“Therefore brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” (Acts 6:3)
The first role assumed by Deacons in the ministry of the church was to attend to the needs of its fellowship.
The setting aside of these called men of God was done formally,
“And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.” (Acts 6:6)
It is very important to see how the Holy Spirit blessed this work of obedience through significant growth that took place as many disciples were added to the church. The difference was even being felt throughout the community,
“The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7)
Ordination is an act of obedience by which believers follow the biblical principles laid out in scripture.
The month of August has been designated by our church as the time in which each member participates in the Deacon selection process. It is important to note that the Deacon Body of Grace is not appointed, but rather, it is chosen by the active members who participate in the process. The process is based upon Acts, Chapter 6. This year, our church chose 2 active members from within the fellowship, Chuck Whitehead and Trent Campbell. Chuck is already an ordained Deacon having served previously. Trent is to be ordained this morning according to the biblical principles recording in Acts, chapter 6.
Reverend Edward Grant served as chairman of the Ordination Counsel which met last Sunday afternoon to pray with and question Trent regarding his testimony of salvation, calling to serve our church in the office of Deacon and his love for and grasp of the scriptures as God’s truth and guide for faith and practice. The Ordination Counsel unanimously approved Trent’s moving forward to the church family for ordination today. Brother Grant will make that motion to the church family this morning. Our Chairman of Deacons, Mike House will bring the Charge to the Candidate. Our Pastor Mike will bring the Charge to the Church. Then all the ordained pastors and deacons present will participate in the Laying on of Hands.
The Laying on of Hands is a biblical practice. It verifies the intentions of the congregation. It connects the one being ordained to the fellowship of those who have been ordained and connects the candidate to the prayers and encouragement of those who share in this calling to special service. Each ordained person will place their hands on Trent’s head or shoulders. Each ordained person will pray or maybe quote a scripture or convey a verbal blessing to him. The apostle Paul urged the young preacher Timothy,
“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.” (1 Timothy 4:14)
This act is a spiritual exercise by which Trent will be uplifted and the entire church edified.
Today is certainly special day for our church. We obediently follow God’s word to set aside one of our own young men together with his precious family for leadership and service that will significantly add to God’s kingdom and to the ministry of our church for years to come.