Deacon Ordination
Andy, Dave, Johnny, Elias
Acts 6:1–7 (NKJV) Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Deacons we’re ministers also: Stephen, Philip…
LAYING ON OF HANDS
I want our elders and deacons to come and make a line to pray over these. Also, any other ordained individuals on any capacity may also join these.
FINAL WORDS
What will happen now?
1. According to our bylaws, the Elders have the primary responsibility for finding a new pastor. That process as already begun. It will take some tome.
Kelly, Mike, Ron T, Ron D, Dan, Sip
You can trust these men to lead you to the next pastor.
2. According to our bylaws, elders may appoint others to help in the search. They can appoint people in the church or out of the church.
They have chosen to do both. They have enlisted the help of the deacons. They need your help in prayer and recommendations.
They have also asked Dan Sabo to help us in our search. Dan will be coming down to serve us in some leadership and equipping capacities, helping to serve the church in partnership with the oversight of our elders and deacons, as we seek God for what He has in store for us in the days ahead. Dan is not coming to be the new pastor; he is planted in the Pacific NW and will not be moving to El Paso.
I want Sip and Yoli, Eddie and Ashley to come up here and let’s pray for them. The day to day operations will be led by Pastor Sip. As you know, he has a wonderful Pastor’s heart and gift; and he will be continuing to serve the church in that way. Sip is the President of the Board and the vice-president of the corporation. If you have a need, Sip will be your point of contact. He will make sure that your needs are being met. Eddie will continue to lead us in praise and worship, take care of youth, and make sure our online presence is all it needs to be.
Our wonderful staff will continue to operate in their unique gifting. Nothing will change in that area. Pray for them as each one will take on additional responsibilities.
Let me talk about process. You will have the final say. Our bylaws say that the elders will bring a unanimous recommendation and the congregation must vote 75% to call a new pastor. We have voted yet on anything because we don’t have a pastor to recommend yet. We will; I ask you to patient. Some have asked if Sip is our new pastor? Not at this time. The elders could choose to recommend him, but that is part of the process. Let me assure you, our bylaws govern how we operate and nothing has been done or will be done outside of the Bible and our bylaws. Trust me in that.
Of course, Alba and I will always be available for counsel and advice. The time has come to let the child that we birthed 19 years ago out of the nest. You are a mature group and will have no problem finding God’s will! I am sure if it!
CLOSING
