We are only servants; we have only done our duty.
Why Do We Have Deacons?
There are two biblical offices in the Baptist church, the Pastor and The Deacon. The office of deacon was established in Acts as the church was being established. In the 6th chapter there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Verse 2 of the third chapter of Acts says;
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
So, the role of a Deacon is a servant. We are to handle the business of the church and the care of the members, so that our pastor can devote himself to the study of God’s word. We are merely an extension of the pastor.
That is why the motto for our deacon ministry is: “We are only servants; we have only done our duty.” In reference to Luke 17:10
So, you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.
How Can I Become a Deacon?
Biblically, Deacons are selected as seen in Acts 6:3
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
The Pastor, along with the Deacon Chairman, look for men within the church that possess the qualities of a Deacon outlined in 1 Timothy chapter 3;
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The office of a deacon is not requested or lobbied for; it is a highly spiritual position that is revealed to the Pastor and the Chairman through much prayer.
I was told I have a Deacon, what does that mean?
At BSBC, each member is assigned a Deacon. The Deacon Call list establishes a spiritual relationship with each member. So as spiritual needs arise, there is a connection to help each member. Ideally, if a member is in need of prayer or support, during an illness, hospitalization (of member or family member), family death, loss of job, or in need of any type of support, it is our goal to establish a relationship with the members, that would encourage transparency with their deacon to help with the situation.
The members do not select deacons, they are assigned. If there is a problem with a deacon, it is encouraged to bring that concern to the Deacon Chairman or to the Pastor.
Deacon Michael Glover, Chairman
Deacon Arthur Campbell, Vice Chairman
