In the Early Church, tension reared its ugly head. The number of disciples increased; needs went unmet; and complaints surfaced from the sheep. A meeting was called. At least the shepherds didn’t bury their heads in the sand and pretend all was well in the sheep pen!
The apostles’ addressed the full number of disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2-4). It’s apparent that church leaders knew how to handle conflict!
One step in the conflict resolution process was to select capable and qualified men to wait on tables (better known as deacons). A deacon is a servant, meaning one who “stirs the dust.” The apostles’ prayed and studied the Word, and the deacons waited on tables and met people’s needs. The deacon ministry made a kingdom difference!
Many pastors see deacons as enemies. As pastor at BFBC, I love and respect the many men who serve the Lord as deacons. These men are my friends; I value their wisdom and insights; and their hearts to serve Jesus and you touches me! As you have the opportunity, I encourage you to thank these men for serving the Lord and His church.
How do men become deacons at BFBC? First, the deacon selection process involves you. In the Gathering Area, you’ll find deacon nomination forms. Second, you can study God’s Word and discover the biblical qualifications of being a deacon (1 Timothy 3). Being a deacon is a high calling! Third, as you pray and have the Lord’s peace, you can complete the form and recommend men to serve as deacons. Completed forms can be turned in to the Pastor’s office by August 31. Please read the instructions on the form carefully. The small details matter in the selection process. Forth, you can trust church leaders to follow the Spirit’s lead in the selection phase. Fifth, you can attend a future quarterly church conference and affirm the new deacons. You’ll hear more details about the church conference at a later date.
The Bible has more to say about who a deacon is than what a deacon does. Deacons support the pastor and staff, meet the needs of people, and help maintain unity in the church family. I often say that a faithful deacon carries around a “pail of water,” not a “can of gas.” As fires (conflicts) arise in church life, faithful deacons use water to put them out. Believe me, I’ve seen many deacons confront fires in the church with a “can of gas.” Fire and gas aren’t a good combination (at least in church life!). I’m thrilled that deacons at BFBC serve with “pails of water.” May the deacons at BFBC know that they’re making a kingdom difference!
Our Bible study tomorrow night is on the book of Psalms. It’s a favorite book of the Bible for many people. Our study begins at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary. We have children and youth ministries that begin Wednesday evening at the same time. Sunday is the first day of the sermon series, “You Asked For It!” Our focus will be on Heaven! I hope to see you tomorrow night and early Sunday morning for Sunday School and worship.
Serving Jesus Together,
Pastor Ronny
1 Cor. 3:9