This Sunday marks a historic day in the history of Palm Beach Lakes as we add eight new deacons. The importance of those special servants to help the church function is emphasized when Acts shows us that the work of evangelizing the world almost was sidetracked by the internal problems over the neglect of some widows in the church. The solution? Selecting seven men to serve the church so that the leadership in the church could focus on the greater work. This alone shows why this Sunday is such an important day for this church.
We already have nearly twenty deacons, and many of them realize the important place they have in the progress of this church. The “old deacons” will soon have other “new deacons” to work beside them. Let me share with you my thoughts about what I would do if I were a deacon.
If I Were an “Old Deacon”
If I were one of these men who have been selected by the church previously, here are my suggestions about the role they can play in molding this church over the next few years.
· I would have a personal conversation with each “new deacon” and express gratitude for who he is and what he can bring to this church. I would offer to help each of them.
· I would help them understand the honor given to them and great responsibility they have to do their work.
· I would encourage them to stay in the boundary of God’s word but to think outside the box about how to get other members helping them do their work.
· I would help them see that any failure to perform forces our shepherds to leave a greater work to “serve tables.”
If I Were a “New Deacon”
· I would let the elders know how determined I am to do this work and to seek counsel from others, especially older deacons, about accomplishing it.
· I would pray every day that God would help me see the importance of my assigned work and do all I can to fulfill my task given to me by God.
· I would not make the mistake of thinking that I must do my work all by myself. Many members have volunteered to work beside me, and I will help them grow spiritually by using them. I would make sure I knew how our “Laborers Together with God” program functions.
A Final Word to All Deacons
This church is so thankful for all of you. You are in the prayers of the members of this church. Let us work together to make the work before us bring great glory to our God.