Duty deacon changes

[17-01-2008] Ray Richardson is now the "duty deacon" for the next 3 months to April 2008. Subsequent to the recent appointments of Philip Richardson and Peter Hedditch to the diaconate, they rotate certain church service duties on a quarterly basis.

Grace Baptist Church Peel has 3 deacons at the present time and each is responsible for specific functions within the fellowship. The GBCP diaconate meets every 3 months to discuss current issues affecting the practical administration of the church premises and support to pastor and members.

Additional tasks carried out by the new enlarged diaconate have included the addressing of premises-related issues and constituting the new Works Committee.

In 2008 the works committee is co-ordinating the response to the members' desire for a building extension and improvement fund. The plan is greatly re-vamp the side wing of the church with a special focus on developing childrens' work.

Members are invited to approach the deacons with suggestions or areas of concern. Deacons can also arrange transport to and from the church for immobile friends. Contact here.

The biblical office of deacon

Since the New Testament era, bible-believing fellowships have ordained elders and set aside deacons within the church. [ref Acts 6:3.] Whilst the eldership have special responsiblity for the spiritual and theological side of church government, the deacons take care of technical and practical matters:

• Traditionally - The care of widowed or orphaned church members [ref Acts 6:1 and James 1:27]
• Generally - The discharge of a variety of duties to relieve the elders [ref Acts 6:2]
• Spiritually - To discharge those duties in a manner befitting the church of God [ref Acts 6:8 - 7:60]