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. #5 - Set a quorum of deacons to be present. 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. Now coming to what the Bible has to say, it has no firm rules on a church meeting. You don't have deacon's meetings without the pastor present unless your goint to fire him. Meetings of the first church have more to do with keeping in line with . Trust the merit of His blood, the power of His arm, and the love of His heart. First Corinthians 12:5 tells us that "there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord." Ministries in that verse is also diakonia. Prayer For Deacons Meeting Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon [our deacons and their wives] as [they] serve your Church. As an apostle, Paul described himself as a "servant of the Lord" (Rom 1:1; Col 1:25). E Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. I will tend to the poor and the hungry, the sick and the discarded. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Give me a generous spirit when I am tired but needed. In every situation we ponder in our daily lives, let the Holy Spirit translate Your commands. Though our circumstances will be unfair from time to time in this life, You are always our unwavering protector and shield (Psalm 3:3). Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Tell her then to help me.. Your acts are amazing Lord. It can be so vast and open ended that it's difficult to know what to focus on. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Having a good agenda in hand 2 or 3 days before the meeting is important. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. The New American Standard Bible. I wanted to briefly share what our meeting will look . 1. Transform us Lord, and make us more like you. Please take that worry from me and erase the apprehensiveness in my voice as I talk with others. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Every project, every season, every life. Call it Personal Time, and make it part of opening devotions. . 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. Comfort me when I question myself and my ministry. It will also increase your ability to use Scripture as you minister to those inside and outside of the church. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Reset our agendas, as we sit in Your presence. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. We can not comprehend the number of blessings you pour out on us from day to day. November 2022 - A Spiritually Healthy Church. Deacons' Meeting March 8, 2023 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Hamburg Bible Church 731 Port Clinton Ave. Hamburg, PA 19526 Get Directions Stitches For Souls. Make me a humble servant, a role model, and a friend to all who call on Your name. 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. That means sitting through lots of less than great ones. 12 Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. These short, but insightful and inspiring pieces, are all based around the theme of "Live As Examples of Christ Jesus". 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 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. on 08/23/2019. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. For each mind and heart that fills the presence of this room, we thank You. Oh, right, we did that part already. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.. Implications? 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. The Bible teaches that all persons who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are priests with direct access to God (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. 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. Help me to persevere in all I do in Your mighty name. So now we are ready to invest a bit of effort and time, because we are MOTIVATED to improve those meetings! Give [them] eyes to see the needs of your people. We love your comments! Thats assumed. Kindle fervent love for the needy in the hearts of your people, that they may generously contribute to them as your stewards. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. August 2022 - The Priority of Prayer. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. While planning any church meeting, you need to think of all the details about what will interest the church members that will make them attend the meeting without any confusion. Often I hear deacons express an uncertainty about what is expected, and what their role actually is. each other to excellence. He is the source of all the direction we need. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. For You assure us that where two or more gather in Your name You are here. The agenda will show WHAT is coming up, AND, even more important, WHAT the group is being asked to do about it. V Have you had experience with any of these ideas? 2023 Christian Reformed Church in North America. Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. Blog, A Make [them] fertile ground for your inspiration and love. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. L And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. The expectations for elders differ from those of deacons in a one critical way. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Allow both my wife and me to be encouragers, supporters, and smile-makers, not only at church but everywhere we go. Every meeting begins with prayer. For Hard Times For Financial Prosperity For Physical Health For Emotional Health For Protection For a Marriage For Babies and Pregnancy For Family For Spiritual Warfare For Spiritual Health For a Death For the Workplace For Bedtime, Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 18 Strong Prayers for a New Place to Live, Righteousness Exalts a Nation Meaning and Meditation, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. c. How would you describe their relationship? Is the focus of these qualifications on a mans abilities, or his character? Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. This office, therefore, is named for what it does: serve. Your righteousness transcends all our efforts and understanding. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Devotions. As we gather together, we praise You for this day and Your purpose for it. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. b. We need You. How would these passages help us understand the purpose of a deacons meeting? G If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. Only You know what lies ahead. Give me health of body so I may serve with strength. But this is your time. Acts 6:1-6 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a . Devotions for Church Meetings Full All 20 devotions 1. While being dispersed across various locations, our teams can use these meetings as a time to come together and build unity. Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. But it does include specifics on the roles and duties of church leaders. Pray through a passage of Scripture. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. What are the implications to us? You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. If no one does, expect the meeting to show it. What then is Apollos? Humble us in our servanthood and use us for Your will. Online Stewardship Course Going Live January 2023. Baptists interpret the Bible as indicating there are two offices in a New Testament churchpastor and deacon. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. Our prayer today is that Your will be done through this event. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.. The Scriptures teach us that all things should be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). I don't believe deacons "run" the church. Support us daily as we wear our full suits of armor for You, and when we go into battle, give us the words to say and the tools we need. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Give [them] a discerning mind to know your truth. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. Loving heavenly Father, Amen. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 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. Amen. Having a good agenda in hand 2 or 3 days before the meeting is important. Make the agenda so it can be distributed ahead of time. Make my heart like yours so I may love your people. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. F Thank You for giving me this opportunity to work for You. 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? 1 Timothy 3:13 Here Paul explains the function of the deacon, and two things will result when the service of a deacon is done correctly. 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. Strengthen our confidence in who You have made us to be. 2.6 Short Morning Devotions for Couples. Here are 10 powerful prayers for deacons. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. b. 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. They are students of Scripture, holding to sound theology. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. Their ministry seems to have begun in Acts 6:3-4 when the apostles sought men "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" who would serve the widows in the church. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. 1. TopicalBible 4. Give us your grace to relieve needs by means of material gifts and to instill the comfort of your holy Word into the hearts of the afflicted, that they may put their trust in you alone. In Christ, Kendall. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. This is when the pastor is best teed up to reciprocate honor to his deacon brothers. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Invite and encourage people to share whats happening in families, at work, whats distracting them right now, whats exciting, whats discouraging, etc. Christ is the Head, Elders are the physical leaders of the church, deacons fall under the . 33 I have coveted no ones silver or gold or clothes. Month-by-month lectionary readings . Diaconal Ministries of Canada (DMC) has created a set of 12 devotions, designed specifically for deacon meetings, based on the charge to the deacons. I trust in You. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. We have talents, abilities, and time to work. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Even in failed attempts, You blow us away with Your faithfulness to provide what we need. Key Bible Passages on Pastors and Deacons. We know that when we gather together, You always have a divine agenda. Keep the words of King David fresh in our minds, and renew our hearts to the tune of Your truth.I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 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. Amen. The really good chair will know which agenda item is going to push a particular persons button. Grant us sufficient means to bring relief to the needy. 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. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Create in us an everlasting determination to grow Your kingdom that produces good fruit. Woman's hips extend to new horizons on the east, our. Scripture: 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your . 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them,You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. What's helpful when questions arise about purpose, is to be reminded about our calling to these roles, and how better to remember than to each meeting take a few moments and collect ourselves to remind each other what we were elected to do. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, " For by grace are ye saved through faith.". 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. All rights reserved. Grant us his help, that we may be able to establish who are the ones that are truly in need. In standard usage, it described someone devoted to carrying out the commands, accomplishing the will, or meeting the needs of another person. The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.