As we focus on the theme of ONE family this year, a vital part of our Karns family are the deacons. Karns is blessed to have seventeen men serving as deacons, and we give thanks for their service in the Lord’s kingdom.
Jesus Christ is head of the church; however, scripture provides the structure for congregations of the Lord’s church, which is to have elders and deacons. Elders must lead the congregation in accordance with God’s will and give account for each member (Hebrews 13:17). Under the oversight of the elders, deacons are also leaders as they serve and fulfill the roles they were entrusted.
I Timothy 3:8-13 provides the qualifications for deacons. Verse 10 indicates these men are to be tested first, being found blameless before serving as deacon. We are very blessed to have good men serving as deacons at Karns in various areas of responsibilities including worship, missions, SEIBS, community outreach, new converts, youth, education, Lads2Leaders, young adults, college-age, men’s fellowship, maintenance, transportation, property management, computer systems, and sound room. The deacons understand their roles and responsibilities, and the eldership’s goal is to equip and support and not micromanage.
As an example, the eldership supports and has equipped the deacon responsible for the worship schedule, so he can be effective in his role. The elders and Jason want to ensure our worship is conducted in an orderly, God-honoring, thoughtful, and spiritually uplifting manner. Jason does a great job communicating the worship schedule each month through monthly and weekly reminders via the Lightpost app, and he assigns several men each service to ensure all those assigned to serve are near the front and ready. To assist those serving, written guidance can be found attached to each Lightpost and email reminder for each aspect of serving including song leading, scripture reading, prayers, presiding at communion, lessons, devotional talks, ushering, etc. Men, please give your full support to Jason and be prepared, ready, and near the front of the auditorium when it is time to serve.
We give thanks for all the deacons! They work hard to serve God, Christ, and our church family. “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).