Proposal on Deacons
Central Church of Christ
Amarillo, Texas
9/27/06
Developed by the working group appointed by the elders
Basic Idea
The elders select a group of deacons to manage certain “day to day” affairs of the church. The purpose is to further release the elders from administrative types of concerns to concentrate more on shepherding.
What are the day to day affairs this deacon group needs to manage?
Below is a description of the kind of activities and responsibilities given to the deacon group. Their main role in these areas is oversight and making sure things happen. They may not be the only ones involved in each of these areas, but they are responsible for these areas. They are encouraged to draw on the expertise of other members to get the job done.
Finance
- The current finance committee would be dissolved. Elders would need to tell them about the new plan and thank them for their services.
- A treasurer is nominated by the Management Cluster, and approved by the elders. The treasurer meets with the deacon group and may or may not be one of the deacons.
- The deacon group will:
- Manage all aspects of the church’s finances (budgets, long range financing programs like capital campaigns, bequests, etc.)
- Develop budgets based on criteria determined by the Management Cluster, except ministry budgets which are negotiated among the ministers.
- Seek final approval on the budget from the Management Cluster
- Ensure we are in compliance to appropriate laws (IRS and other)
- Oversee audits and ensures compliance
- Provide reports to the elders when necessary
Maintenance of properties
The deacon group will:
- Be responsible for keeping all church properties in good condition.
- Initiate and authorize major repairs and updates
- Take action on any extraordinary maintenance requirements
- Keep abreast of all laws and regulations affecting church property.
- Review contracts and performance of contractors and vendors.
- Ensure our grounds are kept up.
Future Property Development
The deacon group will have the responsibility of future property development and overseeing the building Masterplan.
Selection of the Deacon Group
- Dan preaches a sermon.
- One Bible class period is dedicated to teaching and nominations. The elders in each class will explain the new role for deacons at Central and allow time for them to complete nomination cards. Card are turned in to the elders
- The elders will listen to class members and take suggestions, ideas, and concerns back to the rest of the elders.
- After a time of prayer, discernment and discussion, the elders select the men they believe have the gifts and calling to the deacon group.
- The elders will select 7 - 9 deacons.
How long do the deacons serve?
Three years (renewable).
Role of the Chairman of the Deacon Group
- Chairs all meetings, sets agendas, and holds deacons accountable.
- Rotates annually
- Meets with the elders regularly (keep communication lines open)
- Participates in all elder meetings, except “elder only” meetings.
- Serves on the Management Cluster (brings reports from the Deacon group)
Role of the Elders
- Shepherd, love, pray for the deacon group
- The elders will approve policies for the Deacon Group - in response to policy proposals from the Management Cluster. (E.g. when setting budgets, the deacon group will not budget less than $8000 per month for COGC). The idea here is that the elders determine what the banks of the river are (the outer limits). Anything in between is fair game.
- The elders will oversee the Deacon Group, while the Management Cluster will hold the deacons responsible for operating within the set parameters.
- The elders will set policies for the Management Cluster (e.g. what is the scope of their authority? What needs to come before the whole eldership, and what can they decide on?)
Role of the Executive Minister in the Deacon group
- The Executive Minister meets with the Deacon Group
- He is the liaison between the Staff and the Deacon Group.
- Oversees Staff expenses and holds them accountable for expenses within their budgets. This removes the need for the treasurer to make decisions on what should or should not be paid for. The treasurer can raise questions or concerns with the Executive Minister.
What are the benefits?
- Releases most of the elders from routine administrative concerns
- Creates a ministry/service opportunity for highly talented members
- It answers the question, “Who are our deacons and what do they do?”
Role of Treasurer
To be determined later based on our corporate charter and the needs of the church.
