Grace Central and Ordained Deaconship.
As we know, Grace Central was established back in 2017. But the beginning of Grace Central was prelude by the prayers of our mother church, Edmonton Central Korean Presbyterian Church, way before it was established. Through their relentless prayers, Grace Central was born.
In the past 7 years, God gathered His people to form the body of Christ. And today, Grace Central is functioning as an independent church to serve a new and unique generation of our day. Praise and Glory to His name!
During her growth, Grace Central has encountered challenges that required Church Officers to address the concerns of our church and beyond. Thus, we decided to elect the first Ordained Deacons to build leadership that fits this unique context. This is a testimony of God's working hands in this church. May the Holy Spirit elect those whom Jesus prepared for the work He has assigned for this church.
—Rev. Joshua Ryu
Qualifications:
Notice that our list of qualifications does not include being a perfect Christian. You also don't need to be at any particular stage of life. We hope that everyone is experiencing growth and change over time, and we want Deaconship to be another opportunity for that change to deepen and take root in your life and throughout the congregation.
1. Biblical Qualifications
Demonstrate the gifts described in 1 Timothy 3:8-10:
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
2. Constitutional Qualifications
Article 39 - Qualifications of Deacons - Deacons must be baptized persons of faith and spiritual character, honest repute, and good judgment, and have a record of being a blameless member for over 5 years in the church and 30 years of age or older. Deacons shall fit to the gifts described in 1 Timothy 3:8-10.
In addition to biblical qualifications, we have also developed a set of minimum qualifications based on the requirements of our denomination (KPCA). To be nominated, an individual must:
Be over 30 years of age and a member of Grace Central church.
Have been attending Grace Central church for a minimum of 5 years.
3. Grace Central Church General Qualifications
General Qualifications: It is a great honour to be recognized as a deacon and serve His people and the world. In understanding that the deacon qualification described in 1 Tim. 3:8-10 addresses specific issues pertaining to the church in Ephesus. We outline the qualifications of deacons that specifically addresses the conviction of Grace Central Church as a whole.
A MATURING CHRISTIAN: a person who has a secure relationship with Christ, whose character reflects our Lord, striving to be one that will promote harmony, unity, and fellowship within the congregation, and demonstrating a wholesome spirit and progressive disposition in order to be eager to attempt worthy goals that would enlarge the Kingdom and advance the church.
A GROWING DISCIPLE: continuing to learn and to be trained for more effective service; and having, for the church, a spiritual vision filled with hope and goodwill.
A CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE: having a lifestyle that reflects Christian values in conduct and behavior and having a reputation that is dependable and trustworthy.
AN ACTIVE CHURCH MEMBER: cooperating with the Pastor, staff, and congregation to support the needy and participate in the general life of the church. Especially by regularly attending Sunday corporate worship services or events such as retreats, revival services, Biblical studies, and other special events.
A FAITHFUL STEWARD: recognizing God provides everything one has; being a generous giver; giving at least a tithe on one's financial income to the work of the Lord, and committing one's time, talents, spiritual gifts, skills, and abilities to the Lord.
Election Process:
1. Deacon Candidate Selection
Candidates are selected based on the Scripture, KPCA Constitution, and requirements of Grace Central church.
Due Date: April. 1, 2023
2. Deacon Nomination
To become a deacon election nominee, each candidate must receive two endorsements from Grace Central Church members. The nomination process can be completed through an active search of two endorsers, or two endorsers may approach the candidate(s) to nominate. The nomination form must be submitted to Election Box.
Due Date: April 23, 2023
3. Deacon Election
All nominees with the deacon election will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Each nominee must receive a majority vote to be elected.
4. When will deacon ordination take place?
The installation of Deacon ordination will take place after their training is complete. However, as this is the first installation of the church officers for GC, there is a complication with the membership duration. The KPCA constitution requires 5 years of membership of the church. Therefore, there may be the candidate(s) who will be elected this year but have their installation of the ordination of deaconship year after to fulfill their 5 years of membership, remain as Deacon elec.
THE ROLE OF A DEACON (by Gerald Cowen)
New Testament Deacons
The role of the seven in Acts is clearly spelled out. They were to be in charge of the "daily serving of food" (NASB) to the widows. The church inherited this charitable practice from the Jews. Barclay describes this practice:
Each Friday in every community two official collectors went around the markets and called on each house, collecting donations for the poor and needy in money and goods. This material so collected was distributed to those in need by a committee . . .
The poor of the community were given enough food for fourteen meals, that is for two meals a day for the week. But no one could receive any donation from this fund if he already possessed a week's food in the house. This fund . . . was called the kuppah, or the basket. In addition, there was a daily collection of food from house to house for those who were actually in emergency need for the day. This fund was called the tamhui or the tray.
Deacons have taken various roles in the church due to the fact that the precise duties of deacons are not specified in the bible. However, the traditional view is that they work alongside teaching elders to help the needy.
Modern Deacons
Church has evolved over time, and therefore, so has the role of deacons. While deacons are still the ministers of mercy in the church, ministering to the needy, comforting friendless, and the sick. But they also lead the ministry team and care for those in their ministry.
Grace Central's Deacons serve in various ways - there isn't one set role they must all perform. But ideally, most Deacons would lead a ministry team. This involves running a team of volunteers, keeping track of the team's budget, and participating in leadership meetings.
Through their work and through leading a team, Deacons help build community within and outside of the church. And by taking on a visible role, Deacons provide spiritual leadership to the church, setting an example through their walk.
Regardless of how a given Deacon serves, both seasoned and new deacons are supported in their roles, choose how they are involved, and pursue ministry activities they are passionate about.
But what does that have to do with spiritual growth?
Serving in this role means growing and journeying with other members of the leadership team. In addition, deacons receive discipleship training and have often shared that the extra element of accountability and commitment are important for their spiritual walk.
Deacons also have access to the bigger picture at church. Getting an inside look at how the church works can prompt spiritual growth in ways that congregation members don't often experience.
The experiences gained building community through ministry work and leading a team will help you learn more about Christ and gain spiritual maturity.