You already know that our current elders and deacons have invited some men into the process of becoming deacons. You also know that at the same time, we began to implement a new structure for what role deacons fill at The Orchard Church.
New Deacon Candidates:
Walt Cannon, Russ Ginger, Michael Sylvester, Bill Heaslip, Scott Smith, Dale Murphy, Bert Long
At the end of May, our current deacons, elders, and prospective deacon candidates met together to talk about what our new deacon structure will look like, and what their responsibilities would include. I gave each of them a copy of our new deacon ebook, “5 Things To Know About Our New Deacon Structure” (the same ebook we made available to the whole church last month)
As anticipated, time seemed to slow down in June, with travel, irregular schedules, etc. Several of us, including myself, have been more difficult to track down. Despite that, each deacon candidate has been given a copy of the new “Deacon Handbook,” and a questionnaire to fill out. I have received several of those back already.
Not all the candidates will end up becoming deacons.. Our process has already helped two of our guys decide that the time just isn’t right for them. This shows me that the process is working, and that we are being clear about where we are going. We love each of those guys, and we are hoping that they will be up for the next deacon induction.
This week I am back from my “study break,” and I expect to start setting appointments with these guys to talk with them about their candidacy. We are still on track to install new deacons in August, as we have been planning.
I am most excited that our deacons are becoming more and more part of our mission at The Orchard Church; becoming disciples that make disciples. These guys will be developing as leaders, and they will, in turn, be developing other leaders as well. Each of them will have life group responsibilities, and will be an extension of the elders into each group. This will create more and more unity within the body as it continues to grow.
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Ephesians 4:12-13 NLT
You Have A Role In This Process
1. Pray
Please continue to pray for our deacons, candidates, elders, and church as we go through this process. This is a very important step in our church, and we want to be intentional about listening to the Holy Spirit as He works in and through us.
2. Seek Unity
If you know of any reason that any of these men should not serve in this capacity, please communicate about it! Our process for doing so at The Orchard is laid out by Jesus himself:
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
-Jesus, Matthew 18:15-17
If, on the other hand, you believe in any of these men, please go out of your way to speak a word of encouragement to them. As they are going through this process, It will mean a lot.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
-1 Thessalonians 5:11
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
-Hebrews 10:24
Thanks, church, for your prayers, support, and encouragement during this time. I am looking forward to God’s continued hand of blessing on us, and through us into our community.