7 Steps to Becoming an Acts 6 Deacon

This book gives you an understanding of the different aspects of being a deacon beyond the questions you would be asked during your panel interview before ordination. This book discusses other aspects of being a deacon, which are rarely discussed, like creating a positive relationship with your pastor as well as maintaining a balanced ministry and home life.

Most leadership positions in the church do not have specific formalized training set aside to develop a leader initially, as well as a follow-up to further their understanding of their new or existing position. Opportunities are not provided for continual learning to remain relevant in the ministry and to that local church body. Leadership training should not be a one-time Saturday event, and then you're placed in the position with no additional training or continual mentorship. Training should be ongoing and updated often to not only enhance our leadership skills but to evolve with our ever-changing world. This book will provide you with the training to keep you relevant in your ministry.

The Bible stays the same, but cultures, the views of people, the economy, and technology all change. The church should be aware of those changes and stay relevant to provide a way to salvation discipleship. The depths of our understanding of God changes as we grow closer to Him and become more mature in our faith. Remember, the Word of God stays the same, but the revelation and illumination of those words differ because you look at it through a different set of lenses. When you mature in Christ and have a better understanding of the Bible, God reveals an in-depth understanding of His Word to you.

I have been very fortunate during my career to take advantage of my undergraduate degrees in church leadership and counseling, along with the twenty-eight years in management, before retiring from one of the largest transportation companies in the world, teaching leadership to those new to their position and helping others sharpen their skills to better manage their teams. I have a certification as a growth coach from Dr. Sam Chand’s Dream Release leadership program, which has enhanced the leadership of many pastors, assisting them in selecting and managing the right leaders to fulfill the vision God gave to them.

Since 1989, I have taught leadership teams within the church for many different Christian denominations. This training has helped pastors and deacons alike to understand how deacons can help pastors care for the congregation as God intended for them to do. Additionally, I have certifications in human resources and paralegal studies, and I am a P.O.S.T.-certified police chaplain in the state of Georgia, teaching police recruits; these skills enhanced my abilities as a church leader and teacher for pastors, deacons, and lay leaders.

Historically, after the ordination panel interview, the candidates are rarely inspired to go back and discuss the questions to further their education and training as a deacon. Those called to be a minister are licensed and then further their education and training before their ordination as reverend. Most times, you must go to school and obtain a degree before you're ordained as a reverend. Unfortunately, in the role of deacon, those opportunities for additional training are not readily available, because once ordained, you move to the front pew and are assigned leadership tasks that are prayerfully in alignment with your spiritual gifts. It's important that we understand the selection of a deacon, as well as the qualifications for deacons listed in 1 Timothy 3:8–10, 12; 1 Timothy 3:11 states the qualifications for a deacon’s wife, which at times are ignored, because the church wants that person as a deacon so much they overlook these biblical requirements. This book will cover seven different areas deacons should cover in their training and keep up to remain effective in their role as a deacon.