In February of 2024, we had an Alameda Family Meeting. One of the things voiced by many members was a need for deacons. 

Since that meeting, the elders and ministry staff have done a Bible study together about deacons, and following their study, Randy Johns presented a 3-part sermon series about deacons as well. (You can watch those sermons below or on our YouTube channel.)

As a follow up to the deacon sermon series, the elders have put together a model for appointing deacons and have also been assessing areas of need at Alameda where deacons could serve. 

The Purpose of Deacons

Deacons are servants full of the Spirit and filled with wisdom appointed to fulfill the needs of believers. By example and work, deacons inspire the church to grow in faith, develop disciplined Christian living, serve others in selfless love, and share the good news of salvation. They follow Jesus' servant model: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you, must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28). This means they serve impartially with compassion and care to the glory of God. 

Job Responsibilities

Deacons will be appointed in five areas of leadership below, and specific job descriptions will be written as service needs are identified.

Discipleship Development, University Outreach, Community Outreach, Next Generations, Missions

Deacon Selection

1. As specific jobs are identified within the five areas of leadership, job descriptions will be written. 

2. Qualified members who possess skill and expertise to lead in that work will be identified by the leadership team. 

3. An elder will recruit the member about the possibility of serving as a deacon. 

4. After a candidate has agreed to serve, their name will be presented to the congregation for prayerful consideration. 

5. Affirmed by the congregation, the deacon will be appointed.

6. Deacons are expected to serve until the job is completed or for one year. Deacons may be reassigned or choose to serve longer than one year at the discretion of the elders. 

Deacons Commission

The heart of your calling is then to lead by serving others in your church and community, as well as to lead by equipping church members to serve "in works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12-13)