DEACONS BOARD
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Qualifications for Elders and Deacons according to 1 Timothy 3:1-6
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.”
The Deacons Board forms the highest spiritual body or management board of the church which comprises of all pastors, assistant pastors, ministers, elders and deacons and deaconesses. Members of the Deacons Board are church leaders who have a vital part in the ministry and running of the church body. Each church usually has several members, the number depending upon the size of the church. ICC has about 20 members in its Deacons Board. Deacons are appointed by some churches and elected by others. In ICC the membership to the board is through appointment by the Senior Pastor through the leading of the Holy Spirit (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5). During Deacons Board meetings, the Senior Pastor who is the overall spiritual head of the church presides as chairman of the meetings. In his absence he usually appoints his assisting pastor or another member to preside of the meeting.
Due to of their position of leadership, members of the Deacons Board must be men and women of integrity and good character. They must not be greedy for money or alcohol. They must hold to the Christian faith, live Godly lives and be well spoken of, not only by the church, but also by the community. Deacons are to be positive examples to others in how they live and serve. Deacons also must care for their families as they love the Lord. Deacons and Deaconesses are charged with the care of the church body. They minister to the physical as well as the spiritual needs of church members. They are also involved in church administration. The Deacons deal with the week-to-week ministries of the church. Deacons and Deaconesses deal with social as well as spiritual concerns.
In ICC some members of the Deacons board conduct new member interviews and follow up with members. They also assist, as required and needed, with infant dedications. However, it is usually the Deaconesses who prepare communion. Deacons help serve communion. Some members of the Deacons Board are charged with conducting praying meetings, teaching services and the main church services on Sundays. Members are also expected to pray for those who are sick. Deacons visit the elderly, sick, the home-bound and those with an assortment of other needs (Acts 6:1-15).
In conclusion, the duties of members of the Deacons Board may differ from church to church and from one denomination to another. However different the duties, all Deacons are charged with ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of church members and attendees.