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Deacons & Wives Training Strengthens Servant Leadership
By Craig Webb
Nearly 50 deacons and their wives gathered at Nu'uanu Baptist Church on February 1 for a special training event co-sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention and Oahu Baptist Network. The half-day session provided valuable insights and practical tools for strengthening servant leadership within our churches.
Dr. Henry Webb, author of "Deacons: Servant Models in the Church" and former editor of Deacon Magazine, shared from his extensive experience as a deacon, pastor, and national deacon consultant. Dr. Craig Webb, Executive Director-Treasurer of HPBC and content editor for Lifeway's Deacon Magazine, brought local context and pastoral wisdom to the training.
The morning began with breakfast and fellowship, creating opportunities for deacons from different churches to connect and share experiences. The first session focused on "Deacons Are Servant Leaders and How Deacon Wives Support the Church," exploring the nine biblical qualities of deacons outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and the unique contributions of deacons' wives to ministry.
"These qualities are not just qualifications for selection but lifelong challenges for every deacon," emphasized Dr. Henry Webb, encouraging attendees to continually grow as servant leaders who model Christian character.
The second session on "Equipping Deacons and Wives for Caring in Crisis" provided practical guidance for ministering effectively during difficult times. Participants learned nine specific actions for crisis ministry, including taking the initiative, being good listeners, providing practical help, and following up consistently.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the training's balance of biblical teaching and practical application. "This has renewed my understanding of what it means to serve as a deacon," shared one participant. Deacons' wives particularly valued the acknowledgment of their vital role in supporting both their husbands and the broader church family.
