Once again I met with our deacons and deacons-to-be here at Victory Church for another training session. Last night we unpacked how deacons can come along side me as pastor and minister to our congregation. Listed below are seven areas in which our deacons can minster to our people:
1. CALLING people on the phone.
Randomly calling active and inactive members, widows(ers) and homebound adults.
2. CARING for others.
There are several ways of caring for people: helping unemployed persons find jobs; assist in helping transients who need food, gas, or other help; be of help to single and senior adults who need car servicing or repair; give generously to our benevolent fund; etc.
3. ENCOURAGING people.
Assist people in finding the right support group or person who can come along side someone while going through particular situation. Connect people to financial training seminars, marriage retreats, etc.
4. MENTORING young men.
Bring someone along side of you and "mentor" them by teaching them everything you do. In our ministry here at Victory Church we call this the "apprenticeship principle." Everyone has an apprentice.
5. VISITING our people.
Make regular visits to our people to encourage, check in on to see if there are any needs, and then pray with them. Also, make visits to those in hospitals and a visit to our first time guests who attend our weekend services.
6. REFERRING our people to the right person or agency.
Helping our people who may be in distress or conflict find the right kind of help.
7. WRITING short notes to our people.
Make it a habit of writing short notes to people whenever they experience a birthday, anniversary, or a special honor or special promotion.
There are many ways "deacons" can serve a congregation. We had about a two hour discussion on "how" we can better serve our people - it was awesome! I am really looking forward to ordaining these men and presenting our deacons to our church.
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