FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF PARADISE VALLEY
DEACON’S MINISTRY
Acts 6: 1-7: 1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews6:1 That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
1 Tim 3: 8-15: In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
The FSBCPV has always had a Deacon’s Ministry in accordance with Article 3 Section 1(4) of its Constitution and Bylaws which states as follows
“In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the Church. Their task is to serve with the pastor and staff in performing the pastoral ministries tasks of:
(1) leading the Church in the achievement of its mission,
(2) proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and
(3) caring for the Church’s members and other persons in the community.
The Pastor and deacons are responsible for determining when additional deacons are needed and informing the Church. A study of the deacon’s qualifications, as well as election procedure, will then be presented to the Church body as soon as possible.
The deacon body, along with the pastor, shall seek men scripturally, morally and spiritually, qualified men for the deacon ministry, based upon Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
All candidates must be members of the Church for at least six months before being elected. When the pastor and deacon body have agreed upon a candidate(s), his name(s) shall be listed in the Church bulletin the Sunday preceding the regular business meeting, and shall be placed in nomination and voted upon at said business meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot, with a two-thirds affirmative vote by those present and voting required for election.
All persons elected will attend a deacon orientation training program prior to ordination. If the elected person has already been ordained in a church of like faith and order, no ordination will be necessary.
When the number of deacons is deemed sufficient, a deacon rotation system can be put into effect, with the approval of the pastor and deacon body. The specifics of the rotation system are to be determined by the pastor and deacon body”
Many respectable and faithful members of the Church have served as Deacons. Currently there are two Deacons: Dr. Emmanuel Ojameruaye and Mr. Charley Baker. Each family/member of the Church is assigned to one of the Deacons as part of the Deacon’s Care Group. Each Deacon is required to assist the Pastor in providing spiritual support to members assigned to his “Care Group”, including visiting/calling members of his group from time to time to check on how they are doing, hospital visitation, witnessing, rejoicing/grieving with them, and /praying/supporting them as the case may be and as required.
