In accordance with Ephesians chapter four, we believe that the proper structure for a church governing body is evident in verse 11, commonly known as the five-fold ministry model.
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So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13
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For the sake and the end goal of unity and maturity, this model is given to lead, nurture and develop the body of Christ, locally and globally, and we intend to follow it.
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In the New Testament, we read of the origins of the Deacon. The office was born out of a need to meet the needs of the people in a way that involved more people and freed the elders to put more focus on the teaching of the Word. Funny thing, it was a food fight that brought the need to light – look it up, you’ll be amused. The answer to the problem was found when a number of the faithful were set aside to carry out this important work. There was work to do, a body of believers to deploy, people to reach, and a reputation to establish and protect.
The Deacons work with the pastor to tend the ministry of the church. In its simple form, it involves a lot of wisdom, study in the Word, watch care, service, faithfulness, compassion, consistency. The work of the modern church is considerably more complex, but the concept and calling remain the same. The Deacons serve in ways that help the church be the church for its people and all the people it endeavors to touch. Our Deacons share in the work of pastoral care, outreach, practical support, and a host of other things that simply cannot – and should not – be left only to the vocational ministers.
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To support and move forward the mission of Center Peace Ministries while supporting the vision set forth by the pastor. Each Deacon has a willingness in obedience to God to minister to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of God’s people.
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:43-45)