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Qualifications of, Commitment required by, and Responsibilites of Deacons at MPPC
Qualifications:
- Those called to be deacons are those who love Jesus Christ, who have a strong faith and who are dedicated to Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the love of Christ in the church and in the world.
- They should accept the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and accept the Old and New Testament scriptures as the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ.
- Deacons should be willing to use their gifts of sympathy, compassion and sound judgment in ministry to others.
Commitment:
- Deacons are called and elected to life long service to God after the pattern of the One who came ?not to be served but to serve.? (Matthew 20:28)
- Deacons should be willing especially to devote their time, energy and talents to the work of MPPC during the next three years as active officers.
- Deacons should worship regularly, participate fully in the life of the church, read the Bible and pray, and support the mission of the church financially.
- Deacons should trust that the Holy Spirit will equip them for their ministty and should covenant with the Lord to participate fully in God's service.
Responsibilities:
- The diaconate focuses on its vital role of caring for our members and strengthening the bonds of community within the church while the session focuses on its equally vital role as the governing body of the church.
- According to the Book of Order, the office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ.
- The deacons task in these ministries is to convey to others the confidence that they are in God's care.
- Both individually and collectively (as the Board of Deacons), deacons will provide leadership for and oversight to the activities of the Pastoral Care Council and the Congregational Life Council. They will also chair and serve on committees such as those concerned with nurturing new members and visitors, pastoral care, fellowship, personal and group ministries and health ministries.
- Deacons will call and/or visit current and new church members and visitors in the course of performing various tasks related to the needs of the members of MPPC.
- Deacons receive the Sunday offering on a rotating basis four months of the year and at special services.
- Deacons assist with follow up to the annual stewardship campaign.
- Deacons attend Board of Deacons meetings (every other month), committee meetings, and diaconate retreats as scheduled.
- Newly elected deacons are required to attend the four officer development workshops held in preparation for their examination and installation.
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