Years ago, we used to refer to our Lead Team as our functional elders. We also referred to key volunteers in our congregation as our functional deacons. The Bible describes two offices in the local church: Elder (used interchangeably in the New Testament with the words overseer and pastor) and Deacon. Therefore, our desire is two-fold: 1) To use the biblical language and, 2) Activate these functional offices at Central.
We believe that by implementing the Deacon office, not only will we be consistent in our desire for biblical faithfulness, but our church will also be well-served. What Jesus has instituted for His Church is not only good, it's best.
DEFINING THE OFFICE OF DEACON
Supervisors of congregational service (using elder defined, locally determined service opportunities)
A biblical form of church government calls for godly elders to shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4, 20:28-32). These servant-leaders devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). Because this is their principle duty they can spare little time and strength to anything else. Therefore, Elders need Deacons to help them shoulder the load of shepherding.
FOUNDATION
The word deacon, from the Greek diakonos, means “servant” or “minister”. Paul opens his letter to the Philippians addressing the saints with the overseers and deacons (1:1). In 1 Timothy 3:8-12, Paul lists several requirements for deacons, separating them from elders in that they don't necessarily need to be able to teach.
What the Scriptures make clear is that the church’s servant-leaders (the Apostles according to Acts 6:4, and subsequent church leaders according to 1 Timothy 3) need deacons to help with the work—and because qualifications are required—to hold an office. The Bible affirms not only the Office of Elder in the church but the Office of Deacon as well. We ought to affirm both for consistency’s sake and the benefit of the church, trusting that what Jesus has instituted for the Church is best for it.
FUNCTION
Deacons must have a broad understanding of the role of the elders they are assisting to effectively help them shepherd the flock. Elders keep watch over souls (Hebrews 13:17), manage the church of God (1 Timothy 3:4-5), teach the Word (1 Timothy 3:2), preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2), rule the body (1 Timothy 5:17), protect from wolves (Acts 20:28-29), pray for healing (James 5:14), contend for the faith (Jude 3), rebuke false doctrine (Titus 1:9), equip the saints (Ephesians 4:12) and set an example to the believers (1 Peter 5:3)—for which they are held to account by God (Hebrews 13:17).
The Deacon is not merely a helper but a servant-officer.
While these functions are primarily the responsibility of the Elder, the Deacon’s close connection to the Elder makes the Deacon’s role complementary. The Deacon is not merely a helper but a servant-officer.
PURPOSE
A Deacon is a man or woman who is a Ministry Partner within the church, appointed and set apart by the Central Elders to assist them and pastors in the shepherding, caring, and equipping ministries of the church at a particular campus. As a result, the Elders will be free to be dedicated to prayer, oversight, and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4).
PROCESS
Deacons will be recommended by a pastor at a specific campus for a specific function, and tested (1 Timothy 3:10) and appointed by the Elders. The first Deacons were affirmed with the laying on of hands (Acts 6:1-6) and were closely associated with the Elders (Philippians 1:1). The Deacon will serve a specific term in which the Deacon performs duties designed by the Central Elders and Pastors (3 years, renewable upon mutual agreement between the Elders and deacons). The Deacons will operate under the oversight of a particular pastor and in submission to the Elders.
PRACTICE
Deacons will assist pastors/elders contextually according to the specific physical and spiritual needs at their designated campus.
Deacon responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Helping lead and organize specific ministry initiatives (e.g. Crisis Care; Mercy Ministry; Administrative projects)
- Helping strengthen ongoing ministries (e.g. Hospitality/Front Door Ministry; Visitation)
- Helping the elders lead corporate prayer gatherings and be available for further prayer after prayer meetings
Deacons provide for a wide variety of needs and in doing so, serve the church well for its flourishing and good.
Considering the size and reach of Central in it’s various campus contexts, the Deacons will also strive to equip other Ministry Partners at each campus to meet the needs of the body, which is consistent with our mission, vision, and values throughout all of our ministries.
While the Deacons at Central will serve the body by assisting the Elders/Pastors, all Ministry Partners are encouraged and expected to serve the body in accordance with their abilities and gifting as taught in the Scriptures and emphasized in our philosophy of ministry (eg. Value: Equipped for Ministry).
ROLES
While the New Testament clearly lays out the existence of a Deacon Office, descriptions of it are limited. While we might prefer the Scriptures to say more, they say enough. We can trust that this is by design and frees us to utilize the office in ways that fulfill their functional purpose best in our particular context. These roles consist of practical service with emphasis on care for the needy, administration, and tasks that free up Elders/Pastors to focus on their primary work of the ministry of the Word and prayer.
At Central, these tasks could include (but are not limited to): Community Care, Visitation, Hospitality Team Leaders, Administrative Projects, Campus Specific Tech Leaders, and Finance Team Leaders.
Please join us in welcoming Martha Bishop (Agassiz Campus: Care & Prayer), Laura Belyea (Chilliwack Campus: Count Team Lead), and Michael Harrison (North Fraser Campuses: Tech Lead) as Central Deacons!