The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means "servant." There are many references to deacons in the early church. Deacon ministry was developed in response to specific needs within the corporate life of the church itself, and its inspiration was no less the example of Christ himself, who "came not to be served but to serve".
At First Baptist Church, deacons are actively engaged in the mission of the church. They promote peace, reconciliation and the spirit of cooperation and unity in this body. They model the ministry of presence by their regular participation in worship and in other events in the life of the church. They offer pastoral care and help lead in worship. They are faithful in their financial support of the Church. They participate in diaconate meetings and training events. As a foundational priority, deacons endeavor to follow Jesus Christ themselves through personal practices of discipleship.
If a person has been nominated to serve as a deacon and is prayerfully considering deacon service, he or she might consider the following questions:
- Am I actively following Jesus in my daily living?
- Am I able and willing to come alongside a handful of assigned families and/or individuals as their “care deacon”?
- Do I care about befriending people who feel disconnected from God or church?
- Am I passionate about helping our congregation to discern and fulfill God’s mission for us?
- Am I a peacemaker in troubled situations? Do I refrain from gossip?
- Am I eager to play a part in mobilizing our entire congregation for ministry?
- Would I be comfortable for others to view me as a spiritual leader?
- Would I be comfortable for others to view me as a servant?
- Am I prepared to be a leader at FBCDC in the area of financial stewardship?
- Is God calling me to invest myself in deacon service for the next 3 years—and possibly to set aside some other activities in my life in order to do so?
Process for Electing New Deacons @ FBC
On April 23, 2017, immediately following the worship service, First Baptist Church members will be asked to submit the names of six church members you believe would serve the church well as deacons. Nominees, as well as those nominating, must be full members of FBC. A copy of the current FBC directory is available in the Library and in the Narthex.
This selection of deacons is to fill terms ending in 2017, 2018, and 2019. A ballot will be provided in the Sunday worship folder on April 23. Absentee voting is permitted by sending your nominations to FBC by regular mail in a sealed envelope with your signature over the seal, or by email to office@firstbaptist.org. Absentee nominations must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017.
Individuals not eligible for election as new deacons:
Deacons currently completing their term of service: Jean Bell, Paul Clark, Stan Hastey, Rob Marus and Janice Osborn.
Deacons currently serving terms of service ending in 2018 and 2019: Zena Aldridge, Rod Coates; Mike Henson; Kate Campbell; Sadye Doxie; Erik Smith; Rose Smith.
Life Deacons: Mel Doxie, Adrian Harward, Steve Netcott, and Ellen Parkhurst.
After worship on April 23, the Deacon Selection Committee, composed of Rod Coates, Rob Marus and Janice Osborn will tally all nominations and begin reaching out to nominees, beginning with those who received the highest number of nominations.