Vitalized Deacon Ministry

Jamie McClanahan, pastor of Wayne Hills Baptist Church, did not initially think of a biblical office or some theological aspect of church leadership when thinking of deacon ministry. Instead, Pastor Jamie sees faces and names and recalls warm memories from childhood to the present. Pastor Jamie grew up living next to a church as a pastor's son in western Pennsylvania, and deacons were always nearby and helpful. Today, more than ever, Pastor Jamie is convinced that the deacon ministry in the local church is vital to the care and support of church membership and the longevity of the pastors who lead them.

Church Revitalization Cohort

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. 1 Timothy. 3:13

Over the past year and a half, Pastor Jamie has spent time in the Church Revitalization Cohort of the SBC of Virginia. Under the guidance of Rusty Small, Jamie was challenged to evaluate Wayne Hills Baptist Church to see if any areas needed major or minor revitalization. One of the areas he leaned into was the deacon ministry. Wayne Hills has made significant progress in developing a deacon ministry that is biblically aligned and practically administered, but work still needed to be done to better serve the church members and support the work of the elders and pastors. The result was developing a strategy to revitalize the ministry and to create a revised training manual for the elders and deacons.

Deacon Family Ministry Program

In the revised Deacon Family Ministry Program, every deacon was assigned several active members within the body. They were responsible for a personal touch and care of these members. Additionally, they serve on a rotation basis as a Deacon of the Week, which focuses on serving members, caring for the church building, and aiding leaders on Sunday mornings.

Deacons, by nature, are doers and love to be active in caring for others and for supporting the ministry of church pastors. This was one reason the change took place. After all, no deacon wants to fail in their role. Making this change gave guidance to those who may not have a clear picture or direction of how to serve and would likely have become frustrated.

A Clearer Role

Overall, the revitalization gave deacons a clearer understanding of their Biblical role and the unique way it is to be carried out. It also clarified the distinction between a deacon and an elder. Deacons understood that they are not competing with elders but are to cooperate with them for better member care and Gospel growth.

For Pastor Jamie, revitalizing the Deacon Ministry felt like adding another layer to an ancient city. I am thankful for the work that was done before me, but I also acknowledge the importance of improving it to better sustain and care for existing and future members and for the vitality and longevity of our elders.