What is a deacon?

The office of deacon is a historic office of the Presbyterian Church (USA). In the New Testament, deacons were appointed to care for the distribution of food and other necessities to the poor and needy members of the church (Acts 6:1-6). In Romans 16:1, both women and men served the church as deacons. Other references to deacons are included in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. 

The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) describes the office of deacon as one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It states the duty of deacons, first, is to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, and the friendless and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. (G-6:0401-0402). 

At Three Chopt Presbyterian Church the Board of Deacons was reinstated as an active ministry in the spring of 1989. There are currently 18 deacons each serving a three-year term and one “youth deacon” serving an twelve month term. The primary purpose of the Board of Deacons is to assist the pastors in the pastoral care and nurture needs of the congregation and the community. 

Diaconate Structure

As of May 2011, the Board of Deacons is organized in three working groups that directly support the vision of our church - an Inviting Family of Compassion. This structure enables the diaconate to better serve you, our church and God.

The roles of each group are as follows:

INVITING

• Communicate opportunities to church members & visitors
• Shepherd new members as they join the life of TCPC
• Work with ministry teams to engage long term members
• Support outreach, recruiting, & connecting opportunities
• Facilitate & share “Time & Talent” information

FAMILY

• Connect families with like interests to life of the church
• Communication, reminders, & announcements
• Address special needs of ‘life stages’ such as College Students, Young adults, Raising Young Children/teens, Caring for aging parents, etc.

COMPASSION

• Provide care during a crisis & joys
• Provide & organize food as appropriate
• Visit members in homes, hospitals & nursing homes
• Write notes & cards to church members to celebrate joys and share concerns

DIACONATE ORGANIZATION

The leader of the Diaconate is the Moderator. In addition, there are three Vice-Moderators, one over each of the three groups, “Inviting”, “Family”, and “Compassion”. Several deacons will be in each group, chosen based on their individual talents, skills and interest. Deacons may rotate among groups throughout their term.

Please refer to the Deacon Pictorial Board in the Upstairs Fellowship Hall to become familiar with the Diaconate leadership and the Deacons in each group.

To contact the Diaconate for any reason, call the Moderator or any of the Vice-Moderators. Also, you can call the church secretary to request a call from the Diaconate.