Deacons

DEACONS

DEACON MINISTRY

Deacons at Oakhurst are adult members chosen for their pastoral abilities and ordained to serve as lay ministers. Ordination does not entitle one to special privileges, but rather ordination signifies the person has been chosen for her/his capacity and willingness to assume the role of a servant.

Deacons are committed to the nurture, care, and service of other members and associates of the church and they seek to promote understanding and unity among all persons and groups. The ministry of deacons includes the following:

	plan and undertake projects and activities that will express the deacons' ministry of servanthood;
	provide for the observance of the Lord's Supper;
	help persons and candidates in the ordinance of baptism;
	receive the regular offering and benevolent offerings during worship service; and
	lead in welcoming visitors to the worship services, orienting new, continuing, and prospective members and friends to all facets of our church community.

A deacon serves as the Lay Minister of the Week, and is on call Sunday through Saturday to supplement the pastoral care provided by Oakhurst's staff ministers. Lay ministers of the week:

	contact any known sick and troubled members;
	respond to emergencies and crises in the absence of staff ministers;
	update the church office on the condition of the people who have been visited or called, and relaying any needs, desires, or requests to the church staff;
	lead the congregation in the offertory sentences and prayers of dedication during Sunday worship services;
	lead the members during Wednesday prayer services in remembering in prayer all who are in need;
	offer to pray with and for members;
	offer assistance to those in need -- providing transportation, making phone calls, running errands, etc.; and
	offer their full presence, because just being there may be the greatest ministry that deacons can offer.

All members are assigned to Deacon Ministry Groups which from time to time form fellowship and covenant groups, or come together around areas of interest. Deacons contact each member and family within their groups to nurture the membership.