FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART January 9,2023

One of the key leadership positions in the church, both in New Testament times and today, is the office of Deacon. The biblical model for this position is found in Acts 6, when the early church was experiencing much growth and the Apostles were struggling to deal with administering to the daily needs of the people. The Apostles summoned the people together and issued a call for them to select “seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” These men allowed the Apostles to give their attention to “prayer and to the ministry of the Word,” in much the same way that Deacons help their Pastors today.

We find the qualifications for a Deacon in Paul’s writing in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. He stated: “deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.” He added that they should be “husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” Paul called for those who hold the office of Deacon to be men of integrity and faith, both at home and at the church.

We are blessed to have highly qualified men, of good moral character and deep faith, serving as Deacons at Cordova Baptist Church. Rusty Edwards has served us well, as Deacon Chairman for many years. These men have all provided love, support and encouragement to their Pastor and to the entire congregation. They understand their role to be that of “a servant,” which is the meaning of the Greek word from which their title I s derived. Our monthly meetings are a time of joy and fellowship, as we attend to the current needs of the church.

I hold all of these men in high esteem and have deep appreciation for their faithfulness to Christ and His Church. It is my privilege to share with you the newly elected slate of officers: Danny Evans as Chairman; Rusty Edwards as Vice Chairman; and, Glenn Burk as Secretary. We are blessed to have Barry Rogers, David Yates, Stuart Law and Jerry Creech serving alongside them. Please join me in praying for these men and their families, as they continue to lead and serve!

Serving in love,

Bro. Jim