DEACONS
George Howeison
Deacon
Darrel Eason
Deacon
Rodney Edington
Deacon
Scott Gemes
Deacon
Todd Gerlt
Deacon
Darrell (Doc) Payne
Deacon Emeratis
Deacons at Cornerstone Baptist Church
The deacons at Cornerstone Baptist Church assist the elders in serving the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation. Their ministry focuses on practical care, fostering unity, and supporting the church's mission through service.
How Deacons Are Appointed
- Deacon candidates are nominated by the diaconate, ensuring they meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-12).
- The congregation votes to approve nominated candidates during a church business meeting.
- Upon election, the church may ordain the new deacon as soon as deemed advisable.
Who Deacons Answer To
- Deacons are directly accountable to the council of elders, who oversee their ministry and hold them to biblical standards.
- They are also accountable to the congregation as active participants in the church’s life and mission.
The Role of the Congregation
- The congregation plays a critical role in approving deacon candidates through a formal vote.
- Church members benefit from the deacons' ministry and support their work by fostering a spirit of unity and engagement.
Responsibilities of the Deacons
- Spiritual Support:
- Maintaining a strong prayer ministry for the church and its members.
- Supporting the pastoral ministry of the Word by assisting the elders.
- Care and Outreach:
- Assisting with counseling and addressing grievances within the church.
- Staying in regular contact with members to address needs and encourage spiritual growth.
- Unity and Fellowship:
- Promoting unity within the church body and resolving conflicts in accordance with biblical principles.
- Actively participating in and supporting church activities and ministries.
- Ordinance Assistance:
- Collaborating with elders to plan and facilitate the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Standards and Accountability:
- Living in accordance with biblical qualifications and setting a Christlike example for the congregation.
- Submitting to elder oversight and addressing any personal conduct issues through established church discipline procedures.
Summary
The deacons serve as compassionate ministers within the church, focused on practical and spiritual care. Their work complements the leadership of the elders by fostering unity, addressing the congregation's needs, and providing consistent, prayerful support to the church’s mission. Through their service, deacons embody the call to sacrificial ministry and strengthen the church as a whole.