Ministry127 | Secretarial & Support

4 Characteristics of a Godly Influence in the Office

Lisa Stoner — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:16:15 +0000

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

If you are on the staff of a church, you are an example to someone. You may just think of yourself as a secretary, or office worker, but in reality you are more than that. Just being “on staff” makes you an example and a leader. You need to accept it, and allow it to affect what you do and how you behave.

You ask, “Who is watching me?” or, “to whom am I an example?” There is someone in your church who wishes she had your job, or wants to be just like you some day:

Children and teens (yours or someone else’s)
Newer Christians
Newer members
Parents of your children’s friends
School parents
Folks in your adult class
Folks who sit near you in church

Are you a good example?

A godly influence is one who moves others onto God’s agenda. Before we can influence others toward godliness, we ourselves must be under God’s influence—seeking God’s direction, obeying His impulses, and being where we’re supposed to be so God can use us. If you are moving toward God, someone is probably following you.

A godly influence:

1. Encourages a Closer Walk with God

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1–3

Encourage wise choices—encourage ladies to seek godly counsel, love their husbands, and be faithful to the Lord and church.
Encourage “God-ward” thinking—remind others of God’s love; weave godly topics into conversations.
Encourage Bible study and prayer.

2. Is a Need-filler

So often we are guilty of not noticing. Instead, we need to stop, look, and ask questions. This is where love kicks in—do you love enough to act or just have empathy or sympathy? When you say you will pray for someone, don’t fail to do it!

Influence grows when we show compassion. We must model compassion, like the Lord did in Luke 10:37, “And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” Genuine compassion powerfully affects those who receive it, those who give it, and those who observe it. You can offer to babysit for a young mother, or help in a financial way if you can, or just a smile, hug, or note can communicate compassion.

3. Is Trustworthy

Keep confidence. Be careful about sharing news. Be careful not to gossip. Repeating facts can lead to gossip (James 3:6; Proverbs 26:20–22).

Gossip = habitually retelling behind the scenes information
Gossip = idle talk about others, regardless of fact
Gossip = saying something about someone that you know he/she wouldn’t want said—regardless of whether or not it is true

Be intensely loyal, and always give others the benefit of the doubt.

4. Is a Real Example

In word – our words should build, not tear down

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6

“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

In conversation = lifestyle

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Philippians 1:27

In charity = compassion

Do you love enough to take action?

In spirit = attitude

Attitude is contagious (good or bad)! Is this your attitude: “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:8)?

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28

In faith

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

In purity

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Let’s determine to be a positive friend, mentor, and influence in our offices, churches, and communities.

The Separation of Accounting Duties

Ben Hobbs — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:06:11 +0000

We greatly value people who can do it all in a local church. These versatile members of the body seem to thrive no matter what responsibility they shoulder. They are precious gifts from God to the local church, but we would be unwise to let them do it all, especially when it comes to matters of church finances. In financial discipline in the local church, there are duties that are incompatible for the same person to do. It is the privilege of the financial administrator or the bookkeeping staff to serve the Lord and the pastor of the local church by helping maintain orderliness in all of these matters.

Romans 14:13 gives us an important principle for handling financial matters in a local church: “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” In order to protect God’s resources and the testimony of God’s servants, we must do our best to remove any opportunity for mismanagement or misappropriation of church funds. Without proper separation of accounting duties, we place a potential stumblingblock before our fellow servants and set them up for failure.

There are three functions of the accounting process that should be performed by different individuals: the recording of transactions, the authorization of transactions, and the custody of assets. As an example, when writing a ministry check, the functions of printing the check (recording), signing the check (authorization), and reconciling the bank statement (custody) should be separated. If the same person fulfills all three tasks, the ministry is set up for criticism at best and misappropriation of funds at worst.

The primary reason churches do not separate these duties is because of a lack of manpower. Here are a few strategies to involve more people in the process. First, spread out the duties among the existing church staff. If you have a secretary who primarily answers phones, she could also reconcile the bank statement once a month.

The second strategy is to involve member volunteers. For members with the time, ability, and character, this is a great opportunity to serve. The treasurers in many churches are unpaid volunteers. As part of their responsibility, they could come in a couple times a week to sign checks. It is a great way to move one of those three functions to another person.

Finally, setting up dual control of assets is vital for safeguarding the ministry. This is primarily for liquid assets such as bank accounts and undeposited cash—assets most susceptible to problems.

For bank accounts, there are a couple of ways to exercise dual control. Requiring two signatures on checks is simple. Fill out a form with your bank to require every check to have two approved signatures. Even online banking can be set up with dual controls. One person creates the transaction, and then someone else must separately authorize the transaction.

All of these practices which enhance security and accountability require a willingness to change. This often involves discomfort—waiting for the treasurer to come in the next day to sign checks can be an inconvenience. But the protection it provides is incalculable.

Separate these functions, and remove the stumblingblocks. The policies mentioned in this article help all church personnel to avoid even the appearance of evil.

This article was originally published in the Winter 2012 edition of The Baptist Voice.

Attributes of a Great Assistant

Bonnie Ferrso — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:22:36 +0000

What makes a great administrative assistant? Is it outstanding organizational skills? Is it judgment and strength as a gatekeeper? Is it a knack for anticipating and solving problems?

It’s not all about making coffee, typing letters, answering phones, or ordering lunch and office supplies.

I did a survey and asked some administrators and pastors what their assistants did that was the most helpful to them. I enjoyed reading their responses and thought you might enjoy them as well:

My assistant has an encouraging and cheerful spirit.
My assistant has a servant’s heart to take care of even little requests with a dependable and positive spirit.
My assistant anticipates what needs to be done.
The most helpful thing is the management of my schedule. While the outside speaking schedule is a major task (returning phone calls, e-mails, getting the itinerary for the week, making plane reservations, etc.), the other area I refer to is the day to day management of my office time.
I am in the classroom on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 am until 1:00 pm and on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 am until 2:30 pm. This means that a lot of people are coming by, calling, and e-mailing while I am out of the office. My assistant treats all of them as important and makes sure that no one feels like I am never available. She then manages to fit them into the tight window of the afternoons or in and around any evening activities. I know that she gets very frustrated at times with the volume of it all, but that never shows when she is dealing with people. To me that is very valuable and important.
She gives attention to detail. She is conscientious.
She reminds me.
After one of these pastors had responded to me, he emailed me “more” a few days later: The most important thing my assistant does for me changes—it’s whatever I need her to do “right now,” so it’s hard to nail down a specific task or function, since the urgent changes so quickly. That’s why I put keeping a great spirit as number one. That matters all the time, and greatly impacts how she responds when “what’s important” changes.

A good administrative assistant:

Is organized
Is attentive to details
Multitasks
Wears many hats
Follows through on tracking, organizing events, projects, and appointments
Follows through quickly and efficiently with all tasks
Knows when to keep her mouth closed and when not to
Is a good speller
Has good grammar skills
Knows how to interpret the boss’s handwriting

Ask yourself: “If you don’t have time to do it right, when do you have time to do it again?”

In closing:

Don’t let your skills and abilities get too outdated. (I have a friend who went to Best Buy and took a class on how to fully utilize her computer.) The tools are available, so don’t get stagnant or complacent.
Keep growing
Keep learning

We should ask ourselves:

Have I grown this past year?
If you were late to work last year, are you on time this year?
Am I more humble than I was one year ago?
Am I closer to the Lord than I was last year?

5 Helpful Mottos for Support Staff

Lisa Stoner — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:28:08 +0000

What is a “motto”? It is a brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or idea; or it is a saying that reminds us of a truth. Here are some mottos of our support staff:

Motto #1: Don’t Assume!

Assumptions get us in trouble. When in doubt, ask! So often, we go forward, unsure and in a hurry. This is a recipe for wrong decisions.

When I have made a “big” mistake (and I have made my share!), I can always look back to the moment when I had the opportunity to change course. We have to learn to trust the doubt, and ask questions—many times the Holy Spirit is the One who gives us the doubt!

Motto #2: Be Accountable!

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

Being accountable means: responsible to somebody or for something; able to be explained. In our actions, in our work, we are responsible to someone. We are responsible to the Lord, of course, but we each individually are responsible to our pastor or team leader for our actions. Our work should be explainable—we should be able to account for the time we worked and we should have something to show for our labor!

Give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.
Be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing.
Be on time.
Don’t be the kind of worker who needs constant supervision.
Be willing to answer questions about what you are doing and why.

Motto #3: Plan Ahead!

Seek to have meaningful, regular meetings with your team leader, and be prepared for every meeting. Spend time every week looking at the next 4-6 weeks on the calendar. Know what is coming up and start asking questions about your role.

When you meet with your team leader, discuss what you are working on as well as anything you are sitting on or stuck on. Look at the calendar together. Know what your team leader is working on so you can help him. Ask questions and offer to help.

Prepare a daily communication sheet for your team leader and give it to him at the end of each day. It should include a summary of what you accomplished that day, what you are planning to work on tomorrow, as well as questions or needs that you have.

Create a checklist for every event that you support and refer to it often. Improve it each time you use it. Don’t rely on your memory!

Motto #4: Attitude is Everything!

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Proverbs 16:32

You can choose your attitude today. Someone said, “Attitude determines outlook.” Many times, the success of a project, or our whole day, is determined by our attitude. It is never too late for a person to change his attitude.

If you struggle with attitude, surround yourself with positive people, work to eliminate negative words from your vocabulary, and claim Bible verses reminding you of God’s love and strengthening in your life.

Motto #5: Be Aware!

“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1

Your pastor needs you to help be his eyes and ears. Make sure you don’t have blinders on or tunnel vision. Here are some things you should notice:

1. Pastor’s announcements—listen, on purpose, to the announcements from the pulpit during the services. If he mentions something he wants done, write it down and follow through. If he mentions a need, act upon it.

2. Things missing or out of place like chairs, plants, doors open, air conditioning not on. Do you have places in your lobby where brochures or tracts are on display? If they need to be replenished, notice it and take action. Bend over and pick up trash in the parking lot. Don’t think, that isn’t my job—just do it!

3. Each other—be the self-appointed greeter in your section of the church. Know who is there and who isn’t. Don’t be so busy on Sunday that you don’t have time to notice people. Is the person sitting next to you a visitor? Watch for hands to go up at the invitation. Someone around you could use a word of encouragement today! You can’t encourage the wrong person!

10 Attributes of the Pastor’s Secretary

Bonnie Ferrso — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:17:37 +0000

We know that God’s business is the greatest business! Therefore, what you do for your pastor is very important and very serious.

We are all familiar with the verse in Proverbs 31:10, “…who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies.”

Well, let’s consider the virtuous secretary. A paraphrase could go something like this:

The heart of her boss doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (spoil = blemish or ruin)

Here are some attributes I believe the Pastor deserves in his secretary:

1. She Is Confidential

This is imperative. She will see, hear and find out all kinds of things about people and situations. She should not share that information with anyone.

2. She Is Resilient

She must not get her feelings hurt easily.
She should learn from her mistakes. Don’t break and quit and get offended.
She is a buffer, the complaint department, the problem-solver.
She can lift the burden, or she can be the burden!

3. She Is Flexible

“Blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape.”

She should always have a positive response of encouragement like:

“Sure, no problem.”
“Sure, will do.”
“Piece of cake.”

If you have ever had a day all mentally planned out and your plans went into the shredder, you know that plans are useful but planning is essential!

4. She Is Humble

She needs God’s hand upon her life and James says, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”

It’s not my way or the highway.
Stay little in your own eyes.
Keep a servant’s heart.

5. She Is Friendly

I don’t want my fellow workers to feel they have to tip toe up to me and ever so gently petition their requests. Answer the phone and greet visitors with a smile on your face and in your voice. The pastor’s secretary should be approachable and easily entreated.

She gives service with a smile.
She goes the second mile.
Henry Ford said, “There’s a lot of room on the second mile.”

To keep a smile, sometimes you need to whisper to yourself, slow down! Stop being so rushed. Slow down! Praise the Lord!

6. She Is Spirit-filled

If you are in the Pastor’s office, you will have spiritual warfare. Do not come into the office without spending time with the Lord first.

Stay positive. Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

7. She Is Honest and Trustworthy

Have you ever caught someone in a lie? It casts doubt in the future.

8. She Is Respectful and Professional

Dress appropriately
Dress professionally
Have a professional attitude
Have professional body language (stay on the other side of the desk)
Be disciplined in your personal life, spiritual life, and office and ministry life

There is always fruit from the root. What’s the root?

If the root is that you’re undisciplined the fruit is:

Disorganization
Carelessness
Tardiness
Laziness
Messiness

9. She Is Dependable

She should always be on time and in her place in both the office and ministry.

It’s a good goal to get into the office before your boss does.

10. She Is a Gatekeeper

Insulate, not isolate (he doesn’t need to know everything).

No pastor wants to be blind-sided. His secretary should help with that. She can help train the staff how to communicate to the pastor.

Determine when to give him information. He should not get an endless stream of little bits of information all day long because he will never get anything done.

Protect his day off.

Don’t be guilty of being more concerned about getting information “off of your desk” and onto his than protecting his time.

Remember the pressures the pastor is under and do not bother him with every little problem.

Listen well and present solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Present a professional appearance and attitude at all times. Don’t bring your personal problems to work.

15 Tips for Assisting Your Pastor

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:32 +0000

In 1 Peter 5:2, we read instructions that God gave to those that we call “pastors.” He said, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof.” While God certainly calls pastors to lead and feed, He has also called many people to help carry the load of leadership. We see this example unfold very clearly before us when we look at those who physically and figuratively helped carry the load that belonged to Moses.

But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Exodus 17:12

Here are 15 ways to significantly lighten your pastor’s load rather than add to it:

1. Be sure that you are on the same wavelength as your pastor.

You must strive to discern a pastor’s heart prior to accepting an offer to work for him.

If you serve as an assistant, and a new pastor comes, this is doubly important for both you and him.

2. Demand more of yourself than you do of your pastor.

One of the most helpful things you can do is to manage yourself well. Constantly evaluate how well you do your job.

3. Acknowledge that there is much you may not understand.

4. Learn to understand his weaknesses and not lose respect for him.

5. Don’t just identify problems; provide solutions.

6. Make him look good.

7. Prepare yourself to give to, not demand from him.

8. Be candid with your pastor.

If he asks for details of a situation or what you think about something, he wants to know the truth. Don’t tell him only what you think he wants to hear.

Once a decision is made, it should be carried out as if it is your own decision.

9. Be conscientious of his time.

10. Have an attitude that makes you valuable.

Take on difficult projects.

Volunteer for things not necessarily considered your “area” of ministry

11. Pray for him.

Pray for the details of his responsibilities (i.e. counseling, meetings, etc.).

Pray for his vision and leadership of the church.

Pray for safety for him and his family.

12. Have a spirit of encouragement around him.

He carries a burden that you will only know pieces of; an encouraging word goes a long way.

13. Never apologize for decisions the pastor makes.

When speaking to others use the words we instead of him or they.

Take responsibility for decisions. Don’t pass the buck.

14. Strive to complement the strengths and weaknesses of your pastor.

15. Have faith to follow.

When you would prefer to do something differently than your pastor, have faith that by honoring your pastor, God will honor you and the task that you’ve been given.

Three Essential Abilities of a Successful Secretary

Lisa Stoner — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:37:07 +0000

Have you ever wondered what skills are necessary to be successful in an office? Do you wonder if you have what it takes to “make it?” Here are three vital abilities for any secretary:

1. Reliability

Synonym: Dependability
Definition from Dictionary.com: that may be relied on; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty, etc.:
Another definition: able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised; likely to be accurate—able to be trusted to be accurate or to provide a correct result.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, we are commanded: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

I can teach a new secretary how to use her phone or the copier, but I can’t make her reliable. Reliability is a character quality that we should develop at a young age.

Are you where you say you will be when you say you will be there?
When you say you will do something, do you? (tip: write it down before you forget!)
Are you on time? (tip: early is on time!)
Can others count on you?
Do you follow instructions?
When you “finish” something, is it done correctly and on time?

If your answer to any of these questions is no, then you are limiting your ability to help in your office. If you aren’t reliable ALL of the time, then you aren’t reliable at all!

I encourage you to determine deep down, that from today forward you will be reliable!

2. Flexibility

Definitions from Dictionary.com

1) capable of being bent, usually without breaking; easily bent;

2) susceptible of modification or adaptation; adaptable

3) willing or disposed to yield; pliable

I find that many people don’t know how to be flexible. When change comes, they emotionally or mentally “flip out.” In the office, we each need the ability to take a deep breath, and then change course with a smile! All the excuses that we want to offer really don’t help get things done, so they are better off kept to ourselves.

Many times, the reason we aren’t willing to be flexible is pride—we simply don’t want to. It is usually not a matter of can or can’t, but will or won’t.

Just because something isn’t in your job description, doesn’t mean you can’t do it! If you are paid to be a help and blessing, then does it really matter what you do?

I encourage you today to be easily bent, adaptable, and pliable!

3. Availability

Definition from Dictionary.com

1) suitable or ready for use; of use or service; at hand;

2) readily obtainable; accessible;

Someone who is available is here. It saddens me when I look for someone, or seek to enlist someone’s help, and she is nowhere to be found. Be visible around the office and in the church. Don’t hide in the corner and hope no one sees you or gives you anything to do. Hang around church after the services and look for ways to be a help. There is joy in serving others!

Someone who is available is approachable. If you are approachable, it will show on your face and in your body language. Are you friendly? Do people want to work with you on project because you are likable? Or do people dread asking you a question or seeking your help because you are disagreeable?

It may seem odd to you that I value these three abilities over office skills like typing, organizing, or generating paper, but if you have these three abilities, then you can learn each of the “hard skills” you will need to succeed in the office!

Improving Communication in the Office

Lisa Stoner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:49:39 +0000

Most people think they are good communicators, but statistics show that most of us are not. This means we think communication is happening, when it actually isn’t!

For communication to take place, there must be action and reaction on both sides. This is an interaction! There must be acceptance at the other end, thus a transaction must take place. If I reach out to give you something you must take it before communication takes place.

Action → Interaction → Transaction = Communication

Just because you send an email or leave a voicemail, doesn’t mean you have communicated. The transaction isn’t complete, until it is accepted at the other end.

Someone has said: two monologues do not make a dialogue.

Here are three ideas for improved communication:

1. Assume Nothing

Don’t assume your communication was received. If something is dropped, you can’t just say, “I left a voicemail, and assumed he got it!” You need to follow through.
Don’t assume it was received in the way you intended. Did he know you were asking him to do something? Did he agree to do it?
Don’t assume the receiver did anything with it. He may have thought it was just an “fyi.”

2. Ask Questions

Did you get my email?
Do you have any questions?
Are you planning to follow up or should I?
When are you planning to finish the task?
Do I have all the parts and pieces, or the complete information I need?
Do I need to involve anyone else in the process of completing this task?
Who needs to be included in this communication process?

3. Always Follow Up

Make a note to ask follow up questions in a few days.
Does corrective action need to be taken so this is cared for in the future? Make necessary calendar notations.

Remember, communication is giving and receiving!

The Rewards of a Deacon

Dave McCollum — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:02:31 +0000

This is part four of this article. Please click here to read part one, two, or three.

The world recognizes those who give financially to causes. They call them philanthropists. They also recognize those who go to great lengths to meet the physical needs of others. They call them humanitarians. When the church of God needed some men who would selflessly love and serve those who serve the Lord, they called them deacons. What a blessing it is to be a servant of servants.

It seems a bit awkward to even discuss rewards for doing something that is so gratifying. However, the Word of God does indicate some very specific rewards associated with the deacon ministry.

The Reward of Church Growth

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7

When the deacons in the church of Jerusalem got busy meeting the needs of the people and the pastors were able to spend time in the Word and prayer, then the church grew spiritually and numerically. What a blessing to be in a place where people are being saved and sanctified to the glory of God!

The Reward of Personal Growth

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13

Nothing has stretched me more spiritually than serving the Lord in my church as a deacon. There have been great blessings and great burdens. There have been tears and cheers. There have been sleepless nights and nights of peace that passeth all understanding. There has been dread and delight. There have been mistakes and successes. Through them all there has been growth.

The Reward of a Granting God

When the phone rings at two in the morning and the deacon rushes to the hospital, the world is not impressed. As a deacon stands by the grave of a widow that he loved and ministered to for years, the world does not see. When the deacon spends hours helping the pastor deal with a difficult situation, the world just yawns. The efforts of a deacon may not be seen or understood by the world around them. But God sees and understands.

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matthew10:42

The accolades and glory of men are short lived and shallow. Trophies rust, plaques fade, and certificates crumble away. Some live for them, and die with them. Live and serve to please the Lord—the rewards are far greater than anything the world could imagine.

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:1-4

I suppose that the deacon ministry is best accomplished and described as the secret service.

“The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Ruth 2:12

The Biblical Relationships of a Deacon

Dave McCollum — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:48:18 +0000

This is part three of this article. Please click here to read part one or two.

A relationship can be defined as a logical or natural association between two or more people. Relationships are very important in the business world. Corporations spend great effort and monies to develop and nurture relationships. They have entire departments dedicated to the task. They have HR (Human Resources) departments to take care of their employees. They also have PR (Public Relations) departments to develop and maintain relationships with those outside of the company. They do all of this just to sell a product.

The church of the living God is in the “business” of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). It is not a product, it is the “power of God.” May we devote our efforts in developing our relationships to the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.

The Deacon’s Relationship with the Lord

These men were to be, “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3b).

The filling of the Holy Spirit and wisdom can only be attained by spending time with the Lord. There are no shortcuts or substitutes.

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel… Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:8–13

There is hope for me! They were, “Unlearned and ignorant men.” It was spending time with Jesus that made the difference. Are you spending time alone with Him each day?

The Deacon’s Relationship with His Family

“Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” 1 Timothy 3:12

I suppose one of the “dangers” of ministering to people is that of forgetting that your family members are people too. Be careful about rushing to the aid of a church member, and then complaining about a shopping spree with your wife or a school event for your children. Make sure that you are continually developing your family relationships. How are your HR (home relations)?

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

The Deacon’s Relationship with His Pastor

The relationship of a deacon to his pastor might be likened to that of a soldier to his commanding officer. Many soldiers develop great respect, and even affection, for those that lead them well.

The deacon should sense and meet the needs of the leader that God has given him.

“And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.” 2 Samuel 23:15–16

The deacon should also display loyalty and obedience to the man of God.

When Jonathan exhibited great faith in God by approaching the garrison of the Philistines the Word of God tells us that, “His armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart” (1 Samuel 14:7b). Are you with your pastor according to his heart?

Stonewall Jackson was a deacon in his local church. In the book Christ in the Camp it is revealed that, “He frequently sought the counsel and instruction of his pastor, upon whom he looked as his ‘superior officer,’ and to whom he would sometimes ‘report for orders.’” It’s no wonder that these words of his pastor were recorded in the same book “Oh, sir, when Jackson fell I lost not only a warm personal friend, a consistent, active church-member, but the best deacon I ever saw!” How are your PR (pastor relations)?

The Deacon’s Relationship with the Church Staff

The deacons should love, encourage, assist, and pray for, but never direct, the church staff. The associate pastor is the associate “pastor” not the associate “deacon”. The youth pastor is the youth “pastor”. The pastor’s secretary is the “pastor’s” secretary. The staff should be answering only to the pastor and not to x number of deacons. No one can serve more than one master.

“And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God.” Acts 15:4, 13, 19

Apostles and elders were present at this church meeting in Jerusalem. However, Senior Pastor James was clearly the one in command. I wonder why the deacons of the Jerusalem Church were not seen and heard from at this meeting—just a thought.

The Deacon’s Relationship with the Deacons

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The deacon’s relationship with other deacons should resemble a “band of brothers.” When soldiers go into battle a bond develops that is hard to explain. Though they come from various ethnic backgrounds, parts of the country, and have differing talents and abilities they become one to overcome the enemy. Make no mistake, the event we see in Acts chapter six was an attack by the enemy. The church was progressing and Satan hated it. He hates your church also. Don’t let him divide and conquer. Unite and overcome.

The Deacon’s Relationship with Church Members

Deacons should be godly examples to the church family.

“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” 1Timothy 3:8-9

Church members are watching. What are they learning?

Deacons should anticipate and respond to the needs of the church family.

The Deacon’s Relationship with the Community

Deacons should cultivate a good reputation in the community.

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report.” Acts 6:3a

“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12

When co-workers and folks in the community call you “deacon” they may do it with a tongue and cheek mentality, but they know who you are, and who you represent. So “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Deacons should be active in soulwinning.

Serving the saints of God is no substitute for seeking the salvation of sinners. God has mandated that every saved individual should be involved in reaching others for Christ.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” Acts 8:5

The relationships that we have on this earth can make a difference for eternity. Those who serve in the deacon ministry have the wonderful opportunity of being a servant of saints and sinners; just like Jesus. Wow!

This is part three of this article. Please click here to read part four.