Question about Deacons

A letter of recommendation from your church should carry the information that you have served in the capacity of deacon.

 

Haven't you been asked about your involvement with your former church? That should be a no-brainer on the pastor/new church's part. That's when you could mention it. I don't think it would be forward to do so. Now if you demand ordination at your new church just because the last one did, that's another story

 

I would agree that you need a vote to serve as deacon at your new church. I am assuming that your new church does not use a rotation system for the deacons. At my church (SBC) our deacons rotate on a three year basis. However, once ordained, always ordained. I would think that you would want to get to know your fellow members before jumping into such a duty-filled, intimate position anyway.

By the way...welcome to the Baptist Board!

- Clint

 

Each church does deacons differently, and just because on church ordains as a deacon doesn't automatically mean that another should. Especially if it is another local church.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Believer:
Hello to everyone! I really enjoy reading the discussions here and have a question of my own.

I recently was ordained as a Deacon by my former church (an SBC Church) in Texas and have since moved due to job transfer.

My question is this,

Once ordained as a Deacon I believe that is a lifetime responsibility that I have accepted. But I also do not believe that just because you were a Deacon in one church, you automatically are a Deacon in any other church you join until that congregation votes to accept you as a Deacon. How do I go about letting the new church now that I was ordained without making it sound like I'm trying to automatically join the deacon body.

I guess what I'm asking is what is the proper proceedure for a Deacon moving his membership?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I share a number of Dr. Bob's concerns. In addition, I would like to know what you understand is the biblical basis for ordaining deacons.

Most Baptist churches that I am aware of use Acts 6 as the basis for why they ordain deacons (even though "deacon" is never mentioned). If you use Acts 9 as the basis for why you were ordained, then logic (and a plain reading of the text) dictates that your ordination should have been for a specific duty in a specific church. This being the case, your ordination should have no value in your new church.

But this should be of no significance to you. If you truly have a servant's heart, your gifts will be utilized in your new church, possibly as a deacon, possibly not.

The whole issue of deacon ordination is interesting me and I think that I will be starting a new thread over on the theology forum on the topic.

 

what scripture is the sbc using to ordain deacons and why?

 

1. We have a thread going in the Baptist Theology and Bible study section on this topic.

2. The SBC isn't using any because the SBC doesn't ordain deacons. Southern Baptist churches do and since they are autonomous, you'd have to look at individual churches. For a sweeping overview, consult the Theology thread for the diaconate.

 

I echo Bro. TomVols remarks about every church being autonomuos, therefore, the electing and ordaining is being done in each and every church independently. Since Deacons are not Pastors, and since deacons are leaving due to cirucmstances of moving, job transfer, etc., hence their duty is being left behind they have to start fresh. First they have to prove their worthiness to serve, they have to be recognized as such by the Congregation, and then elected (ordained) to the post. Trust will not come automatically, it has to be earned. Look at the life of young Samuel. He was first called by God, then recognized by the pople of Israel that God was with him from Dan to Bersheba, and lastly he was placed into service. This works even today in our churches.

 

Our church has a list of any member who has ever been ordained as a deacon anywhere. The list indicates which years (if any) they have served on the Deacon's Board, which serves as a Church Council would in sonme congregations. It is assumed that any Deacon is going to take an active role in service and leadership in the congregation.

If someone is chosen to serve as a Deacon for our church but was ordained a Deacon at another church they are not ordained again.

Joshua

 

Joshua,
We've been discussing the whole idea of a "deacon board" and deacons serving as an ad-hoc congregation over on the Baptist Theology thread. Check it out

 

Believer, I'm in the military. Those of us that are serving, or have served, have quite a bit of experience with "changing membership."

You've found a church; normally, what should happen is the pastor of your new church solicits a letter of recommendation from your old church. If that doesn't happen, it doesn't hurt for you to contact your old church and have them send the letter to the new church. It's been my experience that pastors are usually pretty honest with each other (sometimes to a fault )

Some churches will accept you as a member based on your statement of faith and your professed baptism; i.e., at "face value." I'd recommend that you contact your old church and have them send a letter anyway.