Today, our church will ordain deacons during the service. The title might be unfamiliar, but an “ordained deacon” is a permanent deacon who has been ordained through the vote of the male members of the church, while an “associate deacon” is a deacon who is appointed by the church as deemed appropriate. The title “collaborative ordained deacon” is used for someone who was ordained as a deacon in another church until they are officially ordained at the current church.
Our church is generally a young congregation, and due to frequent turnover of members, we have been careful in appointing deacons. As a result, the proportion of deacons compared to the size of the congregation is relatively small. However, now that the number of people who are committed and love the church is growing, we are planning to increase both the number and variety of positions.

Today, as 17 new deacons are appointed, the total number of deacons in our church, including the existing ones, will be 45. Although not all churches may operate the same way, from my previous experience, when appointing deacons, the primary criterion is regular attendance at worship and faithful tithing. These were the basic requirements of a church leader.

In our church, most members have been young, so there weren’t many to appoint, but as the congregation grows older, we want to appoint those who are committed enough to be considered spiritual elders in the church. For that reason, we set several criteria. First, they must be consistent in attending worship and faithfully practicing tithing, which are fundamental responsibilities for church members. Second, since the original meaning of “deacon” is to serve as a servant, they should already be consistently engaged in significant ministry within the church, not just holding a title. While it is understandable if some may take a break after childbirth or to avoid burnout, they are expected to continuously serve the congregation.

Third, they must be church-centred. They should value the unity of the church and support it through prayer. While personal and family matters are important, if they overlap with church activities, they should be willing to put the church’s needs first, sometimes even at the expense of their own. Fourth, they should be spiritual parents to the congregation, caring for the members. There are many young people who are struggling alone, especially since we are overseas, so there are many who need emotional and spiritual support.

As a pastor, I too have many shortcomings, and deacons are no different. I can’t claim that any of them fully meet all the criteria mentioned above, but those who have quietly and faithfully served the church for a long time, even behind the scenes, will be appointed as deacons in our church. Therefore, I hope that our congregation will respect and follow the deacons, considering them as fathers and mothers in the church.

A healthy church is one where authority is established in a proper manner. It’s not a military-style authority, but rather the like how parents use their authority to protect and guide their children, and the children, despite the imperfections of their parents, respect and follow that authority. I hope our church can become like a family too.
“So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honour people like him” (Philippians 2:29) “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.” (1 Corinthians 16:18)