Update Fall 2025
The elders have reviewed all recommendations and spoken with the nominees to determine their interest and availability. The result is that we are recommending the following deacon candidates:
- Nate Askren
- John Boggan
- Nathan Farquharson
- Jon Grindell
- Paul Johnson
- Michael McFall
- Jonathan Perelman
- Zane Roper
- Matt Smith
We are grateful for each candidate and glad to nominate them for service at Immanuel. We trust they will be a great help to everyone as they work to provide for the practical needs of our members.
We invite you now to pray about these candidates and to join us at our next Family Meeting, October 19th, where we will vote for their reception.
As always, if you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
1. What is a Deacon?
A deacon is a servant. Often the word is translated generally as “servant” and refers to someone who carries out the commands of another (e.g., Matthew 20:25-28). In this sense, every follower of Christ is a small “d” deacon. That is, we are servants who do not look after our own needs but attend to the needs of each other and ultimately the Lord.
A Deacon is an office of the church. Occasionally, the word is translated “Deacon” and refers to an office/role assigned to a person by the church (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:8-13). (We believe there are two offices of a local church: elder/pastor and deacon.)
2. What do deacons do?
Deacons coordinate and specialize in the practical needs of the church (especially the physical/material needs) allowing pastors/elders to prioritize the spiritual needs of the church. (See, for example, Acts 6:1-7.)
3. What will Immanuel Deacons do?
Benevolence-first deacons. Based on the example given in Acts 6 (and even the nature of the word/title itself, which is often associated with serving food, drink, etc… cf. Matthew 25:44), Immanuel will prioritize serving the church through benevolence (i.e., meeting the physical and financial needs of members).
Task-oriented deacons. In this model, deacons are not a governing body/board within the church. Rather they focus on the practical needs in the church. And in this model, deacons are seen as servants who assist the church and the elders in whatever seems necessary. Their job description would include benevolence and care for the sick, but it may also include church finances, technical help, building maintenance, and so forth.
4. What should a Deacon be like?
Consider what Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:8–13:
“[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. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
We also take into account the description of the seven servants chosen in Acts 6:3. They were described as men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.