Dear Grace Family,
Grace Presbyterian Church is holding deacon elections. This means that the members of the church have the important responsibility to nominate and elect qualified men to be deacons of the church.
Deacons have the primary tasks to help those who are in physical need or distress, to develop generous giving among the members of the church, and to keep the church’s finances and property in good order. The office of deacon is to be filled by men who are spiritually mature, who live exemplary lives, and who participate fully in the life of the church.
Here is the process:
Only those who are members of Grace Presbyterian Church may nominate. Associate members may not nominate. Nominees must be members of Grace Presbyterian Church and have been so for at least one year.
Before you decide on whom to nominate, please read carefully the qualifications and duties given in the Bible in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 and the following passages from the Book of Church Order regarding deacons. Then please pray fervently about whom to nominate.
It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have the care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the congregation. In matters of special importance affecting the property of the church, they cannot take final action without the approval of the Session and consent of the congregation. In the discharge of their duties, the deacons are under the supervision and authority of the Session. To the office of deacon, which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen men of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies, and sound judgment.
Additionally, before you nominate, please speak to those you wish to nominate and confirm they are willing to be nominees.
Nominations may be put in the offering plate or mailed to the church office from April 23 – May 14. Only if a man has received at least two nominations, from two different families, will he be considered a nominee.
Nominees who wish to pursue the office of deacon will then go through officer training beginning in May. Upon completion of officer training, the nominees will be examined by our current elders. Theology will be one of the areas examined, and our denomination requires that one be in accord with the Westminster Confession of Faith to serve as a deacon. The names of those nominees who are approved by the session will then be submitted to the congregation for a vote. Those elected by the congregation will be ordained (if not previously) and installed. We will have a congregational meeting to elect these men on August 6, immediately following the 11:00 service. The ordination service will be at 5:30 p.m. on August 13.
Please take the following things into account:
- Spiritual maturity and a blameless life are of the utmost importance. (Again, please see 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 for qualifications.)
- It is unwise to nominate people in order to get them involved. Your nominee should have exhibited already not only a strong commitment to the Lord but also sacrificial service for the church. An office in the church is not merely a position of honor; it is a call to serve.
You may nominate one or more for deacon. Please feel free to contact the Session or me with questions.
Humbly Yours,
Seth