Any Christian man who desires to serve as an elder or deacon of New Hope Church (1) must be a participating member of New Hope Church in good standing and (2) must complete the Leadership Training Program. No man may be nominated to a church office who is not a church member; no man may become a candidate for a church office without having completed our Leadership Training Program.
All candidates for deacon must meet the qualifications for the office set down in Scripture:
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 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. (1 Tim 3:8-13 ESV)
If the candidate receives the clear and obvious support of the church, the elder/s and minister will ordain the new deacon to the ministry through the laying on of hands and prayer (Acts 6:6). Once installed, the deacon will serve for life, unless he resigns, is removed, or is ordained as elder.
- Responsibilities of Deacons: Under the general oversight of the eldership, the deacons will manage the financial, physical, social, and benevolent functions of the church body (Acts 6:2-4). Such responsibilities include: preparing and administering the annual budget, building maintenance, special events (e.g., fellowship meals), and volunteer support.
- Conduct of deacons meetings: All usual business of the deacons will be conducted at the regular meeting of the deacons, or at a special meeting called for a particular purpose. The deacons will appoint one of their number to moderate the meetings of the deacons. The deacons will be prepared to provide a general report of their work and a financial report to the eldership on a quarterly basis or as the eldership requests, and they will give an annual report to the eldership with proposals for the upcoming year.
- Responsibilities of individual deacons: Individual deacons are responsible for those duties assigned to them by the deacons, and recorded in the notes of their meetings, with due regard to their gifts and desires. There is no distinction of rank among the deacons.
If, after assuming office, a deacon comes to an understanding such that he has any disagreement or mental reservation about any portion of the church’s gospel, doctrine, or practice, then he must inform the elder/s and minister of it. They will then determine if any action is required regarding the office or membership of the deacon.
