OUR DEACONS

 Deacons take care of the practical needs of the church (Acts 6:1-6) so those needs are well served allowing the elders to continue to give their attention to their primary service responsibilities (Acts 6:2, 4). Deacons along with the Elders, are committed to protecting the unity of the church. Deacons provide the service necessary to help support and assist the elders. The main difference between an elder and a deacon is one of calling. A deacon’s primary responsibility is to look after the practical needs of the church body. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos” and carries the general meaning of “servant” in a range of contexts. The qualifications for deacon appear in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons will focus on practical, logistical, service-oriented ministry, freeing the Elders to remain focused on their calling of shepherding and teaching the church. As a result, Elders will define a deacon’s role based on Royal Palms’s needs.

Facilities: deacons would be responsible for maintaining and running the facilities of the church. Benevolence: includes ministry to the poor (Acts 11:29; 12:25; Rom 15:31; 2 Cor 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13), widows (Acts 6:1; 1 Tim 5:9-16), orphans (James 1:27), single moms, new parents, imprisoned, ministering care, hospital visits. Deacons would also work alongside elders to provide oversight for benevolence. Ordinances: preparing communion and setting up for baptism service