Last year I began preaching through the book of Acts on Sunday mornings. It’s been a true delight to see the early formation of God’s people, indwelled and accompanied by the Holy Spirit as Jesus so promised (John 16:7; Luke 24:49). From pneumatology to ecclesiology, lessons surely abound from the introductory scenes chronicled by Doctor … Read more
That’s a loaded question! I write this post at a strategic time as the office of deacon is on our minds. Each August our church selects new deacon candidates for the next calendar year. As a point of perennial tradition, I try to help our church think about polity — particularly, deacons—at this time of … Read more
As a Christian first and a local church pastor second, I am continually reminded that Christians are in the “people business.” To be a follower of Christ means to be in the church and serving in ministry at some level (Ephesians 4:10-11). That means you deal with—people. I have often defined ministry as, “filling gaps … Read more
The English word “deacon” is a transliteration of the Greek word diakonos (Gk: διάκονος) which means “servant.” The noun form diakonia is translated “service.” The verb form diakoneo “to serve” occurs 36 times in the NT. In various instances this Greek word is translated “minister” or “ministry” as in Ephesians 4:12 “to equip the saints … Read more