The Vision and Purpose of Deacons - Deacon Ordination - Kevin Brechbill

The topic I'd like to talk about is called The Vision and the Purpose of Deacons, and I want to try to bring together what I would call the vision or the purpose behind what deacons do. And I would like to share it from Acts 6:1-7. And I think there's a lot of lessons that we can learn in Acts 6. Now, Acts 6 is an interesting passage.

It's actually not a passage that actually says the word deacon in it, but I think it has a lot of lessons that we can learn what the result of what I call well-placed deacons can do. And so I'm going to read 1-7. And I said, "Luke's updated report on Jerusalem's growing congregation." So this is a congregation that's growing. "Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty, but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.'

And what they said pleased the whole gathering. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Procreus and Nicanor—can't say those names very well—and Temon and Parmenas and Nicolaas a proselyte of Antioch." I think I probably butchered those words. "These they sat before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." Now I want to look at this idea of what I call outstanding and an amazing outcome of well-placed deacons.

Like I said before, the passage does not mention the word deacon. However, I think it exemplifies the work of deacons, and that's what I want to try to learn from this. I think deacons need to understand their need and the vision and purpose of their footprint in the church in order to have a good outcome. If you don't understand your vision, I don't think you'll do well; the outcome won't result well. The result of well-placed deacons is this, and the word of God continued to increase. Now, what church doesn't want that experience, right? "And the number of the disciples multiplied greatly." I don't know if you've ever stopped and thought about this passage of what's actually taking place in these short seven verses. "And a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith."

Now, I hear churches talk about mission churches, and you want to go out and expand the gospel. How many churches have experienced that? "The word of God continued to increase, the number of the disciples multiplied greatly, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith."

I've often wondered what kind of priests these were, how difficult it was to convert them to the gospel. In any case, if you converted these priests, I'm guessing they were very influential with the other people, and that might be part of the reason why it multiplied greatly, because of their ability to convert these priests. Like I said before, what church isn't looking for this result? You talk about an envied outcome; talk about a result, a beautiful result. This outcome is what I would call well-placed deacons. A deacon outcome or result is dependent upon understanding a deacon's vision and purpose. What does the footprint look like of a deacon? I believe that a deacon's outcome and result links directly back to what I would call good shepherding.

It takes good shepherding and deacon outcome in order to experience a continued healthy church growth. Do you understand what I'm saying? So it takes shepherding, and it takes the expansion of deacon to absorb church growth, church expansion. That's what was happening here.

I personally believe that church growth is one of the most complicated and difficult things to manage. I've looked around at a lot of churches, and this is where many churches fail in church growth. It's very difficult. Think of any church growth that you've seen in your life. Has it been handled well? Yet every church's dream is to have this experience.

And the word of God continuing to increase, the number of the disciples multiplied greatly, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. Every church's dream. Was that a close call? Could the results have read differently? As we read the conclusion of this story in verse 7, we should not assume these results are a foregoing conclusion in church life.

This isn't necessarily a natural or an expected outcome in church life. In some ways, it's almost an unnatural and an unexpected outcome. If this conflict had been mishandled, the ending could easily have read much differently. It could have read, and the word of God was greatly compromised, and the disciples were divided and scattered, and a great many of the priests walked away in disappointment of the faith.

Luke's story is a ringing declaration that disaster had been averted, and a fruitful ministry can proceed in the power of the gospel unhindered. The question is, why and how did this take place? I don't know exactly what to call it, but I call it the miraculous or the secret, the beautiful of good shepherding. The good shepherding here is not an easy thing to detect because it's kind of hidden in the background.

I personally believe the test of every church is not how well you do in good times, but how shepherds respond to conflict will make the difference. I believe the power of Luke's story here is how shepherds or elders reacted to conflict.

It will make all the difference in whether our gospel witness is obstructed or accelerated.

The story in Acts 6 is a story of church conflict handled well, and it has everything to do with deacons. No pressure. So let's go back and just run through these couple of verses again. The result of well-placed deacons, our disciples were increasing in number. As I said before, the dream of every church. A complaint of the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews. The dreaded problem of conflict came upon them.

And this happens to every church. Every church has conflict. Which is interesting, this conflict is a result of growth. And I want you to think about that. I think conflict is always in the corners of growth, church growth. I think there's unnecessary conflict in church, and I think there's necessary conflict. Or maybe I should say conflict that is a result of church growth. Unnecessary conflict many times actually comes from poor shepherding, bad shepherding, or toxic shepherding. Poor leadership, bad leadership, toxic leadership. Necessary conflict comes from growth. This complaint is a result of growth. When a complaint or a conflict arises out of growth, this is our test and our opportunity to respond well.

I believe this will determine the quality of our shepherding. It will determine the quality of our people, of you and I. Church growth is an awesome opportunity, but I believe church growth is also the determining factor or the test or the filter of who we truly are.

I believe deacons are a filtering system to help facilitate church growth. That's how I understand deacons. Following is the accusation because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Think about the apostles, the twelve apostles' response here. The apostles could have responded differently here, in different ways. They could have responded well, or they could have responded in a poor or toxic response. They could have possibly even rebuked the Hellenists. If you think about it, after all, in the previous chapter, Peter publicly denounced Ananias and Sapphira. For what reason? For deception, lying to the Holy Spirit in verses 1-11, chapter 5.

The apostles stared down the high priest himself. "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our Father raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree," chapter 5:29-30. These were not wimpy apostles in any stretch of the imagination.

You can only imagine a rebuke. Don't you see how well things are going? Can you not be content? And besides, this church is about Jesus. Why are you being self-centered and focusing on yourselves? But notice, no one said that, and there's a reason or anything like it. We should not, therefore, assume this is simply a ridiculous protest over a minor issue.

It certainly wasn't treated that way. James 1:27 says this, and this is why I think they immediately recognize as legit. "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their afflictions." Reminds you of that. Widows in affliction, not having daily distribution, daily food.

The moment the apostles caught wind of the complaint, they immediately sprang into action. They not only had a problem of neglect in their church, but if not handled properly, potential division, upsetting, and dividing the entire church was at stake.

How did the apostles respond? "And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples." The apostles immediately understood the importance and responded quickly. They responded thoroughly, and they responded well. Why? That the church might increase in number. They immediately recognized it. Without downplaying the importance of caring for widows, the apostles clarified the focus of their labors.

They said they devote their best energy to shepherding by means of teaching and praying. I find that very interesting. So I want to read a couple of verses here, and I'm going to run down through a couple of slides. I want to show you something. So it says, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables." And then it says, "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Now look at this. "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve or to deacon tables, but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministering or deaconing of the word."

Very clear, distinct, but one's deaconing to tables and one's deaconing to the word. I found that interesting. "Is it not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to deacon tables, but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to deaconing the word?" Acts 6:2-4. "Do the apostles lack concern for the welfare of the widows or the vulnerable? Are they elevating spiritual ministry above practical ministry or perhaps not recognizing the latter as real ministry at all?"

Absolutely not. And this is what I find very interesting.

By prioritizing the scripture and prayer, the apostles are choosing to stay focused on the whole church's spiritual welfare. I think that's important to understand. Even as they affirm the Hellenist's physical needs, they more than affirm the needs. In fact, they take the initiative to set in motion a permanent structural solution. I think that's awesome. They stepped into leadership, into shepherding.

The apostles recognize the fundamental truth. A church without deacons may lack health, but a church without biblical preaching cannot exist. Two very distinct roles.

A church that removes preaching is similar to a church removing its heart to strengthen its arm. However, a church that ordains elders and you experience church growth, the New Testament structure is to add deacons for sustainability of church growth.

Very important to understand.

And what they said pleased the whole gathering. The result of qualified deacons, this is no small task, and I don't want to scare you with that story necessarily, but I do want to impress upon each of the brethren, the deacons that's being ordained, the result of your work will define the quality of your character.

I personally find that inspiring and sobering.

May God bless you, brothers, with wisdom and humility.

I encourage you three brothers to absorb this calling and do it well. 1 Timothy 3:13, "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."

Still want to be deacons?

Start with you, Bill. You can stand if you would, please. "Are you willing to accept this calling of deacon and by God's grace and the aid of the Holy Spirit, give yourself up to the work which the office of a deacon requires of you as a faithful servant of the church of Christ?" Amen. "Do you promise to obey Christ, who is the word of God, to accept him as a role and guide of your life, to maintain and teach his word, and to faithfully abide in him unto the end?" Amen. "Are you willing to lead and serve this congregation of which you are a part, to abide by the counsel of the Lord and the church, and seeking not the honor of men, humbly submit yourself to the authority of Christ?"

Amen. "Are you willing to serve the flock in love and not lording it over others, and to listen to the counsel of the elders and the brotherhood?" Amen. Okay, the charge.

"Upon this confession, these promises, you made before God and these witnesses, we ordain you to serve as deacons of Chambersburg Christian Fellowship. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ to remember the words of our Lord, that whoever wishes to become great in the kingdom of God must be the servant of all. Furthermore, as deacons must be reverent at all times, not double-tongued, not given too much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. Furthermore, as men of God, I charge you to flee ungodly things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you were called and have confessed a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things and before Jesus Christ, that you keep his commandments without spot, blameless unto our Lord Jesus Christ appearing."

Thank you. He may sit down. Brother Lynn, are you willing to accept this calling of deacon and by God's grace and the aid of the Holy Spirit, give yourself up to the work which the office of the deacon requires of you as a faithful servant of the church of Christ? Amen. "Do you promise to obey Christ, who is the word of God, to accept him as a role and guide of your life, to maintain and teach his word, and to faithfully abide in him unto the end?" I will.

"Are you willing to lead and serve this congregation of which you are a part, to abide by the counsel of the Lord and the church, and seeking not the honor of men, humbly submit yourselves to the authority of Christ?"

Amen. "Are you willing to serve the flock in love, not lording it over others, and to listen to the counsel of the elders and the brotherhood?" Amen. Okay, the charge. "Upon this confession and these promises you made before God and these witnesses, we ordain you to serve as deacons of Chambersburg Christian Fellowship. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ to remember the words of our Lord, that whoever wishes to become great in the kingdom of God must be the servant of all.

Furthermore, all deacons must be reverent at all times, not double-tongued, not given too much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. Furthermore, as men of God, I charge you to flee ungodly things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you were called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things and before Christ Jesus, that you keep his commandments without spot, blameless unto the Lord Jesus Christ appearing."

God bless you. You may be seated.

You may stand, brother Wes. "Are you willing to accept this calling of deacon and by God's grace and the aid of the Holy Spirit, give yourself up to the work which the office of deacon requires of you as a faithful servant of the church of Christ?" Amen. "Do you promise to obey Christ, who is the word of God, to accept him as a role and guide of your life, to maintain and teach his word, and to faithfully abide in him unto the end?"

I will. "Are you willing to lead and serve this congregation of which you are a part, to abide by the counsel of the Lord and the church, and seeking not the honor of men, humbly submit yourself to the authority of Christ?" Amen. "Are you willing to serve the flock in love, not lording it over others, and to listen to the counsel of the elders and the brotherhood?" Amen. "Upon this confession and these promises you made before God and these witnesses, we ordain you to serve as deacons of Chambersburg Christian Fellowship. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ to remember the words of our Lord, that whoever wishes to become great in the kingdom of God must be the servant of all.

Furthermore, as deacons, must be reverent at all times, not double-tongued, not given too much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. Furthermore, as men of God, I charge you to flee ungodly things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you were called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

I urge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things and before Christ Jesus, that you keep his commandments without spot, blameless unto our Lord Jesus Christ appearing." You may be seated, God bless.

How many has that memorized by now? Okay. I'm going to ask the three brothers, Bill, if you could kneel here. Lynn could kneel here and Wes over there. The brothers of the local congregation that are members can come forward.

You guys can kneel down and kneel towards the congregation, please. Okay. We'll have Andre start, and any of you brothers who want to pray, then I'll close. Okay. Let's bow our heads. Here's how they follow you on it. Thank you for this evening. We do pray for our brother Bill here as he takes this charge upon him. We do pray for your wisdom and your spirit and your grace upon him. Give him strength and wisdom as he leads out, as he makes decisions. Help him also have a spirit of humility that can be able to work with others and a spirit of servanthood as well. We do thank you for him and just pray for your blessings upon him in Jesus' name.

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for this opportunity to gather together to do this. Thank you for Bill and his life, his gift of attention to detail. Help him to use this to always glorify you. Dear Father in heaven, thank you for Bill and his life and the blessing that he's brought to our congregation.

Give him strength and help us as brothers to honor him and serve as well to keep us in your care. And thank you for Bill. Dear Father, amen.

Father, I thank you for providing us with men like Bill who can serve as deacons, that we can continue this ministry that started 2,000 years ago with the apostles and still working in your church today. And I pray your anointing and ordaining be now upon Bill. Empower him to take on this ministry that is being bestowed on him by the congregation and by your Holy Spirit. I pray your Spirit will just fill him and enable him, give him wisdom and decisions and energy where he needs it. We thank you, Father, for just bringing him to our congregation to the blessing he's already been in so many ways. And we pray you continue blessing him as he serves us as a congregation in Jesus' name.

Father, we do thank you for the opportunity to gather around Wes here tonight. And I just pray that you will continue to strengthen him as he leads out with his family at home, strengthen him and Wendy as they embark in this new chapter and just give Wes strength as he continues to serve the family of Chambersburg Christian Fellowship and just bless him in this new role in Jesus' name.

Father, thank you for Wes. Thank you for the humble, quiet, gentle service he's already rendered to our congregation. I pray you would further bless him and fill him with your peace and strength as he continues on in this. Please bless this brother and guide him in Jesus' name. Father, also thank you so much for Brother Wes and his commitment and faithfulness to you.

I thank you for Sister Wendy and her commitment and faithfulness to you. I thank you for their four dear little children. And Father, also thank you for Wes's parents. I thank you for Wendy's parents. I thank you for the foundation that they laid for them and the godly home that they provided for them. And I thank you for bringing Wes to this place. And Father, I pray that as he takes on this new responsibility, that you would give him strength and power, that you would help him to have the wisdom to know how to not allow this to be a distraction to guiding his family to being a father and a husband, but that you would help him to just be a huge blessing to this congregation and to your kingdom at large as he already has been in so many ways.

Father, I pray for your Spirit to give him strength and comfort and the guidance that he needs to do this office well in Jesus' name.

Father, thank you for Lynn. Thank you for his unique gifts that he brings to this congregation. And thank you for his maturity and being so young. Father, I just pray that you will strengthen him. Thank you for Grace as well and for their little family that they have. I just pray that you will bless Lynn and Grace as Lynn takes on this responsibility.

My Father, you're such a great mighty God, and Lynn is such a great man. And thank you so much for the church growth that you've given us and for men who are worthy to be deacons to serve us. Please help us as a congregation to serve them as well and give Lynn wisdom as he helps and aids in the shepherding of the flock.

Father, thank you for the friendship of Lynn and just making him the amazing man that you've made him to be. And thank you for bringing Grace into his life and just the blessing that that's been. And I pray that you give them both courage and patience, diligence as they fulfill this position. Just so grateful.

Bless them, bless us all, and help us to be united and remain united.

Father, we just come before you tonight. We just thank you for Brother Lynn as we ordain him to be a deacon. Just pray that you would bless him with wisdom, encourage, and humility. And we just thank you for his life. I just want to thank you as well for Brother Bill's life. Pray that you would bless him as he takes on the call as well. And I thank you for Brother Wes. Just bless him as well and give them all wisdom and encouragement and humility, Lord. Lord, we pray for their wives, Wendy and Grace, as they support their husbands. Pray that you would truly give them extra strength. They have young families to raise. Understand that.

And we want to support them in that. We just thank you and really realize what you've given to us as a church as the church continues to grow. I pray that we would respond as like we learned in Acts and help us to do well with that, help us to lead well, and that others could come into the kingdom and that many disciples could come to you and that more churches can be born out of the influence that we have into other people's lives and other communities. We thank you for this evening. We pray that you bless each of the brothers as they step into this call and give them strength. In the name of Jesus, I pray.

Amen.