Deacon Application

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Deacon Role

For the mission of the church, God has instituted not just one, but two distinct New Testament offices:
ELDER and DEACON (1 Tim 3:1-13).

In Acts 6:1-7, the early church was wrestling with the tension between two equally necessary, but distinct priorities:
(1) the ministry of the word through preaching
(2) the ministry of deed through serving the practical needs of the believers.

The Greek verb translated as “serve” in verse 3 is “diakoneo”, from which the English word “deacon” is derived. It is widely believed that the office of deacons may have had its origins in this passage. Just as the ELDERS were instituted to coordinate and administer the church’s WORD ministry to the spiritual needs of the church, DEACONS were instituted to coordinate and administer the church’s DEED ministry to the practical needs of the church.

Qualifications

1. CHARACTER
This is by far the most important category. Scripture is clear that deacons are called and appointed based on their character. While all Christians are called to live to high standards of conduct and to demonstrate the new Kingdom, deacons are tested. Deacons are designated to the body as trustworthy leaders and faithful servants. While no leader is perfect, deacon candidates are to be men or women who are exemplars of the Christian faith, modelling the character of Jesus Christ – specifically, the character traits found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13:

“Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:8-13, CSB)

2. CONVICTION
Deacon candidates are to feel a deep calling and conviction to serve the practical needs of believers in the church. This should be readily recognizable by fellow church family. Furthermore, deacon candidates are Biblically qualified men and women (1 Timothy 3:8-13) who are members of Harvest Church and fully convinced and submissive to the beliefs, statements, vision, values, and practices of Harvest.

3. COMPETENCE
Deacon candidates should demonstrate a humble and tender-hearted spirit in meeting practical needs. They are to joyously serve under the authority of the elders and free them to devote themselves “to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). They will also have a demonstrated skill set in their area of responsibility.

Process

NOMINATION and APPLICATION
All nominees will be approached by an elder and given the opportunity to apply. Those aspiring to the role can also fill out the application. The Deacon candidate will take time to pray and consider the role of Deacon before completing an application.

CONFIRMATION (by elders)
Applicants will be initially interviewed by our elders to confirm the calling, character, convictions, and competencies. We also will give time to work through the role in more detail as we cover such topics as the gospel motivation in deacon ministry, clear role description, lines of communication and care, and Christ’s kingship in serving.

AFFIRMATION (by members)
The names of qualified deacon candidates who are confirmed by the elders will be announced on a Sunday and posted in our E-News for a period of 30 days (as per our by-laws). During this period, members are encouraged to speak personally with the deacon candidate and/or any of the elders if they are aware of any disqualifying characteristics or interpersonal issues needing resolution.

INSTALLATION
After 30 days Elders will introduce deacons on a Sunday morning, lay hands, pray and charge them and the congregation to the call.

Serving Term

Deacons shall serve a term of three years and be eligible for additional terms upon approval by our Elders.

The ministry of the Deacon is not easy as it requires tremendous discernment, prayer, and energy. Truly it is a call to serve as a Deacon -- a call from God, who will supply the strength and grace required in this work. Our hope is that Deacons will serve multiple terms, as the Lord allows, to not only serve needs but also raise up more deacons and multiply the work of the ministry for years to come.

Deacon Roles

DEACON OF OPERATIONS
Provides oversight and care for Finance Teams and Deacons of Facilities and assists our Admin Team (HR, Communication, etc.).

DEACON OF FINANCE
Working with the Finance Team (Treasurer, Book Keeper, Admin), provides oversight and manages formation of the local church budget.

DEACON OF FACILITIES
Leads a Facility Maintenance Team and manages the facility care (cleaning, upkeep, projects) and works with our Admin Team for any bookings of rental facilities.

DEACON OF BENEVOLENCE
Manages the Benevolence Budget and leads a Benevolence Team to care for the needs of the local church and community.

DEACON OF CARE
Oversees a Care Team that finds and meets the needs (practical & counsel) of the local congregation and local community. Works closely with Life Groups to get them involved in outreach/care opportunities.

DEACON OF MISSIONS
Leads a Missions Team, that manages the Missions budget and supports both Local missions and Global missionaries, and engages the local church in being invested, informed and involved in local and global missions. Also work with the Pastoral Team in providing Short Term Mission opportunities.

DEACON OF CONNECTION
Working with the Pastor of Connection and Discipleship and the Welcome Teams, leads a Connections Team to ensure follow up contact of first time visitors and absent members.

DEACON OF WELCOME
Leads Welcome Team Leaders and manages duties of the ministry (schedules, materials, signage, training, etc.) for ushers and greeters to ensure a welcoming environment on Sunday mornings.

DEACON OF PRODUCTION
Working with our Worship Pastor, leads a Worship Production Team and assists in administrative duties (schedules, material, events, training).

DEACON OF HOSPITALITY
Working with our Pastor of Discipleship, oversees the coffee ministry, hospitality at community events and the Christmas Parade.

What Deacon Role(s) are you interested in? *

Operations

Finance

Facilities

Benevolence

Care

Missions

Connections

Welcome

Production

Hospitality

Other

Phone number

Phone type

Personal Life

How long have you known Christ as your Savior and how would you describe your relationship with Him? *

In what churches have you fellowshipped and how do you evaluate those experiences? *

Describe your previous experience, if any, of service on a church staff or board? *

Describe your marital status and history. If married, can you tell us the condition and quality of your relationship with your spouse at the present time? *

Is your spouse supportive of your involvement at this level of leadership?

Describe your relationship to your children. If they are grown, do you know of any hesitancies they would have about your serving in this capacity?

Describe your personal Spiritual Disciplines. *

Are you aware of any relational problems that would hinder your service to the church? *

What is your position on biblical stewardship? *

Do you foresee anything happening in the next year that would require you to move elsewhere? *

Do you have any unresolved conflict with anyone at Harvest? If so, please explain? *

Doctrine

Are you in complete agreement with what is written in the “What We Believe” section of the Harvest Church Website? *

How would you characterize your knowledge of the Scriptures and your familiarity with its teaching? *

What, if any, are the areas of biblical teaching that you feel less informed about? *

Serving at Harvest Church

Can you speak enthusiastically and unreservedly about the ministry of Harvest Church? If no, please explain any reservations. *

Do you see the necessity of modelling attendance patterns in Sunday services and Life Groups? *

Do you have a schedule that would permit you to fulfill the responsibilities of being a Deacon? *

Do you understand the difference between biblical convictions and personal preferences? How do you see this distinction affecting the office of a deacon? *

What are your spiritual gifts and how are these gifts currently being used? *

Why do you desire to serve in this capacity? *

How do you see yourself suited to the specific deacon role to which you are applying? *

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Harvest Church
info@myharvestchurch.ca
(705) 646-1108