And Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. May all glory go up to You when we reach the finish line and climb over benchmarks. The really good chair will know which agenda item is going to push a particular persons button. Time is invested in deacon training. What is Paul? 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.read more.Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly listed or outlined; they are assumed to be everything that does not include the duties of an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach, and exhort. This allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). Grant me grace as I age so I may share your wisdom. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.. Please share your ideas for improved meetings. Keep my breathing deep and peaceful, let anxieties roll off my back, and help me to stay focused on supporting the elders in my church. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Everyone must guard himself against the various foes that threaten to rob us of our joy in the Lord, our usefulness in the kingdom, our relationships with our brothers and sisters, and our leadership of our home. 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. Depend on the Lord July; Pentecost; time of difficulty 2.3 Short Inspirational Devotions for Women Who Love Christian Fiction. Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. 2. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. A Thank You Will Do Thanksgiving; Celebrations 4. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. 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. 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. Amen. You and I must be diligent and watchful so that we are not deceived. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. I am Your servant and will go wherever You lead me. See more ideas about scripture cards, deacon, scripture printables. Woman's hips extend to new horizons on the east, our. Having a good agenda in hand 2 or 3 days before the meeting is important. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. 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. In Jesus all-powerful name, I pray. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. of 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. Give me the courage to overcome my shyness and be more social to further the impact I make in Your holy name. So what else? They are to teach what is good. Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. So they gave a dinner for him there. Amen. 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. T Help us to share Your word and Your truth with all who enter our presence. They are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, a good household . Strengthen our stance so we can defeat the schemes of the devil through prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and Your holy word. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. B.S. Deacons from generations past are cheering you on from the sidelines of glory. 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. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Proverbs 3:5-6 3. 7 And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. c. What does this passage contribute to our study of the relationship of pastors and deacons? In every situation we ponder in our daily lives, let the Holy Spirit translate Your commands. 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. 2.4 Short Devotionals for Young Women. To find the full context of shorter scripture quotes, click on "Chapter" above each verse. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. Amen. My job has many responsibilities such as teaching Bible studies, planning mission trips and retreats, and offering pastoral care to students and their families. Because the Bible is God's word, it will not contradict itself. Meeting people around the church and helping them get connected! 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. Take what we have prepared and multiply our efforts as only You can. M December 2022 -. A chair who signals to her group that she really values them and respects them, is on the way to a good meeting. Deacon Bonner called meeting to order and then asked if anyone had a scripture on their heart that they wanted to share. So each agenda item will be labeled one of three ways: for information, for discussion or advice (to someone, for example the pastor or a deaconal subcommittee), or for decision. 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. A Deacon's Relationship to the Church Membership at Large The deacons are to be active in ministry to the church family, promoting peace, harmony and a spirit of cooperation among the membership. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. How would these passages help us understand the purpose of a deacons meeting? In Your holy name, I pray. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. For he is God's servant for your good. September 2022 - Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing. 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. 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. 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. . 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. Proverbs 24:10 4. Your acts are amazing Lord. That even when we have done what You have asked, the results are so much greater than we ever could have imagined. All of our devotions have a printable option at the bottom of each page if you wish to print. Devotions. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. Acts 6: The First Deacons. View Pastor Viars' Salvation Testimony Video, 5526 State Road 26 EastLafayette, IN 47905. Bible verses related to Deacon Duties from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. 2.7 Short Funny Devotionals for Essential Oils Users. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. While being dispersed across various locations, our teams can use these meetings as a time to come together and build unity. ); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive. A Bit of Clay Anytime; Pentecost 2. Our prayer today is that Your will be done through this event. 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. After almost three decades of deacons . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Amen. F May we discharge the duties of our office as Christ's ministers of mercy. Not double-tongued (v. 8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something . 1 Timothy 3:1-13 - 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. FENCES. b. 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 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. 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. c. How would you describe their relationship? It's important that God be sought at the beginning of the meeting. 2. For things to be done decently and in order, we must have a rule of order. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. 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. Which in turn can easily become part of opening devotions. Pastor Viars leads and equips Faith Church as Senior Pastor with a focus on preaching and teaching Gods Word and using his organizational skills in guiding the implementation of the Faith Church mission and vision. I 1:1). 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. 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. - Sort By Book Order. on 08/23/2019. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. One of the important principles of Bible interpretation is that we must allow Scripture to interpret itself. Work in and through me, Jesus. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. Make me fertile ground for your inspiration and love. Help me to persevere in all I do in Your mighty name. 6. Forgive us for our pride. This office, therefore, is named for what it does: serve. We have talents, abilities, and time to work. 3:2). I am so blessed to have Your mercy, grace, and love. Allow both my wife and me to be encouragers, supporters, and smile-makers, not only at church but everywhere we go. 13 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. What if better preparation meant shorter better meetings?! Daily/Sunday Lectionary Readings Lectionary Frequently Asked Questions Printable lectionary lists. 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. Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12: Dignified (v. 8): This term normally refers to something that is honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy, and is closely related to "respectable," which is given as a qualification for elders (1 Tim. 1 Timothy 3:8 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Publication date: Feb 25, 2023. 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. Often I hear deacons express an uncertainty about what is expected, and what their role actually is. That invariably calls for a business meeting. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. each other to excellence. Father, Salem Media Group. c. What does this verse contribute to our overall subject? b. Deacons are to control their appetites either for alcohol or money (v. 8). If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. What do these verses teach about pastoral ministry? Your righteousness transcends all our efforts and understanding. The men seek God's mind, heart, and guidance. Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. Giving My Best to God Prayer Dear Christ in Heaven, please give me the strength, energy, and endurance to be a tireless servant in Your Church who spreads Your love. 3) HEARING GOD'S WORD It is important for a deacon's meeting to begin with an encouraging Word from God. H If you are not the chair, offer to help; this business of having better meetings involves taking responsibility stepping up to the tasks. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (Read More.) For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. 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 . We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would clearly show us how to Options to hear God's Word may be: a) Through a Relevant Bible Passage Select a Bible passage that relates to diaconal ministry. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be Key Bible Passages on Pastors and Deacons. 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. As we gather together, we praise You for this day and Your purpose for it. It is necessary to begin your staff meeting with these collections of 6 Powerful Prayers for Staff Meetings with scriptures on this post. Ladies' Dinner and Bible 0 Comments Add a Comment Cancel. Deacons hold important positions of service in their churches and shine Gods light through their words and actions. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. Ways to improve your next deacons' meeting - not painless steps to take, but they WILL reduce pain in the meeting! Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 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. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. Mold me in Your image and guide me in my actions each day. Take Away My Worry Prayer Dear God of All Comfort, thank You for all that You have given me. Y But test everything; hold fast what is good. Id like to think of these as a few of the disciplines of good meetings. July 2022 - Honoring God with Our Giving. Let Your light in me shine brightly for all to see. Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023, Orientation Resources for Deacon Leadership. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. The deacon chair has an opportunity to initiate honor by asking his pastor for input in front of the other deacons. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money" (1 Timothy 3:8). Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that it is not me speaking, but You through me. Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. 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. Devotions for Church Meetings Full All 20 devotions 1. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Make [their] heart[s] like yours so [they] may love your people. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Prayer should be biblically informed. I trust in You. Keep us physically safe and guard our hearts and minds from pride and selfishness. When you are a pastor or administrator, you need to plan the meeting just like any other event where your group can focus on resolving important issues. 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. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. Im not going to list prayer as a way to improve meetings, because we all know that. 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. The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.