Calvary Bible Church

DEACONESSES

WHAT IS A DEACONESS?

The term 'deaconess' is derived from a Greek  word meaning 'servant'.  The idea of 'servant' is the primary purpose of a deaconess.  Paul mentions Phoebe as a deaconess of the church of Cenchrea, and it is probable that Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis, whom he commends for their labor in the Lord, were also deaconesses (Romans 16: 1,12).

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To love, serve, and reach out to the family of God at Calvary Bible Church and our surrounding community.

To assist the Pastor and Elders of Calvary  Bible Church to further God’s Kingdom.

To conduct ourselves in such a way as to bring honor to God, and in so doing, set an example for other women.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”       Galatians 6:10

HISTORY

A reading of church history material reveals that the early church had women who served the body of Christ in the role of deaconess.  The early Christian church realized that there are  certain ministries that are best done by women and therefore, the Holy Spirit led the early church to appoint women to this highly important role. Responsibilities such as ministering to women and children, helping to prepare females for baptism, caring for the ill and dying, assisting young mothers, etc., were all responsibilities carried out by deaconesses in early church history.  At Calvary Bible Church, deaconesses are not recognized as the female counterpart to male deacons; nor are they placed onto the male deacon 'board'.  Rather, deaconesses are female servants who have their own unique gifts, calling and ministries and they assist the Elders in a variety of ministries best suited to women. 

QUALIFICATIONS

These women are to be worthy of respect, not  malicious talkers, but temperate and trustworthy in everything.  They are to be kind, loving, gentle, uncomplaining, and great handlers of stress; especially in public.

DUTIES

Some offices in the Christian Church have clearly-defined duties and responsibilities spelled out in the Scriptures.  The office of deaconess does not.  Since the nature of a servant is to serve and the purpose of a deaconess is service, our deaconesses will do anything that needs to be done as directed by the Senior Pastor and/or the Elders of Calvary Bible Church.  These duties will help fill the needs and advance the ministry of CBC. 

PRESENT DUTIES

• People who attend our Sunday morning service and complete visitor information for the first time will receive a visit from our deaconesses  with information about our church.

• Any member or regular attender of CBC who becomes hospitalized will receive a  flower arrangement from the church.  Additionally, we will visit female members and/or regular attenders of CBC who are hospitalized, and pray with them and their loved ones.

• Plan, prepare and deliver meals for one week to the families  of members and/or regular attenders of CBC when the wife/mother is hospitalized or when a new baby arrives. 

• If the husband/father/child is seriously ill and the wife’s/mother’s time is  compromised, meals will also be provided.

• At least one Deaconess will be assigned to each Elder to assist him with his Timothy Ministry.  They will be available to assist both the Elder and his wife to better care for the members of our CBC family.

• Help plan and develop outreach dinners for church prospects (Veterans, single moms, etc.).

• Reach out to widows and single adult women.

• Assist with the Medical Missions Ministry when it is fully developed.

• Some deaconesses, if qualified, will be asked to counsel and encourage other women as the need arises.

 Let the peace of God dwell in your hearts.”   Colossians 4:15