After researching congregations of differing sizes, there appears to be a great deal of consensus among Baptist churches that family based deacon ministries are not very effective. There are many reasons for this; however, the major factor appears to be that we live in a much more transient society and are spread out further geographically. The predominant model for effective deacon ministries appears to be gift-based organizations.

As Edward Hammett puts it, “Historically, deacons have moved from administrators and budget managers in the '50s and '60s to various and increasing degrees of servant leadership in the '70s, '80s and '90s. The transition from or blending of administration and management to servant ministry is an ongoing challenge for most churches and deacons. As the church enters the 21st century, it is increasingly evident that the spiritual leadership role of deacons and church will be needed more than ever.” (Emerging models of deacon ministry, 1998)

Over the years the deacon body has struggled to figure out how best to minister to the body of Christ, but have met with very little success. We have seen deacons trying to minister in areas they are not equipped or frustrated because they really can’t even define what they are supposed to get accomplished. Organizing the deacon body into ministry teams is a structure designed to improve on the current status. The two main goals of this reorganization are to better serve the pastor and to better serve the body.

More information will be coming on the specifics of the new structure, but here are a few highlights:

1. Areas of ministry will be defined and a team of two or more deacons will head up that area.
2. Deacons will volunteer for a specific ministry based on their passion and giftedness.
3. As new ministry areas are identified deacons will be selected to fill those positions.
4. The deacon leaders of these ministries will coordinate volunteers from the congregation to take part in the ministry.
5. “The goal is to see the whole church ministering to the whole church through the ministry teams.” (Deacon magazine, Summer 2006)
6. Each widow will continue to have an assigned deacon.

The goal is to have our ministry teams up and running this summer, so check back for updates.

If you would like more information on the new structure, please contact Art Bunten