BGF
Puritan Board Sophomore
I want to follow up on Ben’s request in this thread. I’m starting a new thread in hopes that we can begin a robust discussion on how we perform our duties as officers in Christ’s Church. I opted to post this outside of the Deacon’s Only forum because I want to hear from teaching elders, ruling elders, and laypersons, as well as other deacons.
I’ll start by outlining the way our church has organized the areas of responsibility entrusted to the deacons. Then I’ll go into detail. I’ll answer questions you have and ask a few of my own. I hope that some of you will share your models and methods.
Our board divvies up diaconal duties into four broad areas:
1. Mercy (or benevolence)
2. Worship operations
3. Facilities
4. Finance
Mercy.
I explained my responsibilities as the deacon that oversees mercy ministry in our congregation in the other thread but I’ll repeat it here: This includes receiving and assessing financial assistance requests from within and without the church, establishing and strengthening external ministry partners, assessing and facilitating benevolence programs, working with the elders to assess and meet the care needs of our congregants, and encouraging the active participation of our congregants in mercy and care ministry.
Worship Operations.
These deacons oversee the many of the circumstances that are necessary or useful for the Lord’s Day services. For example, unlocking the building, opening and checking the classrooms, checking and adjusting environmental controls, scheduling and communicating with ushers, ensuring that the elements for baptism or the Lord’s Supper have been prepared, etc. They also facilitate for building use outside of the worship service.
Facilities.
Our church employs a facilities manager. He reports to the deacons that oversee facilities. They work together to make sure the building and property are maintained properly. They will develop long term strategies for dealing with major repairs and updates. Safety and security also fall under the responsibility of this team.
Finances.
The deacon in charge of finances works with the treasurer, book keeper, and staff to review and implement the annual budgeting process. The pastoral staff and session generate the church’s budgetary needs and the deacons review and suggest potential adjustments. The deacons will also review the budget status throughout the year.
Each deacon lead has teams that help them carry out their duties. These teams consist of “inactive” deacons, staff, and godly and gifted men and women of the congregation.
I’m happy to answer questions and hear comments. I also want to hear how your congregations organize their deacons or ideas you have for organizing.
I’ll start by outlining the way our church has organized the areas of responsibility entrusted to the deacons. Then I’ll go into detail. I’ll answer questions you have and ask a few of my own. I hope that some of you will share your models and methods.
Our board divvies up diaconal duties into four broad areas:
1. Mercy (or benevolence)
2. Worship operations
3. Facilities
4. Finance
Mercy.
I explained my responsibilities as the deacon that oversees mercy ministry in our congregation in the other thread but I’ll repeat it here: This includes receiving and assessing financial assistance requests from within and without the church, establishing and strengthening external ministry partners, assessing and facilitating benevolence programs, working with the elders to assess and meet the care needs of our congregants, and encouraging the active participation of our congregants in mercy and care ministry.
Worship Operations.
These deacons oversee the many of the circumstances that are necessary or useful for the Lord’s Day services. For example, unlocking the building, opening and checking the classrooms, checking and adjusting environmental controls, scheduling and communicating with ushers, ensuring that the elements for baptism or the Lord’s Supper have been prepared, etc. They also facilitate for building use outside of the worship service.
Facilities.
Our church employs a facilities manager. He reports to the deacons that oversee facilities. They work together to make sure the building and property are maintained properly. They will develop long term strategies for dealing with major repairs and updates. Safety and security also fall under the responsibility of this team.
Finances.
The deacon in charge of finances works with the treasurer, book keeper, and staff to review and implement the annual budgeting process. The pastoral staff and session generate the church’s budgetary needs and the deacons review and suggest potential adjustments. The deacons will also review the budget status throughout the year.
Each deacon lead has teams that help them carry out their duties. These teams consist of “inactive” deacons, staff, and godly and gifted men and women of the congregation.
I’m happy to answer questions and hear comments. I also want to hear how your congregations organize their deacons or ideas you have for organizing.
