Steps to Becoming a Deacon

Deacon Job Description

The job of the deacon is to protect the Elders' time in prayer and the Word by assisting in their other pastoral work. A Deacon must have the same exemplary character as Elder because the Deacon is a leadership role. Anyone can assist the Elders, but the Deacons do so in a unique way – as similarly qualified leaders who can help in ways others cannot. When an Elder has a task (such as counseling, distributing benevolence money, or overseeing ministries) that requires an especially trustworthy person who has exemplary character, it is the Deacons’ role to assist with that task.
Deacon Qualities

•	Deacons must be qualified according to the qualification list in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This is to assure that deacons have exemplary character, so the church can profit from following their example.
•	Be invested and faithful in attending church meetings (worship, small groups, corporate prayer, etc)
•	Be eager to serve
•	Be “on board” with the direction of church leadership, both personally and philosophically
•	Be willing to make sacrifices for the spiritual benefit of others
•	Possess at least one of the following:
-	Elder Level Doctrinal Discernment
-	Elder Level Understanding of Agape Philosophy
-	Elder Level Communication Skill
-	Elder Level Wisdom
-	Elder Level Discretion, Sensitivity, and People Skills
-	Elder Level Oversight Ability
-	Elder Level Vision (Ability and Drive to Build a Ministry)
-	Elder Level Leadership Skill
-	Elder Level Organizational/Admin Skill

Begin by requesting a sponsor. This will be a deacon or elder who will seek to encourage you and answer any questions you have along the way.

Stage One: Getting Acquainted 

Stage One of the process (Getting to Know Us and Getting to Know You) is the same as the process for becoming a small group leader, so if you have already completed that process, skip to Stage Two.

□	Read the Agape Distinctives
□	Share your testimony with a pastor and complete the Agape 101 Class
□	Write a 300 to 700 word presentation of the gospel
□	Listen to the Loving God series and keep some journal notes for each one that contains the highlights of the class for future reference in your ministry.
□	Fill out the General Ministry Survey and the Basic Doctrine Survey
□	On a weekly basis, exchange an accountability form or meet with someone else in leadership for accountability (A new partner each year).

Stage two: General Training 

□	Attend a Character Builder and formulate a plan for making progress in the areas of weakness in your character. Discuss this plan with a pastor.
□	Find a ministry where you can serve and demonstrate faithfulness 
□	Participate faithfully in a prayer group
□	Fill out the Deacon Doctrine Survey
□	Fill out the Deacon survey and undergo the congregational interview 

Within one year after becoming a deacon we urge you to listen through the following series if you haven’t already:
□	What is a Church?
□	Jesus’ Pattern for Prayer
□	The Worshipping Church
□	Complete the Biblical Counseling Class and read Wise Counsel, and fill out the Counseling Survey

Stage Three: Customized Training for the Specific Task as Needed 

Deacon Statement of Intent

•	While recognizing that no one perfectly exhibits the qualities of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, after re-reading the character survey, I can say with a clear conscience that I believe I am above reproach and exemplary in each of the qualifications with respect to the body at Agape.

•	I have been and intend to continue to be invested and faithful in attending church meetings (worship, Sunday School, corporate prayer, a small group, etc), 

•	I am eager to serve, and will make every effort to reserve at least 5 hours per week for ministry at ABC outside of Sunday mornings.

•	I support the leadership and approach to ministry at Agape. And when I have questions or concerns, I will bring them to the leadership first, and will not participate in, and will discourage complaining sessions about the church or individuals in the church among the congregation.

•	I am available to assist the Elders in their work to protect their time of study and prayer. 

All teachers at Agape should be committed to continuing education, selecting at least one book and one course per year for further training. 

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