Here is an overview of the process of training, selecting, and ordaining men to serve as deacons at New Hope Church.
(1) Last March 2011 we encouraged all the men of New Hope Church to participate in a Leadership Training Program which was developed by our minister. The primary focus of the training program was on biblical eldership, but the material also proves suitable for deacons.
(2) At the outset we made it clear that any and all of the men of NHC could participate in the training program for spiritual enrichment. However, we said that all men (including current elders and ministers) who desire and/or aspire to serve as elders or deacons were required to participate in the training program. Any man who declined or refused to participate in leadership training forfeited the privilege of serving as an elder or deacon at New Hope Church.
(3) We informed the men who joined the LTP that participation in the program did not guarantee that they would be nominated or appointed to the eldership or diaconate. Only those men who meet the biblical requirements may be nominated and appointed to serve as elders or deacons (1 Tim 3:1-13).
(4) Fifteen men started the Leadership Training Program in April 2011; twelve men finished it in October 2011. At the end of the LTP each man was surveyed to see whether he felt qualified to serve as an elder or a deacon, and whether he desired such an office. Results: Some men expressed a desire to serve as elders but wish to receive additional training to make sure they qualify biblically. Other men wish to serve as deacons at this time. (A few men either felt they were not qualified to serve, or they did not desire to serve as elders or deacons.)
(5) Last November 2011 we announced at a congregational meeting that we were going to form a diaconate (comprised of men who participated in the LTP) to take care of the “business end” of church life.
(6) The twelve men who completed the training nominated other men from the LTP to serve as deacons. Results: several men were nominated by their peers, but only four of the nominees expressed a desire to serve as deacons and met the biblical qualifications: Aaron Ellis, Brandon Musgrove, Jason Toombs, and Bo Cogbill.
[Note: Since Bo is better-equipped to serve as a minister of the word (Eph 4:11-12), he was encouraged to serve as a teacher instead of a deacon. We want Bo to devote himself to the ministry of the word and prayer as long as he is able to serve with us at New Hope Church.]
The current leadership supports the nomination of the three other men to the diaconate.
(8) An ordination service is scheduled for Sunday, January 29. The diaconate will be authorized to take care of the business and administrative matters of the church (e.g, budget, lease, benevolence). They will not be expected to take care of pastoral duties such as teaching, preaching, or the care of souls. [Note: Art H. will continue to serve as church treasurer, so the deacons will work closely with him.]
To learn more about deacons and their responsibilities click here.
