Everyone knows that driving rental cars is more enjoyable than driving your own car.
Your car is cluttered and stained—the rental is pristine and new. Your car is barely firing on one cylinder—the rental is firing on all cylinders. Your car sputters to 60mph—the rental races there.
But there’s one more thing I enjoy about rental cars: new shocks!
The shocks in my old car are so worn out that passing over a speed bump feels like falling off a cliff. But a new rental car drives like a marshmallow, the shocks absorbing all the bumps with me barely noticing.
In the church, deacons are like shocks—more precisely, deacons are like shock absorbers.
Deacons serve the church by anticipating and meeting the administrative and logistical burdens of the body so that the church continues united in worshipping and serving God. In so doing, deacons are shock absorbers who absorb and address things that would otherwise dismantle the church.
WHAT ARE DEACONS?
There are two offices for leaders in the New Testament: Elders & Deacons. When writing to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul writes “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons” (Phil. 1:1).
The clearest passage on the qualifications and call of deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8-13:
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 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.
The word deacon simply means “servant.” In one sense, all Christians are to be “servants.” But, this passage, and other parts of the New Testament, make clear that certain men are called to serve in the office of servant in the local church.
In Acts 6, after God drew many to Christ and added them local churches, the apostles recognized the potential disruption administrative and logistical burdens could cause the church. The apostles were tempted to neglect the Word and prayer to focus on tackling the administrative and logistical burden of making sure no one was neglected in the daily distribution of food and provision. Instead, they decided to appoint seven men to serve in this way.
Over time, it seems that this initial solution led to the creation of two offices in Christ’s church: Elders & Deacons.
Elders are called to be servant leaders, devoting themselves to the Word of God and prayer. Deacons are called to be lead servants, devoting themselves to the administrative and logistical needs of the church.
If you are interested in learning more about deacons and their vital role in the life of Trinity Grace, listen to the message below from several years ago.
WHY ABE & SCOTT?
If deacons are called to be lead servants, there are few words that come to mind more quickly when thinking about Abe than the word servant. Abe is a conscientious, hard-working man who serves others without being asked. He is a godly man who has earned a reputation of selflessly serving among our church. We believe he will serve the church well as a deacon.
He and wife Danna have four children and have been faithful members of Trinity Grace since 2020.
Though he may disagree, one word that would aptly describe Scott is: leader. Scott and his wife Lauren have been a part of Trinity Grace since nearly the beginning. Their sincere faith and genuine love for others caused them to quickly become cherished members. Before long, they began leading our children’s ministry and did so quite well for several years. In particular, Scott demonstrated his gift of administrative leadership—coordinating a vast number of administrative details to serve a specific goal. For this reason, as well as his experience in financial training and stewardship, we believe he will serve the church well as a deacon.
He and his wife Lauren have two children (along with a new son-in-law!) and have been faithful members of Trinity Grace since 2019.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have talked with a number of people in the church, including our current deacons, about those who should be considered as future deacon candidates. Both Abe and Scott’s names were presented. After much prayer and discussion, the elders nominated Abe and Scott last Sunday.
So, now what happens?
We will have a 4 week period to hear from you!
During this time, we want to hear from you. We welcome any affirmations of Abe or Scott serving in this role. Likewise, we welcome any concerns or question you may have. If Abe and Scott are going to serve well in this role, it will require the active engagement and support of each member.
You can communicate encouragement or questions to any of the elders—Buddy, Taylor, or Walt—directly. You can also email Tony Roberts (admin@trinitygraceathens.com) your encouragement or questions or to set up a time to meet with one of the elders.
Regardless of the outcome, we are thankful that God is building his church and providing for his church. To him be the glory!