Deacon Ordination - Chad Dopson
January 13, 2008
Introduction
(Have Lisa come up to the pulpit with me.)
This morning is a very special morning in the life of Chad and Michelle, and for our church. Today Chad takes a tremendous step in the ministry to His Lord by becoming a Deacon here at Bethlehem Baptist Church; and today we honor that commitment with a service which sets him apart.
I would like to ask our clerk to read the nomination of the church. (Lisa reads)
Based on the unanimous nomination of the church, I would like to present a short message FOR Chad, and ask that the rest of the church listen so that they may help hold him accountable to the tasks of a Deacon.
Message
Being a Deacon means that Chad enters the leadership of our church, and I would like to pass onto him four responsibilities that are expected of Deacons.
First, deacons are to be care-takers (1 Peter 5:1-4).
1 Peter 5:1-4 says "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers; not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
Deacons are caretakers in the church, as God has ordained it. Although they are not the pastor, they are responsible for the membership and the care of those who attend our church. As a deacon, you will be expected to care for the members here, not only on Sunday and Wednesday but on all days.
When you care for someone, you are demonstrating the life of Jesus Christ. You are being available for them and they need to see that in you. Each human being is simply looking for someone to show us compassion and love, and most importantly commitment; and as a faithful man you have taken that step this morning to say even without words, "I am here, and I am available to you."
By setting the example of care others will follow -- always remember that.
Second, deacons are to prayer warriors (James 5:14-16).
James 5:14 says "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."
Since the beginning of the Church, elders have had to meet specific qualifications in order to serve. They have lived their lives upright and godly and therefore the sin in their lives is confessed regularly; therefore, they are clean before the Lord and able to pray for the sick.
Let’s continue on in James 5 (15-16) and ponder on your heart what it says that you are responsible for: (KJV) "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
NIV v16 says: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
In order to have your prayers be effective, you need to be clean before the Lord; and that amplifies having a right relationship with Him. No one should ever say that they are sinless (for that is impossible), but if your sins are confessed to the Lord, it means your relationship with Him will be upright, and thus you can pray for others effectively.
The key to a strong ministry is prayer -- NEVER allow your prayer life to suffer for anything that may come your way. Live your life with God first, always.
Third, deacons are to be peacemakers in the church (Acts 15:1-2).
Acts 15:1-2 demonstrates this example perfectly. It says, "Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question."
I read this as saying two things to the deacon of the church:
1) When your Spirit disagrees with what is being taught, it should be questioned in a way that will lead you to stand firm on your faith -- and know what you believe. Paul and Barnabas (aka "the encourager") were sent to discuss this matter because they knew it to be false doctrine.
2) Clearly we should see that Paul and Barnabas went in person to put to rest what God’s word says. They did not send someone in their place, they did not discuss the matter with others so that it would filter back (avoiding gossip) - they handled this dispute personally.
This passage teaches that Deacons are considered decision makers in the church, and they stand for what is right. They do not do things alone; they consult others and they agree through faith on what should be done. Note again that Paul took another with him, and we know that although Barnabas was the encourager; he was also a servant who stood faithfully on the Word of God.
Being a deacon means that you may have to settle a dispute now and then; and you should handle it personally and in a godly manner. This puts to rest matters of gossip, self-promoting, or any other characteristic that is ungodly.
Men of God are to rise above this, and your church expects you to do the same.
Finally, deacons are to set the example (1 Tim 3:8-10).
Deacons are different than a Pastor, they are not above a pastor but they are also responsible for the condition of the flock.
1 Tim 3:8-10 says, "Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons."
Two things come out of this verse that I want to encourage you with:
1) Deacons are leaders by setting the example in the church.
You have been tested Chad, and you will continue to be tested - remain faithful to the Lord and He will continue to lift you up and sustain you.
2) Deacons are followers by setting the example in the church.
Hebrews 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Setting the example of humbleness and submission is the key to being a servant; and most importantly it amplifies Jesus’s service to us. As your Pastor I am proud and honored to have a servant who stands WITH me in the ministry.
Conclusion
To sum this up: Deacons are to be leaders, care-takers, prayer warriors, peacemakers, and are responsible for setting the example of Christian behavior.
I want to leave you with one thought to ponder as you embark on this journey.
It comes from James 3, verse 1 and it says, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Be a teacher and a leader in your walk Chad, and always allow the Lord to lead you, and you will be blessed and accountable, continually.
Charge to the Candidate
At this time, I would like to ask Reverend Ron Davis to come and bring the charge to the Candidate and to the church. Chad, please stand and answer each charge placed upon you.
Ron:
a. Do you vow to be a servant, first to Christ then to your church as long as you’re an active deacon? The candidate will answer.
b. Do you vow to be an assistant to your pastor and do all you can to support him as God’s leader? The candidate will answer.
c. Do you vow to be consistent in your study of the Word of God showing yourself approved and a workman unto God? The candidate will answer.
d. Do you vow to maintain your beliefs in the Baptist Doctrine you affirmed during your deacon ordination counsel? The candidate will answer.
e. Do you vow to live up to the qualifications of a deacon found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13? The candidate will answer.
f. Do you vow to be a witness by sharing the gospel to those who are unbelievers? The candidate will answer.
g. Do you vow not to neglect your family and love your wife as Christ loved the Church? The candidate will answer.
h. Do you vow to teach and encourage your church to participate and to give financially to missions, such as association missions, and Co-operative Program Missions through the Alabama and Southern Baptist Conventions? The candidate will answer.
i. Do you vow that you will vote in the future to ordain only men who are truly qualified for the deacon ministry? The candidate will answer.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Charge to the Church
Congregation of Bethlehem Baptist Church, this man has now in our presence committed himself to the trust and responsibility of being a servant of this church. Will you, as a congregation, commit yourself to Christian service in partnership with this man by supporting him, praying for him daily and working along side him for the betterment of this church?
If so, please answer by saying AMEN.
After being found qualified by the deacon ordination counsel and by his public profession of vows, and by the church committing to support Chad, I now ask the Ordained Ministers and Deacons to come and officially ordain him by the laying on of hands.
Laying on of Hands
Presentation of Ordination Certificate
Presentation of Parallel Study Bible
Closing prayer and fellowship at the front of the church
