Deacon Nomination Form
What is a deacon?
God ordained a certain structure to promote a healthy church that fulfills His intended purposes. This structure includes two offices (elder/pastor and deacon) and a committed membership (or what we call partnership). The word deacon means servant. The biblical role of deacons is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the elders can concentrate on shepherding people. Like elders, deacons must meet qualifications as laid out in 1 Timothy 3. The Bible does not provide a detailed job description for deacons. One possible example of a deacon-like ministry is in Acts 6 when the Apostles appoint servant leaders to oversee the distribution of food to widows because certain widows were being overlooked. This was done so the apostles would not be distracted from the ministry of “prayer and the Word.” Deacons serve the congregation in a similar way addressing practical needs that arise. Just as the apostles delegated administrative responsibilities to the seven, so the elders are to delegate certain responsibilities to the deacons so that the elders can focus their efforts elsewhere.
As a result, each local church is free to define the tasks of deacons based on their particular needs.
God ordained a certain structure to promote a healthy church that fulfills His intended purposes. This structure includes two offices (elder/pastor and deacon) and a committed membership (or what we call partnership). The word deacon means servant. The biblical role of deacons is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the elders can concentrate on shepherding people. Like elders, deacons must meet qualifications as laid out in 1 Timothy 3. The Bible does not provide a detailed job description for deacons. One possible example of a deacon-like ministry is in Acts 6 when the Apostles appoint servant leaders to oversee the distribution of food to widows because certain widows were being overlooked. This was done so the apostles would not be distracted from the ministry of “prayer and the Word.” Deacons serve the congregation in a similar way addressing practical needs that arise. Just as the apostles delegated administrative responsibilities to the seven, so the elders are to delegate certain responsibilities to the deacons so that the elders can focus their efforts elsewhere.
As a result, each local church is free to define the tasks of deacons based on their particular needs.
Deacon Ministry at EPIC
- Deacons are nominated by the church and vetted by the elder team. They must meet the qualifications for a deacon laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and must continue to live as faithful examples of Jesus Christ.
- The biblical role of deacon is open to men and women.
- Deacons commit to a term of 2 years and may continue serving beyond that term if desired/needed.
- Deacons oversee the benevolence ministry of the church to those inside and outside the church.
- Deacons assist in the care of the church. This includes connecting with people, addressing needs as they arise, providing care in difficult circumstances, connecting people to helpful resources. EPIC’s deacon ministry also considers ways that the church can better minister to the poor and hurting in our community.
- Deacons may be called upon to help with logistical matters that may be hindering the progress of the church.