bible - the book
2006 SBC Resolution on Alcohol Use in America
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
NEXT: The Baptist Deaon (find all Deacon articles in lower right margin under Gulf Coast Pastor Articles.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 1, AD 2010.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Ordination of Deacons - Finding the Right Men
I’ll not go over all the biblical qualifications of deacons. The basic requirements are in the Bible. Depending on your interpretation of those passages, and your individual church situation, those qualifications may vary.
I know believers are divided about whether a divorced man may serve as a deacon. My church, long before I became their pastor, made the decision that their deacons not be divorced.
It should be noted, however, that a man may do the work of a deacon without holding the office of deacon. I know of a divorced man who was a wonderful Christian leader. He never complained about not being a deacon; but he was a deacon in every sense of the word except holding the official title of deacon.
A man should hold the office of deacon. The Bible teaches a man should occupy the office of pastor and deacon in the local church. A man should be the loving leader in the home. Other than these areas, we have no strict requirements about the roles of women and men. Obviously men and women are equal before God and of equal worth. Both are qualified to minister in numerous ways.
Pastors and deacons should believe in and practice tithing to their local church.
Do not lay hands on a novice. Take your time. Don’t ordain someone too soon. 1 Timothy 3:6 (novice) speaks directly to pastors, but I think it can also apply to deacons. Notice that 1 Timothy 3:8 says “likewise deacons.” The rules for pastor generally apply to deacons as well.
A pastor should have a general sense of who qualifies as a deacon and who doesn’t. In Acts 6 the church chose the deacons. But a pastor can guide the church and even veto some that are clearly not qualified. This can most easily be done early on in the process. The details will vary as to how an individual church goes about choosing deacons.
In our case a deacon mentioned to me two men he felt qualified. I thought about it, prayed about it, and agreed. We talked to the other deacons and they agreed. I talked to the potential candidates and they agreed to serve if the church approved. Neither of the candidates had in any way sought the office. That is a big plus in their favor. The person who gets mad because he was not chosen as a deacon, has just demonstrated that he was not really qualified in the first place.
The deacons then brought a recommendation to the church that we begin the process of ordaining these two as deacons. The church so voted. (We are a small church. At the beginning of this process we had 3 deacons. One of those deacons had been in the hospital, and died before the ordination service.)
I personally, informally met with the candidates. The current deacons, pastor, and candidates all met together. We went over the statements of The Baptist Deacon and Baptist Doctrines (these will be presented in future posts). We also had the opportunity to fellowship and ask questions back and forth. We prayed together. In previous years, I had had the honor of baptizing both of these candidates.
We discussed possible questions that would come up during the Ordination Service. Deacon candidates should know the basics of our beliefs, but don’t expect them to have an advanced seminary degree. Don’t try to embarrass or trip them up with an obscure theological question. (Theological questions should be a little more detailed when ordaining a pastor.)
The deacons we chose are not perfect, but neither is their pastor. I have no doubt, however, that God led us to the right men.
We also talked about a date for the Ordination Service. We chose a date that allowed the deacon candidates to have their family and friends in attendance. We set the time for a Sunday afternoon so neighboring pastors and deacons could attend without missing their own church services. Because of this afternoon service, we cancelled our usual 6 pm Sunday Evening Worship Service.
Note: Go to a LifeWay or Christian Bookstore and purchase or order (bhpublishinggroup.com; 800/458-2772) Deacon Certificates of Ordination. Get twice as many as you need; you may damage one and need to start over. Buy nice frames for the Certificates. More on this later.
NEXT: Deacons - Baptist Doctrines
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 24, AD 2010.
I know believers are divided about whether a divorced man may serve as a deacon. My church, long before I became their pastor, made the decision that their deacons not be divorced.
It should be noted, however, that a man may do the work of a deacon without holding the office of deacon. I know of a divorced man who was a wonderful Christian leader. He never complained about not being a deacon; but he was a deacon in every sense of the word except holding the official title of deacon.
A man should hold the office of deacon. The Bible teaches a man should occupy the office of pastor and deacon in the local church. A man should be the loving leader in the home. Other than these areas, we have no strict requirements about the roles of women and men. Obviously men and women are equal before God and of equal worth. Both are qualified to minister in numerous ways.
Pastors and deacons should believe in and practice tithing to their local church.
Do not lay hands on a novice. Take your time. Don’t ordain someone too soon. 1 Timothy 3:6 (novice) speaks directly to pastors, but I think it can also apply to deacons. Notice that 1 Timothy 3:8 says “likewise deacons.” The rules for pastor generally apply to deacons as well.
A pastor should have a general sense of who qualifies as a deacon and who doesn’t. In Acts 6 the church chose the deacons. But a pastor can guide the church and even veto some that are clearly not qualified. This can most easily be done early on in the process. The details will vary as to how an individual church goes about choosing deacons.
In our case a deacon mentioned to me two men he felt qualified. I thought about it, prayed about it, and agreed. We talked to the other deacons and they agreed. I talked to the potential candidates and they agreed to serve if the church approved. Neither of the candidates had in any way sought the office. That is a big plus in their favor. The person who gets mad because he was not chosen as a deacon, has just demonstrated that he was not really qualified in the first place.
The deacons then brought a recommendation to the church that we begin the process of ordaining these two as deacons. The church so voted. (We are a small church. At the beginning of this process we had 3 deacons. One of those deacons had been in the hospital, and died before the ordination service.)
I personally, informally met with the candidates. The current deacons, pastor, and candidates all met together. We went over the statements of The Baptist Deacon and Baptist Doctrines (these will be presented in future posts). We also had the opportunity to fellowship and ask questions back and forth. We prayed together. In previous years, I had had the honor of baptizing both of these candidates.
We discussed possible questions that would come up during the Ordination Service. Deacon candidates should know the basics of our beliefs, but don’t expect them to have an advanced seminary degree. Don’t try to embarrass or trip them up with an obscure theological question. (Theological questions should be a little more detailed when ordaining a pastor.)
The deacons we chose are not perfect, but neither is their pastor. I have no doubt, however, that God led us to the right men.
We also talked about a date for the Ordination Service. We chose a date that allowed the deacon candidates to have their family and friends in attendance. We set the time for a Sunday afternoon so neighboring pastors and deacons could attend without missing their own church services. Because of this afternoon service, we cancelled our usual 6 pm Sunday Evening Worship Service.
Note: Go to a LifeWay or Christian Bookstore and purchase or order (bhpublishinggroup.com; 800/458-2772) Deacon Certificates of Ordination. Get twice as many as you need; you may damage one and need to start over. Buy nice frames for the Certificates. More on this later.
NEXT: Deacons - Baptist Doctrines
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 24, AD 2010.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ordination of Deacons - Introduction
Churches, especially small churches, do not often ordain deacons. Many young pastors have never seen a Deacon Ordination Service. Many pastors know little about the details of this type service. Some churches conduct a deacons’ ordination like they would a standard business meeting. I believe this type service should not be ordinary, but instead an outstanding, spiritually uplifting service.
Last year our church ordained two deacons. In the next posts, I plan to show the details of our ordination process. This is not to say you have to do it exactly like we did. This is just to show you our procedure, and perhaps give you some ideas for the next time you ordain deacons.
Why should a pastor and church make a big deal out of a simple Deacon Ordination Service?
1. It brings glory to God.
2. It honors the Scripture. Deacons are important in Scripture and should be important in your church.
3. It lets the deacons, their wives, and the church know this is something special. Serving as a deacon, and a deacon’s wife, is an honor and a great responsibility.
4. It shows the church that this is a spiritual office. This is not just a business arrangement, or a symbolic honor that means nothing.
5. Lets the church see first hand what is involved in an ordination service.
6. It gives you a golden opportunity to teach the church about deacons and ordination.
7. A deacon will take their job of spiritual leadership more seriously, if you take their ordination seriously. This should also be true of the current deacons as they participate in this ordination service.
8. People enjoy a certain amount of variety. This is a different kind of service that seldom comes around. Since this is a service that may not occur but once every few years, make the most of it.
I’ve seen people leaning on the edge of their seat to see exactly what is happening in an ordination service. I’ve seen them go away with a sense of wonder and respect at the spiritual impact of such a meeting. It is truly a time of worship.
If you are going to ordain spiritually qualified candidates as deacons, do a first class job. Make it a spiritual experience they will not soon forget.
NEXT: Ordination of Deacons - Finding the Right Men
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 17, AD 2010.
Articles on Ordaining Deacons:
Last year our church ordained two deacons. In the next posts, I plan to show the details of our ordination process. This is not to say you have to do it exactly like we did. This is just to show you our procedure, and perhaps give you some ideas for the next time you ordain deacons.
Why should a pastor and church make a big deal out of a simple Deacon Ordination Service?
1. It brings glory to God.
2. It honors the Scripture. Deacons are important in Scripture and should be important in your church.
3. It lets the deacons, their wives, and the church know this is something special. Serving as a deacon, and a deacon’s wife, is an honor and a great responsibility.
4. It shows the church that this is a spiritual office. This is not just a business arrangement, or a symbolic honor that means nothing.
5. Lets the church see first hand what is involved in an ordination service.
6. It gives you a golden opportunity to teach the church about deacons and ordination.
7. A deacon will take their job of spiritual leadership more seriously, if you take their ordination seriously. This should also be true of the current deacons as they participate in this ordination service.
8. People enjoy a certain amount of variety. This is a different kind of service that seldom comes around. Since this is a service that may not occur but once every few years, make the most of it.
I’ve seen people leaning on the edge of their seat to see exactly what is happening in an ordination service. I’ve seen them go away with a sense of wonder and respect at the spiritual impact of such a meeting. It is truly a time of worship.
If you are going to ordain spiritually qualified candidates as deacons, do a first class job. Make it a spiritual experience they will not soon forget.
NEXT: Ordination of Deacons - Finding the Right Men
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 17, AD 2010.
Articles on Ordaining Deacons:
Other Articles in lower right margin.
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