Church Officers

The word Deacon simply means a “servant“. In the King James Version it appeared only in Philippians 1:1 and four (4) times in 1 Timothy 3. However, the Greek word so rendered occurred 30 times in the New Testament. (The office of a Deacon administering general services of the church as in Colossians 1:7, 23, 25.) This is in reference to Epaphras who was apparently a Deacon. Titus duties were further clarified in Romans 15:25 and II Corinthians 8:4.

The office of the Deacon officially began in Acts 6:1-8. It should be noted that these men who were elected, were elected neither for their financial or social positions nor for their educational qualifications nor talents but rather for their spiritual qualifications.

Qualifications of a Deacon

1. Not a novice. (I Timothy 3:6) He must be saved and a member of our church in good standing for at least one year. (I Timothy 3:10)
2. Not double-tongued. (I Timothy 3:8) He must neither talk about the problems of others, nor the church nor spread criticisms to the church, to other deacons, or other officers or to the Pastor. His problem within himself and with others must be resolved by coming to the person concerned. He is not to use other deacons or a church meeting as forum for disputes.
3. He is not a wine drinker. (I Timothy 3:8) He must be free of vices. He must be an example of a changed life.
4. He must not be greedy of filthy lucre. (I Timothy 3:12) He must not be a lover of money. He must be able to express this in giving His tithe. Every deacon, all church officers, with all the other members of the church staff must lead the list of tithers in the church.
5. He must be a husband of one wife. (I Timothy 3:12) He must not be divorced or separated. Divorced or separated people can work and be active n any area of the church but he cannot serve as a Deacon.
6. He must have a godly family. (I Timothy 3;12) His children and his only wife must be Christian. His only wife, especially, must be a good example to others. She must not be critical of others and must not spread gossip against others. She must be faithful in all things. (I Timothy 3:11)
7. He is a faithful trustee of the faith. (I Timothy 3:9) A deacon must know the doctrines of the Scriptures and must stand for them all the time. He must not be swayed by every wing of doctrine that comes along.

Specific Duties of a Deacon

1. To assist the pastor in Communion service.
2. To lead in the ushering services of the church, showing hospitality to all visitors and members alike.
3. To visit the sick and shut-in members of the church particularly those in his areas of responsibility.
4. To get a visitation zone and take responsibility for all members and visitors in the area. Deaths, sicknesses, calamities and special needs are to be reported immediately to the pastor’s office for immediate action and attention. He is to assist the Pastor in meeting the needs of the people.
5. To serve as counselor during invitations. A Deacon should be the first one to come forward and be ready to receive those coming for specific need. He must serve as counselor, deal with and pray for those coming for help.
6. To visit the absentees in the church and to encourage the newcomers in the community to com to the church.
7. To help maintain the solemnity of the church services. It is the responsibility of the deacons to assist in controlling unnecessary noise and to stop all that will disturb the worship activity of the church.
8. To arrange and sponsor Evangelistic activities in his respective zone.
9. To know every member and every Christian in his respective zone and use him/her n reaching his community for Christ.
10. To be a member of a Sunday School class and assist the Sunday School teacher in teaching and class administration.
11. To know and study the doctrines of the church and teach them to others. He must be able to know what we believe, why we believe it and defend the same.
12. To set a good example in all areas of life. The life of a Deacon should b an encouragement and inspiration to all people.
13. To take care of the physical needs of all church members. He is to handle the humanitarian ministries of the church

Qualifications

1. Must be born again and an active member of the church of good standing for more than one year.
2. Must be willing to work and sacrifice time to count and record the offering together with the auditor and financial secretary.
3. Must be morally upright.
4. Must be a good example in all areas of Christian living.
5. Must be a tither, must honestly and faithfully give tithes to the Lord through the church he/she is serving.

Duties of the Treasurer

1. Must count the offering after every service together with the auditor and financial secretary.
2. Must keep an accurate record and account of all the offerings.
3. Must help in the issuance of receipts to all givers to the church.
4. Must help in the issuance of annual letter to all givers to the church indicating their personal giving for the previous year. This financial statement is to be issued during the month of January but not later than February.
5. Must keep an accurate account and record of all money deposited in the bank.
6. Must prepare monthly financial report indicating the income and disbursements of the church to be submitted to the pastor.
7. Must release money only with the authorization of the pastor.
8. Must keep record of special offerings and make sure that such designated funds reach the people concerned.
9. Must update financial filing system and ledger book of account always ready for the examination of the elected auditor.
10. Must make weekly copy of the financial statement of the church and furnish the pastor a copy of such for reference and study.
    

Qualifications of the auditor are similar to that of the treasurer.

1. Must assist in the counting and recording of all offerings, working with the treasurer.
2. Must assist in the issuance of receipts and the checking of all records, making sure that all entries are properly made and all disbursements are properly recorded.
3. Must go through the church book of accounts monthly and assist the treasurer in making the annual financial report.
4. Must make an annual audit of the church book of accounts and assist the treasurer in making the annual financial report.

The qualifications of the secretary are similar to that of the treasurer and the other officers of the church.

1. The duties of the assistant secretary are to assist the secretary in the accomplishment of her specified duties and to assume responsibility in the event of the inability of the secretary to accomplish her duties.
2. Must record all the proceedings of church meetings.
3. Must keep all the records if the church.
4. Must work with the secretaries of all church departments and consolidate all records.
5. Must record all the names, dates, addresses and other matters concerning all people baptized, dedicated, and wed in the church.
6. Must keep an updated record of all members of the church and coordinate the same with the church office.