Constitution and Bylaws

Approved by Wallace Memorial Baptist Church

January 27, 2019

 

Article VI. Deacons

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Section 1. Qualifications

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The qualifications for deacons shall be those New Testament standards outlined in Acts 6:1-8 and 1 Timothy 3. Deacons are expected to be models of a Christian lifestyle and committed to participate in the life of the Church with a goal of ministry and service to the Church body. Deacons must be at least 18 years of age, have been a member of the church for one year, of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, be a storehouse tither, and willing to serve and minister to others.

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Section 2. Role

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In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice reflected in the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the Church. The task of a deacon is to serve with the Lead Pastor and church staff in: performing pastoral ministries; proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers; caring for church members and other persons in the community; leading the Church by example to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, discipleship, ministry, and lifestyle application; and leading the Church by example in performing its tasks. A deacon must be able to hold sensitive issues in confidence.

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Section 3. Nomination

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The number of deacons needed to effectively minister to the Church shall be determined by the Lead Pastor and Deacon Officers. The term of service for deacons is three years beginning on January 1. For unordained deacons the term will begin following their ordination service if it occurs after the start of the new calendar year. The Church shall follow the same procedure of ordination as set forth for the ordination of pastors.

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After serving a three-year term, a deacon shall not be eligible for nomination for at least one year. Deacons shall be nominated and approved in the following manner:

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A. Church members are encouraged to nominate potential deacons throughout the year by providing his name to a deacon or pastor.

B. The Lead Pastor and Deacon Officers will receive nominations from members and, from those nominations, prayerfully make a list of men qualified to serve as deacons. They will interview those on the list, explain to each man the qualifications and duties of a deacon and determine whether each man is qualified and willing to serve as a deacon.

C. The Nominating Committee, Lead Pastor, and Deacon Officers will present a list of deacon candidates to the Church for approval annually.

 

Section 4. Officers

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The Deacons shall elect from their number a Chair, Chair Elect, and Secretary to serve as Deacon Officers. The term of service for Deacon Officers is one year commencing with the start of the new calendar year. The Chair and Chair Elect shall serve as members of the Board of Directors.