Deacons – Selection and Duties

The Deacon

Installation of Deacons

The recognition and nomination of a Deacon will be a Congregational responsibility undertaken at the request of Session based on the character qualifications outlined in 1 Tim 3:8-13 and in accordance with the CRCA Book of Forms. Once nominated, a candidate for deacon will be included by the deacons in their work in order to prove his fitness for office (1 Tim. 3:10).

When, in the unanimous judgement of the Session, the candidate has demonstrated his fitness for office, the elders will ordain him through laying on of hands and prayer.
(Acts 6:6).

Duties of Deacons

Under the general oversight of the elders, the deacons manage the financial, physical, social, and benevolent functions of the church in order to free those with oversight of the church to minister in prayer and word (Acts 6:2-4).

Such responsibilities include,

• Oversight and administration of the annual budget
• Relevant taxation and legal obligations associated with all church ministry
• Church property maintenance, safety, equipment and furnishing
• Management and distribution of the Deacon’s fund for the needy.
• Congregational hospitality

In addition, the Deacons will delegate among themselves, according to their gifts and desires, the oversight and maintenance of the practical aspects of the churches worship and ministry, including,

• Rosters
• Hymnals, Bibles
• Church literature
• Office support.

Individual deacons are responsible for those duties assigned to them by the deacons, as recorded in the minutes, with due regard to their gifts and desires. The business of the deacons will be conducted at their regular meeting, or at special meetings called for that purpose. The deacons will appoint a moderator for their meetings and delegate among themselves the preparation of minutes.

The deacons will give a general written report of their work to the Session for each meeting held. Reports will typically include, work completed, work planned and work proposed. An annual report will be submitted to the elders which includes budget outcomes and proposals.

The Deacons will be expected to manage their own accounts and affairs with good stewardship and are free to spend up to the relevant budget in order to undertake their tasks. All decisions made by the Diaconate will be graciously accepted upon majority vote within the Diaconate.

In addition, because our church is a shared environment in which all members have a stake, any proposed changes affecting the visible structure, comfort and use of the property are to be submitted to the eldership in order to ensure Congregational support..

The Characteristics of a Deacon

(Acts 6:2-5 and 1 Timothy 3:8-12)

1. A man of honest (good) report
2. Full of the Holy Spirit.
3. Full of wisdom.
4. Full of faith.
5. Must be men of dignity (1 Tim. 3:8)
6. Not double-tongued (1 Tim. 3:8)
7. Not addicted to much wine (1 Tim. 3:8)
8. Not fond of sordid gain (1 Tim. 3:8)
9. Holding to the mystery of faith (1 Tim. 3:9)
10. Has a clear conscience (1 Tim. 3:9)
11. First be tested (1 Tim. 3:10)
12. Beyond reproach (1 Tim. 3:10; Titus 2:8)
13. Husband of only one wife (1 Tim. 3:12)
14. Good manager of his children (1 Tim. 3:12)
15. Good manager of his household (1 Tim. 3:12)
16. Sensible (Titus 2:6)
17. Example of good deeds (Titus 2:7)
18. Pure in doctrine (Titus 2:7)
19. Dignified (Titus 2:7)
20. Sound in speech (Titus 2:8)

The Scriptures tell us those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 3:13)