I’m excited to announce that, beginning this Sunday, the elders and I are going to recommend a handful of men to serve in the office of deacon at Indian Creek Baptist Church.

In case that seems sudden, let me review a little of what has taken place over the last several months:

In May of last year, I announced during a Family Meeting that we were going to make some minor changes to the way our deacons function. I also shared that we would be inviting the congregation to make recommendations to the elders for new deacons. Many of you did so.

These men aren’t going to replace those who are currently serving. Instead, we would like to increase the number of men serving. Right now we have six deacons, and we would like to see that number increase to twelve.

Keep in mind, the deacon selection process is laid out in some detail in our Constitution and Bylaws. The bylaws stipulate that (1) the elders must determine how many deacons are needed, (2) the congregation then makes recommendations to the elders, (3) the elders vet and train these prospective deacons and then (4) officially recommend them to the congregation for a vote. Finally, (5) the congregation votes on whether to call each man to the office. A ¾ super-majority is required for the vote to pass.

You’ll note that quite a few of these steps take place “behind the scenes,” not out of secrecy but because it just takes time to train someone for the office and determine whether they are qualified.

We want to follow our bylaws. But more importantly, we want to follow Scripture. According to 1 Timothy 3, a deacon must be “tested first.” That’s important. Many a congregation has been harmed because they didn’t pay sufficient attention to this one simple requirement. Our deacons exercise influence and leadership in the church. They set the pace: Few church members will be more eager to serve the Lord than our deacons or elders.

This takes time, and I can honestly say that our elders have done everything we can to both prepare and examine these brothers before recommending them to you. By the way, you’ll have time to do the same thing. A vote will take place three weeks after each man is presented to the congregation.

There’s another phrase in that passage that I think is easy to forget or even ignore. Paul tells Timothy, “Those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

This statement is a reminder to me that the office of deacon doesn’t originate in the mind of a mere man. Deacons are Jesus’ idea. He was the one who established this office through the ministry of the apostles and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the very first local church (Acts 6).

Occasionally, I’ll hear someone say, “I can serve the Lord without a title.” True. But this type of sentiment can obscure the fact that “deacon” isn’t just a title. It’s an office established by the Savior himself.

I hope you’ll take seriously your congregational duty to prayerfully consider these men for the office and to cast your vote with a clear conscience before the Lord. I also hope you recognize these men who “serve well as deacons.” They are serving the Lord, and they are serving you.

Honor these brothers; make it easy for them to fulfill their calling. If they ask for your help, try your best to provide it. If they ask how they can help you, receive their assistance with humble gratitude! We all need our church family, and our deacons are often the means by which God meets these needs.

Personally, I celebrate the fact that (if you vote to agree) we have twelve men who are capable and qualified to serve in this role, in addition to our elders and ministry staff. For a church our size, this is a huge blessing!

Let’s not take it for granted. Please take the time to get to know each of these men, compare their character with the requirements of Scripture, and be present each week so you can cast your vote. Let’s be faithful stewards of the church family Christ has given us!