Serving the Church

I was going to write about Don Imus today, but he's such an easy target to pick on that I changed my mind.

I thought instead I would let my friends out there know that our church officially asked me yesterday to serve it as a deacon. After our morning worship time, one woman greeted me by saying, "I don't know if that's a promotion ... congratulations." I told her it was probably a demotion! All joking aside, I appreciate the recognition and responsibilities that may follow.

From a Biblical point of view, deacons are simply men (and women) that are recognized by the church "pastors" and elders" (two terms for the same thing) as being men of character that serve other members of the church. Examples of who and what deacons are can be found in Acts ch. 6 and 1 Timothy 3.

Practically speaking, deacons essentially work alongside the elders to accomplish the ministries and works of service the church is committed to. In a church of any size, the number of men recognized as elders is probaby insufficient to lead every work of the church. And so, deacons come alongside to support, and in some cases represent, the elders.

I do not "aspire" to serve a church as a deacon. Rather, it is my desire to simply serve however I am able, however I am gifted, and continue to grow in my spiritual maturity. Certainly, wearing the title of deacon may present some circumstances and challenges that are new. But by in large, I anticipate just doing more of the same -- serving Christ with my church family.