THE DEACON'S GUIDE

By William C. Morgan

The call and role of the Deacon are more important today than many realize. The current duties and responsibilities of the Deacon are more than just participating in devotion, taking care of Church business / finances, or maintaining the upkeep of Church facilities and grounds.

The pages of this inspired work are meant to assi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jesus-The Sinner's Friend
• Release date: Feb 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735047119

William C. Morgan

Dr. William C. Morgan graduated from Valdosta State College (now Valdosta State University) in 1985 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Speech Communications and in 1989 with a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Dr. Morgan has earned a Doctorate of Theological Studies (2002) from Bethany Bible College and Theological Seminary of Dothan, Alabama. and a Doctorate of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Leadership (2012) from the Andersonville Theological Seminary of Camilla, Georgia. Dr. Morgan is the retired Pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia, serving 26 years. He also served as a Deacon at Morning Star prior to accepting the role of Pastor. He served 3 years as Moderator of the South Georgia Missionary Baptist Association and served 7 years as a Volunteer Chaplain at South Georgia Medical Center. He served 8 years as the General Secretary of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. Dr. Morgan currently serves as Vice President and instructor at the Genesis Bible Institute of Valdosta, Georgia. He is also the instructor of a monthly Ministers Class and a monthly Deacons Class in Valdosta, Georgia. He and his wife of 46 years, Altamese, have three daughters and sons in law and nine grandchildren.

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And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him.

Colossians 3:17

CONTENTS

Dedication

Foreword

Endorsements

Acknowledgements

Preface

SECTION ONE:

The Role of the Deacon

What Do Christians Believe?

We Believe the Whole Bible.

Perpetual Ordinances of the Church

What is The Gospel of Jesus Christ?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

A Biblical Deacon’s Love

1.      The 1st and Great Commandment

2.      The 2nd Commandment is Like the First

3.      Types of Love

4.      Love is an Action Word (a verb)

5.      Love Always Forgives

6.      Love’s Challenges within Today’s Church (Are the Same Challenges the Apostle Paul and the 1st Century Church Faced 1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

A Deacon’s Code of Ethics

A Deacon’s Model of Christian Leadership

Deacons as Partners with the Pastor

A.      Partners in Prayer

B.      Partners in Evangelizing

C.      Partners in Teaching the Word of God

D.      Partners in Advising

E.      Partners in Church Discipline

Being an Effective Deacon

Deacons Meeting the Needs of the Church

The Deacon Family Ministry

The Deacon Family Ministry Assignment

Benefits to Church Membership

Responsibilities of the Deacon to His Assigned Families

The Deacon and Tithing

Church Etiquette for Deacons

The Church’s Deaconess (Deacons Wives) Ministry

Deacons Caring for the Church’s Widows

A Practical Look at the Church Ordinances

Deacons Training New Deacons

Types of Church Prayers and Their Purposes

Twenty-One Basic Questions Every Deacon Should Answer Correctly

SECTION TWO:

Special Topics and Contemporary Issues

The Process for Selecting Deacons

Deacon’s Written Exam and Presbytery

PART I: Written Examination for Office of Deacon

PART II: The Presbytery Verbal Examination

PART III: Deacon’s Ordination Services

What Do Officers and Members Do When There is No Pastor?

A Guide for the Pulpit / Pastor’s Search Committee

Evangelism / Street Ministry

Effective Hospital and Shut-In Visitations

Deacons as Marriage Advisors

Dying, Death and Grief: What is the Deacon’s Role?

The Pulpit

Choose Life

What the Bible Says About Homosexuality

A Comparison: Baptist Deacons and A.M.E. Stewards

Do’s and Don’ts of Jail Ministry

The Deacons Ministry: Job Descriptions

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Church Safety: A Major Priority

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bibliography

COPYRIGHT

Dedication

I dedicate The Deacon’s Guide to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who is my Lord and Savior (St. John 15:5).

This is such a humbling experience to dedicate and offer this guide for the Glory of my Eternal Creator (St. John 1:1-3). It is my prayer, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, that hearts will be illuminated and minds will be transformed by the Wisdom of God’s Word; to the end that Jesus will be lifted up (St. John 12:32; Philippians 4:13).

I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for the opportunity to pen the words of The Deacon’s Guide.

To God be the Glory!!! (Revelation 4:11).

Foreword

John Maxwell said, Everything rises and falls on leadership. When a Church has a deacon, who is not growing personally, it has a way of trickling down throughout the congregation. The challenge that we face today in many Churches is the lack of trained Christian deacons/leaders. An untrained deacon who does not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can do harm to the cause of Christ. Bad leadership hinders growth because the Church ceases to be biblically centered.

In this book, Dr. Morgan teaches that no Church can be successful without committed, devoted, and steadfast leadership. The Deacon’s Guide lets us know that deacons must first be born again. Their lives must be dedicated to Christian living. Churches often suffer when they select deacons primarily on natural leadership ability or business acumen without a commitment to godliness.

Deacons must also take their role seriously and serve with sincere dedication. This book lets us know that being a deacon/leader is one of the most challenging charges or assignments that one can take on, but it can also be one of the most rewarding, if it is done with a servant’s heart.

Dr. Morgan answers the question who or what a deacon is in this book. Deacons are to be servants of the Church. The Greek word is diakoneo which is translated a servant, an attendant, or to wait upon. It is used to describe a minister, one that waits on guests, a person who supplies food and the necessities of life. Sometimes the servant would care for the poor or sick.

The Deacon’s Guide lets us know that the biblical requirements of deacons are similar to that of pastors, but there is a clear distinction in office. Pastors are spiritual leaders or shepherds of the Church. They serve as pastor, teachers and provide general oversight on financial, organizational, and spiritual matters. The practical ministry of deacons in the Church is vital, freeing pastors to focus on prayer, studying God’s Word, and pastoral care.

Churches who have such deacons will be blessed indeed. Deacons who serve well obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith (1 Timothy 3:13).

A significant element of this book is the scriptural vision of the deacon. Dr. Morgan shares with the reader scriptures that reflect the servant mindedness of the deacon.

This is a well-documented readable guide to help pastors, deacons, and the Church to better understand roles and responsibilities.

I recommend this book because it will serve a vital need at this time. It is my prayer that all who read this book will welcome the instructions and will sincerely strive to put them into practice.

Rev. Clarence Moore

Pastor, Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Augusta, GA

President, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.(2004-2012)

Southeast Region Vice President, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.(2009-2019)

Endorsements

I am honored to endorse this timely, detailed and biblically sound guide to the body of Christ regarding the office of Deacon. First though, let me say something about the author. Reverend Dr. William C. Morgan, whom I have known for more than thirty years is a God fearing man of faith. He is a man of integrity, a pastor, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend and a brother beloved.

Dr. Morgan is uniquely suited to author this excellent guide to the New Testament Deacon and the Body of Christ, The Church. Having served well as a Deacon in the local Church, then accepting the call of God to the Gospel Ministry, he has a broad understanding of the need, function and purpose of the Deacon in the local Church.

This work is a must have for every Deacon, Pastor, and prospective Deacon in the local Church. Thank You Dr. Morgan!

K. Daniel Dawsey, DMin.

Pastor, Central Union MB Church, Fort Valley, GA

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The Deacon’s Guide is a Godly and glorious work. James proclaims that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. The Deacon’s Guide is truly a gift and a blessing. The composition of scriptural principles associated with each task and duty gives clarity to God’s plan through this ministry. The importance of a well-trained Deacons Ministry is vital to the operation of a spiritually successful Church. This guide focuses on many critical areas associated with the relationships between pastor and deacon and the deacon and the congregation.

I am eternally grateful to the Lord for allowing Dr. Morgan to write The Deacon’s Guide, a great work. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

The Deacon’s Guide is biblically sound, a gift from the Lord and from the heart of His servant. I highly recommend this guide as a training aid for the Deacons Ministry.

Dr. Norman J. Edwards, DTS

Pastor, Mt. Olive MB Church, Hahira, GA

President, Genesis Bible Institute, Valdosta, GA

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The acrostic of the BIBLE has become known by many as Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth! In The Deacon’s Guide, Dr. William C. Morgan is certainly providing the Baptist Church with a freshly basic instructional guide to the Deacons’ Ministry.

This concise, yet comprehensive guide is laced with a plethora of Scripture references, taking the application of this guide far beyond just training deacons. As pastors meticulously navigate through this wealth of information to assist deacons become better deacons, they in turn become better pastors. And likewise, the general Church members can utilize the content of this guide in a weekly Bible Study setting to enhance their commitment and allegiance to our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ.

I highly recommend that this invaluable guide be readily accessible on every pastor’s desk, deacons’ office, and Church library.

Rev. Melvin D. Fluellen, B.S. Biology, M. Div

Pastor of Strangers Rest MB Church Bellevue, NE

Retired