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In accordance with the meaning of the Word and practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. Also, they shall:
address unusual requests or circumstances for use of facilities, including weddings and funerals, and for termination of membership in conjunction with the pastor
arrange for the temporary pastoral ministry and take counsel with reference to securing a pastor in any period when the church is without a pastor
be free to call upon any member of the church to aid in disciplinary action
be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the church in bonds of peace
call a special meeting of the church
call an emergency meeting of the church for matters requiring immediate attention
establish and maintain personal fraternal relations with, and inspiring oversight of, all the membership of the church by proper organization and method among themselves
have oversight of a candidate for membership along with the pastor
have oversight of the discipline of the church in counsel with the pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, and be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
organize themselves as the membership committee to ensure the membership indoctrination requirements are effectively and promptly administered
provide for pulpit supplies in case of absence or inability of the pastor to serve, subject to advice from and conference with him
serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church
serve as a general Finance Committee, in cooperation with the Budget and Stewardship Committee
serve, when necessary, as an Interim Pastor and Ministerial Staff Selection Committee
Further, the deacon chairperson or vice-chairperson shall preside over church business meetings in the absence of the moderator.
The whole body of active deacons shall be organized as a unit for the consideration of all larger problems and general policies, and shall meet regularly at such time as the group may agree upon, and may meet in special session at the call of the pastor, the chairperson of deacons, or the call of one-fourth of the members of the group. They shall elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary. They shall be elected for a period of one year. They may organize themselves into such committees as their wisdom may direct for efficiency.
Each deacon shall freely confer with the pastor about all matters and cases of discipline which to his judgment would be most wisely and spiritually handled in private.
There shall be twelve deacons. Current deacons are Mike Plank--Secretary, Greg Sain, Craig Spencer, and Harold Wright (2004); Nick Austell, Max Blanton, Alan Hardin, and Gene McCurry--Chair (2005); and Bill Cameron--Vice-Chair, Bert Crawford, Joe Hopson, and Bob Melton (2006).
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