Maturity in Christ: Affirming New Deacons

Posted by on July 29, 2012 under Front Page Posts, Sermons

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We began our assembly today sharing in the dreams and hopes of a young couple who wish to see their child grow into a servant of God.  We continue that emphasis on service as we call upon two of our brothers who are using their gifts to serve the church.

Brent Evans has used his gifts for music and song leading for countless Sundays.  Above all of that, he demonstrates a passion for worship that includes leading others into the presence of God through worship.  He shares the passion for worship with Christians of all ages and in settings as diverse as Soulquest, Wednesday Night Class, Green Valley Bible Camp, and various singing groups.

Kevin Hesslen has used his gifts for teaching and leadership to help this congregation in various ways.  Most recently, he has been asked to help this congregation fulfill its responsibilities to ensure the safety of children.  It is a new area for churches, but Kevin’s commitment to the children and youth ministries has given our leaders and this congregation the confidence to know that the work is being seen to rightly.

Both of these men have excelled in service, but also in character.  That is why our elders asked you to consider if they were worthy to be affirmed as deacons.

Deacons are among the roles of service that God gives the body of Christ to enable healthy spiritual growth.  Deacons not only serve the body, but they serve as models of leadership; the sort of servant leadership that is unique to the body of Christ.

We believe that God has prepared and equipped Kevin and Brent for their works of service.  We believe that the Holy Spirit is working in all of us to affirm his work among us.

Ephesians 4:11-16

11He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, 13until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. 15Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Body is held together by Christ (also the head of the body)

  1. We grow – to become like Christ – the truth and love nourish us (v. 15)
  2. We are connected – Christ fits us together (v. 16)

As each part does its work . . .

  1. God has given gifts to the body (v. 11)
  2. He does it so that:
  • members are prepared for works of service (v. 12)
  • we can achieve unity of faith and knowledge of Christ (v. 13)
  • members may be mature in the Lord (v. 13b)
  1. Maturity is a worthy goal.  It makes possible stability, assurance, truth and love. (v. 14-15)
  2. Mature Christians serve the church with their gifts and this helps the church grow and become healthy and more loving.  (v. 16)

So, God has equipped us with leaders who are gifted by the Spirit to help the body grow so that we might become a healthier and more loving church.

Maturity in Christ is not something that elders and deacons alone may achieve.  Every part of the body works to bring out maturity in every other part of the body.  In the body of Christ, everybody is looking out for everyone else.

Gifts of the Spirit are not something that only a few in the church have.  God’s gives gifts to the members of the body of Christ.  The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all believers when they are baptized.  But it is a gift that is meant to be used for the sake of the church, which is in the world for the sake of the world’s salvation.

Here is the invitation: If you have been baptized, what gift do you have to use for the church?  I simply will not accept the argument that there are those who have no gift at all.  There are some who have buried their talents, but that is not the same thing.  The leaders of this church are inviting you to use your gifts and to grow as you use them.  We are committed to giving you the training the support and the permission you need to use your gift for the glory of God and the building up of the body.

If you have not been baptized, do not miss out on the blessed life.  We welcome you to come and be like Christ.  Receive a gift and be added to the church: a healthy, truthful, loving fellowship where you will be built up and use your gifts to build up others.