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G/C DEACONSHIP

Deacons are model servants appointed to a local church office. They are deployed to assist the pastors or elders by protecting church unity, organizing practical service, and meeting tangible needs. A deacon serves for a term of two years, with quarterly meetings and regular engagement of ministry. This webpage outlines the process for the installation of deacons at Grace City.

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Dear Candidate,

Thank you for considering a leadership role within Grace City Church. When Grace City
was started in 2015, we believed it was God’s call that brought us into existence and
now we lean on God’s call again to bring the leaders that He chooses to serve in these
roles. The calling to lead in God’s Church is a noble calling (1 Timothy 3:1), but we also
acknowledge that God works through weak vessels. As disciples of Jesus, we are
weak people called to be a reflection of God’s love and grace and many times we fall
short. You may have struggled with whether or not you’re fit for this role, but the
Apostle Paul reminds us to think on Christ as we step into whatever God has for us in
life in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Here’s what he says,

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly
standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose
what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world
to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even
things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being
might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus,
who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and
redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Over this next season we will consider your calling to church leadership at Grace City,
but know that your first calling is always secure in Jesus. Please know that I love you,
respect you, and am grateful for you courageously submitting yourself to this process
because of the important responsibility in which it carries. God’s grace to you and
Godspeed as we journey together.

 

Joyfully serving Jesus alongside you,

Randall Tonini
Lead Pastor

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Qualifying Phase 

Biblical deacons are first called by God. The Qualifying Phase happens before the candidate is approached by leadership to consider the ministry of deaconship. 

 

Requirements

  • Must be in good standing with the church
  • Must be a Biblical member who has proven commitment and leadership
  • Must exemplify a solid walk of faith and spiritual disciplines
  • Must meet the standards of deaconship from 1 Timothy 3:8-13

 

Qualities

  • Christ-like character and humility 
  • A desire and ability to make disciples
  • Church leadership competency and a heart to serve
  • Team chemistry and a willingness to steward their gifts for the Kingdom

 

Deacon candidates will be reviewed by staff and pastors in the church through the Investigation, Training, and Confirmation Phases. 

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Investigation Phase

The Investigation Phase involves opportunities for the pastor and elder team to learn about the spiritual and personal life of the deacon candidate. 

 

Application 

Due March 20, 2021

The candidate will fill out the G/C Deaconship online application.

 

Essay Reading

Due March 20, 2021

The candidate will read “Deacons” by Matt Smethurst and be prepared to give reflections during the initial interview.

 

References

Due March 20, 2021

Two non-familial references will be required; including one professional reference if applicable. The references must complete the G/C Deacon Reference Form.

 

Spiritual Health Inventory

Due March 20, 2021

The candidate and his/her spouse will complete and discuss the following questionnaires regarding the candidate’s spiritual health. The questionnaires will not be turned in, but will be discussed in the initial interview.

 

Initial Interview 

March 21-31, 2021

The candidate will meet with a pastor and/or staff member to review the above components and investigate details of the candidate’s spiritual disciplines and family life. If applicable, the candidate’s spouse may also be interviewed.

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Training Phase

The Training Phase involves a series of readings and meetings to equip the candidate for the ministry of deaconship.

 

Personal Growth

Deacons will attend retreats, conferences, and trainings along with the lead pastor and elder team.

 

Personal Plan 

Together with the lead pastor and elders, each deacon will create a personal plan/strategy for effective ministry. 

 

Training Schedule (4 months total)

The candidate will read the following books by the given training session date.

CALLING + CHARACTER — April 14, 2021
BASIC BELIEFS + DOCTRINE — May 12, 2021
COMPETENCY — June 9, 2021
CHEMISTRY + GIFTING — July 14, 2021

 

Further Study

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Confirmation Phase

The Confirmation Phase is the final approval of the candidate as a deacon of Grace City Church.

 

Biblical Knowledge

Due August 14, 2021

The candidate will complete this online Biblical Knowledge Questionnaire.

 

Congregational Input

August 1-14, 2021

Before the final installation of the deacon candidate, the church will be given a two week period to provide any concerns to the pastors and elders. 

 

Final Interview

August 15-28, 2021

After this two week period, a final interview will be conducted where the candidate will sign the deacon covenant. 

 

Public Installation

August 29, 2021

The candidate will then be publicly brought before the church for installation as a deacon.

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2022 Calendar

 

Confirmation Schedule

The month of January will be the final month of presenting deacon candidates to the church, receiving congregational input, finalizing the deacons, and publicly installing them.

January 9 – Announce Candidates

January 9-23 – Congregational Input

January 23-29 – Final Interviews

January 30 – Public Installation

 

Regular Schedule

A deacon serves for a term of two years, with quarterly meetings and regular engagement of ministry. **NOTE: Randall will be taking a sabbatical from June-July, so there will be no meetings during summer 2022.

January 31 – First Quarter Meeting

April 25 – Second Quarter Meeting

August 29 – Third Quarter Meeting

December 3 – Fourth Quarter Meeting (Leader Retreat)

 

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