The Deacons of Woodruff Road Presbyterian
- Deacons of Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church
- The Calling of the Deacons
- Deacon Ministries
- Deacons Fund
- Qualifications of Deacons
- Deacon Vows
Deacons of Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church
 Andre Dickerson  |
 Kevin Goad |
 Joe Harris |
 Joe Lambert |
 Dan Leach |
 George Salinas |
 John Seay |
 Scott Sheffer |
 Daniel Whitten |
The Calling of the Deacons
The office of deacon is described in the scriptures as one of sympathy and service. It is our desire to serve the Lord and His church by helping to meet the needs of people in our congregation and community. The Deacon Board is responsible for collecting the gifts of the congregation and for distributing them to those in need. In recent months there has been a significant increase in the number of requests for assistance and we pray that the congregation will continue to support this ministry through the special deacon's offerings taken each communion service. In addition, the deacons facilitate the ministry of the church by maintaining the buildings and grounds, ushering, recording the gifts of the congregation, and other tasks that are intended to free the elders to pursue prayer and the ministry of the word. Finally, it is our desire to encourage others in the church to use their talents and gifts to serve the Lord together with us.
The Book of Church Order Describes the Ministry of the Deacons as follows:
9-1. The office of deacon is set forth in the Scriptures as ordinary and perpetual in the Church. The office is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need.
9-2. It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have the care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the congregation. In matters of special importance affecting the property of the church, they cannot take final action without the approval of the Session and consent of the congregation. In the discharge of their duties the deacons are under the supervision and authority of the Session. In a church in which it is impossible for any reason to secure deacons, the duties of the office shall devolve upon the ruling elders.
9-3. To the office of deacon, which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen men of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies, and sound judgment.
9-4. The deacons of a particular church shall be organized as a Board, of which the pastor shall be an advisory member. The Board shall elect a chairman and a secretary from their number and a treasurer to whom shall be entrusted the funds for the current expenses of the church. It shall meet separately at least once a quarter, and whenever requested by the Session. The Board of each church shall determine the number necessary for a quorum. The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of all funds and their distribution, and shall submit its minutes to the Session regularly, and at other times upon request of the Session. It is desirable that the Session and the Board of Deacons meet in joint session once a quarter to confer on matters of common interest.
9-5. Deacons may properly be appointed by the higher courts to serve on committees, especially as treasurers. It is suitable also that they be appointed trustees of any fund held by any of the Church courts. It may also be helpful for the church courts, when devising plans of church finance, to invite wise and consecrated deacons to their councils.
9-6. The deacons may, with much advantage, hold conference from time to time for the discussion of the interests committed to them. Such conferences may include representatives of churches covering areas of smaller or larger extent. Any actions taken by these conferences shall have only an advisory character.
9-7. It is often expedient that the Session of a church should select and appoint godly men and women of the congregation to assist the deacons in caring for the sick, the widows, the orphans, the prisoners, and others who may be in any distress or need.
Benevolence:"It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress." The diaconate oversees ministries to the needy in our church and local community.
Collecting and Recording: "It is the duty of deacons to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed." The diaconate collects, deposits and records all gifts, and sends yearly statements to donors for tax purposes.
Ushering: The diaconate coordinates ushering for all services, and collects and deposits the tithes and offerings of the congregation.
Building and Grounds: "They shall have the care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the congregation." The diaconate coordinates numerous projects including landscaping, carpentry, repairs, painting, gardening, tree trimming, plumbing, and electrical. Church work days are sponsored and members of the congregation are encouraged to help beautify and maintain the church property. The diaconate also manages the work of independent contractors.
Supervision: The diaconate is responsible for overseeing the church custodian.
Consultation and Planning: "In matters of special importance affecting the property of the church, they cannot take final action without the approval of the Session and consent of the congregation. In the discharge of their duties the deacons are under the supervision and authority of the Session." In a church in which it is impossible for any reason to secure deacons, the duties of the office shall devolve upon the ruling elders" The diaconate meets periodically with the Session to present reports and recommendations. The diaconate helps to maintain the financial operations of the church.
" It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress." The diaconate manages a fund to assist needy individuals in our church and community to help cover emergencies or basic living expenses including food, medical, utilities and lodging.
Scriptural Qualifications for Deacon
- Above reproach (blameless) 1 Timothy 3:9
- Husband of one wife 1 Timothy 3:12
- Temperate 1 Timothy 3:8
- Respectable 1 Timothy 3:8
- Not given to drunkenness 1 Timothy 3:8
- Manages his own family well 1 Timothy 3:12
- Sees that his children obey him 1 Timothy 3:12
- Does not pursue dishonest gain 1 Timothy 3:8
- Keeps hold of the deep truths 1 Timothy 3:9
- Sincere 1 Timothy 3:8
- Tested 1 Timothy 3:10
Vows for Elders and Deacons
1. I do believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
2. I do sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and I do further promise that if at any time I find myself out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, I will, on my own initiative, make known to my Session the change which has taken place in my views since the assumption of this ordination vow.
3. I do approve of the form of government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America, in conformity with the general principles of biblical polity.
4. I do accept the office of Elder (or Deacon) in this church, and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof, and to endeavor by the grace of God to adorn the profession of the Gospel in my life, and to set a worthy example before the church of which God has made me an officer.
5. I do promise subjection to my brethren in the Lord.
6. I do promise to strive for the purity, peace, unity and edification of the church.