Deacons are ministers of mercy. They have never been called to be the board members of the church, and I can’t find one Scriptural proof that says they are chosen to take care of the details of the building and grounds. Unfortunately this has become the modern paradigm (i.e., pattern). It is high time we get the deacons of Calvary Church out of the boardroom and building business.

We have all sorts of committees that take care things around here. For example, we have a Building and Grounds Committee that can make sure something gets fixed or the lawn gets mowed. If the deacons take over this area of serving then I have to ask the question: “Why do we need a committee to watch over the building and grounds?” And we can go right down the list.

Let’s begin with the word “deacon” itself. The term deacon simply means “servant.” They are called of God and chosen by God’s people to lead as servants. They are not called to plunge the toilet, unless of course they are either on that committee or in the immediate area! (We have a toilet plunging committee?) What I am trying to say is that a deacon can serve in a ministry of the church, but his office does not demand it.

Deacons first appear on the scene because mercy was not being adequately shown to the poor widows in Jerusalem (Acts 6). The apostles were so taking on the needs of the poor widows and because of the growth of the church they needed help. The needs of the poor were pulling them away from prayer and preparation to teach God’s Word. Something had to give. Very wisely, and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, they decided to have the church choose seven men to take care of the poor widows. Their singular job description was to serve (provide mercy through relief) those widows.

At Calvary because of their leadership abilities the deacons provide oversight for the different committees. They provide relief for me to give myself to prayer and preparation in the Word. Without these men I would be overwhelmed.

As we choose deacons this week I want us to prepare by reading two passages of Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Read them diligently and decipher them carefully. Secondly, I want us all to continue zealously in prayer.

Grace & Peace,