The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means "servant." There are many references to deacons in the early church. Deacon ministry was developed in response to specific needs within the corporate life of the church itself, and its inspiration was no less the example of Christ himself, who "came not to be served but to serve".
At First Baptist Church, deacons are actively engaged in the mission of the church. They promote peace, reconciliation and the spirit of cooperation and unity in this body. They model the ministry of presence by their regular participation in worship and in other events in the life of the church. They offer pastoral care and help lead in worship. They are faithful in their financial support of the church. They participate in diaconate meetings and training events. As a foundational priority, deacons endeavor to follow Jesus Christ themselves through personal practices of discipleship.
If a person has been nominated to serve as a deacon and is prayerfully considering deacon
service, he or she is invited to consider the following questions:
- Am I actively following Jesus in my daily living?
- Am I able and willing to come alongside a handful of assigned families and/or
- individuals as their “care deacon”?
- Do I care about befriending people who feel disconnected from God or church?
- Am I passionate about helping our congregation to discern and fulfill God’s mission for us?
- Am I a peacemaker in troubled situations? Do I refrain from gossip?
- Am I eager to play a part in mobilizing our entire congregation for ministry?
- Would I be comfortable for others to view me as a spiritual leader?
- Would I be comfortable for others to view me as a servant?
- Am I prepared to be a leader at FBC in the area of financial stewardship?
- Is God calling me to invest myself in deacon service for as many as the next three years—and possibly to set aside some other activities in my life in order to do so?
Nominating People for Deacon Service @ FBCDC
During the period between Sunday, March 18, and Tuesday, April 3, First Baptist Church members are invited to offer the names of up to 6 church members who demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23), and who embody characteristics of servant leadership. Nominees, as well as those nominating, must be full members of FBC.
This year’s deacon election will fill three, 3-year terms ending in 2018 and one, 2-year term ending in 2020. A nomination form will be provided on the Sundays of March 18, 25 and April 1, or you may submit names by email to office@firstbaptistdc.org. All nominations must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, April 3.
Individuals not eligible for election as new deacons:
- Deacons currently completing their 3-year term of service in 2018: Mike Henson and Zena Aldridge.
- Deacons currently serving terms of service ending in 2019 and 2020: Kate Campbell, Sadye Doxie, Erik Smith, Rose Smith, Chelsea Clarke, Doug Duvall, Allen Norfleet, Wilma Prince and Kathy Whatley.
- Life Deacons: Mel Doxie, Adrian Harward, Steve Netcott and Ellen Parkhurst.
Following the nomination period, the Deacon Selection Team, comprising Kate Campbell and other deacons, in conversation with Pastor Julie, will prayerfully review all nominations and begin reaching out to individuals.
Deacon Election Timeline
March 18 – April 3 Deacon nominations received
After April 3: Deacon Election Team meets; begins reaching out to nominees
May 2018: New term of deacon service begins