Responsibilities:
There shall be a minimum of eight (8) active deacons. These shall be elected from among those members who have proven themselves to have scriptural qualifications (Acts 6:1-6; Rom 16: 1; 1Tim 3: 8-13). Deacons shall serve for a term of two (2) years with one-half (1/2) being elected each year. Deacons shall be elected by the church congregation. In the event of a tie, all individuals involved in the tie will serve as deacon. After the completion of a full two (2) year term, no deacon shall be eligible for re-election until after the lapse of one (1) full year. In case of a vacancy on the deacon board for any reason, a successor shall be elected for the remaining portion of the term. One person shall be voted for, on the same basis as is provided for the regular election of deacons. The deacons shall annually elect their own chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary from among themselves.
In accordance with the meaning of work and practice in the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. The task of the deacon is to serve with the pastor and staff in performing ministerial duties, proclaiming the Gospel to believers and unbelievers, caring for the church members and other persons in the community, leading the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry and application of New Testament principles.
They are to consider and make recommendations to the church in all matters pertaining to its work and progress, including oversight of the discipline of the church. Any deacon that has an immediate family member as a paid employee of the church shall be asked to leave a meeting which involves any discussion of that paid employee. The deacons shall establish and maintain spiritual fraternal relations with all members of the church, assist the pastor in observance of the ordinances, have general oversight of the upkeep, repair, and use of church property, and supervise the financial program of the church. They shall be the coordinating authority between the pastor and congregation in matters of concern and commendation. They shall arrange for regular meetings and such committees as necessary to the discharge of their duties. The pastor or the chairman of the deacons may call the deacons into special session whenever in his or their opinion need for such arises.
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