Our Newest Deacons: Joining an Ancient and Honorable Biblical Order
Our Newest Deacons: Joining an Ancient and Honorable Biblical Order
When Moses pondered how best to lead the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, his father-in-law, Jethro, offered him sage advice. He told Moses that his leadership could be more effective if he had help with a team composed of “capable men from all the people---men who fear God, trustworthy men . . .” (Exodus 18:21).
Millennia later, when the leaders of the church in Jerusalem struggled with how best to attend to widows being overlooked, the apostles imitated the pattern used by Moses. They appointed men “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take care of the recognized deficiency. (Acts 6:3) Those men were servants with a defined purpose. We call them deacons.
Deacons are men worthy of respect. They embrace the “deep truths of the faith” (I Timothy 3:9).
They are second-mile servants.
College Church elders in each of the twelve congregational ministries are responsible for identifying men with talents that match the needs in those areas of service. Once a suitable candidate has been evaluated, the congregation has the opportunity to assist with the vetting procedure. It may appear that men selected as deacons are recommended for a “promotion.” In reality, they are given added responsibility with a clear objective for a delineated need.
Recently, with congregational approval, two men completed the selection process and have agreed to help address specific objectives in Family Ministry.
Jerrod Williams will serve as a deacon for the College Church Youth Group. He, his wife, Brandi, and their children, Baylor and Judson, frequently open their home to senior high school students and will be the hosts for Huddle Group in 2025-26. Jerrod’s career as an educator has equipped him to deal with concerns in the lives of youth group members.
Michael Crouch has agreed to help with the expanding Adult Education Committee. Already his background in research, analytics and philanthropy has proven helpful in evaluating possibilities for coordinated Bible study in adult classes. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of Elizabeth, Lily, and Peter.
The Chair of Family Ministry, Brad Francis, was quick to offer his support: “Both Jerrod and Michael have servant hearts and were actively involved in the Family Ministry before their appointment as deacons. We are excited about their ongoing roles, and the elders in Family Ministry look forward to working with them.”
Michael Justus
When Moses pondered how best to lead the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, his father-in-law, Jethro, offered him sage advice. He told Moses that his leadership could be more effective if he had help with a team composed of “capable men from all the people---men who fear God, trustworthy men . . .” (Exodus 18:21).
Millennia later, when the leaders of the church in Jerusalem struggled with how best to attend to widows being overlooked, the apostles imitated the pattern used by Moses. They appointed men “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take care of the recognized deficiency. (Acts 6:3) Those men were servants with a defined purpose. We call them deacons.
Deacons are men worthy of respect. They embrace the “deep truths of the faith” (I Timothy 3:9).
They are second-mile servants.
College Church elders in each of the twelve congregational ministries are responsible for identifying men with talents that match the needs in those areas of service. Once a suitable candidate has been evaluated, the congregation has the opportunity to assist with the vetting procedure. It may appear that men selected as deacons are recommended for a “promotion.” In reality, they are given added responsibility with a clear objective for a delineated need.
Recently, with congregational approval, two men completed the selection process and have agreed to help address specific objectives in Family Ministry.
Jerrod Williams will serve as a deacon for the College Church Youth Group. He, his wife, Brandi, and their children, Baylor and Judson, frequently open their home to senior high school students and will be the hosts for Huddle Group in 2025-26. Jerrod’s career as an educator has equipped him to deal with concerns in the lives of youth group members.
Michael Crouch has agreed to help with the expanding Adult Education Committee. Already his background in research, analytics and philanthropy has proven helpful in evaluating possibilities for coordinated Bible study in adult classes. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of Elizabeth, Lily, and Peter.
The Chair of Family Ministry, Brad Francis, was quick to offer his support: “Both Jerrod and Michael have servant hearts and were actively involved in the Family Ministry before their appointment as deacons. We are excited about their ongoing roles, and the elders in Family Ministry look forward to working with them.”
Michael Justus