Tuesday, September 14, 2022 Some material taken from The Church and Its Leaders
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. James 3:17
A High Calling
In the earliest days of the church, before there was leadership guidelines and deacons, the twelve apostles were handling all the leadership in the church. They were responsible for teaching, overall pastoral oversight of the congregation, and also the collection and distribution of the church’s funds for the poor. The church was growing and it was soon becoming more than twelve men could handle. It was growing in size and changing in its demographic as well – which did create a few problems among the people and the twelve apostles handled it well.
The apostles never tried to make their work about them, or say that the church belonged to them. They always saw it as the Body of Christ. They were not power hungry, nor did they want all the glory. They were filling in when their primary calling was teaching. They knew other leaders needed to be established who were qualified and called to care for the flock.
Great churches are built on the faithfulness of a few great servants. They need to be able to lead others in spiritual matters from an authentic example in their own lives. Good leaders need to be controlled by the spirit – surrendered to the spirit and with a servant’s heart. A good leader also needs wisdom and problem solving abilities. Deacons are leaders in the church that can fulfill theses roles.
For most Baptist churches of all sizes, it is the deacons who have maintained the fellowship, kept the church true to its beliefs, ministered to the fellowship through multiple changes in staff and leadership through the history of the church.
To be set apart as a deacon is a lifetime commitment, not a choice to be made, but a calling fulfilled. Deacons do not run the church, but instead serve the fellowship.
The following are some commitments that North Side Deacons are asked to commit to:
· They are willing to commit the necessary time to be a servant to the members of our church
· They are willing to tithe according to scripture and support missions, building and ministry needs.
· They are willing to be faithful in attendance to worship and programs of the church.
· They are willing to be an active member of a regular Bible study group.
· They are willing to seek opportunities to be a servant and a minister to our widows and shut-ins.
The deacons of NSBC are men committed to leading by example which is how Jesus led, and He is the best example of leadership. Good leaders are good servants first. To be a good leader, you must have a servant’s heart and be willing to serve in the trenches of ministry. This is important for being able to lead – you need to know what the needs are of the people you are leading, and you need to have a heart like Christ for people. Leadership in ministry is not about power. It is all about authentic love and concern for others.
Deacon nominations are open right now at North Side and they are due this Sunday. If there is someone you would like to nominate, pick up a Deacon Nomination Package in the church office, fill it out, and return it this Sunday.
