DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and Responsibility

The primary responsibility of the Deacon Board is to assist the Senior Leadership so that they can give themselves to prayer, fasting and teaching the Word of God. When structured according to scripture, the deacon’s role can be a great asset to any ministry as they will alleviate some of the pressure a pastor can feel if he or she is working in too many capacities. It is our desire that each deacon fully embrace the responsibility of the deacon’s ministry. Then, and only then, will you reap the blessing and satisfaction of knowing that you have pleased the Father.

I. WATCHERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH One major area of responsibility for the Deacon Board is that of a “watcher”. They must be watchers over the Word of God and the men and women who have been chosen to feed the flock. God has given this ministry an awesome task. We are reformers! We have been hand picked by God to manifest His heart and mind for the Church. As with anything God gives His people to do, there will be much opposition from the enemy. Therefore, we must walk in holiness in order to see the enemy, know his plan of attack and know how to destroy his efforts against us. The devil wants to stop the influence of the Word of God. That has always been his purpose and it still is. The Father will speak a word and the devil will send his agents, soon after, to oppose that word. This was his tactic in the Garden of Eden when he convinced Eve that she could disobey God and live. God’s instructions to both Adam and Eve was not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:17).

Then came the serpent and contradicted what God had told them.

Genesis 3:1-5

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan is a deceiver! He is a liar! He will not and cannot change. Therefore, we cannot afford to be ignorant of his plans and the devices he uses to discourage the saints and prevent the lost from receiving the Word of God. We must be vigilant and on the offensive. We must watch what enters the household of faith because Satan will send people into the congregation whose sole purpose is to fight against the leader and/or the leadership staff. He will send in his agents to cause division and to keep strife among the saints. He will sow seeds of discord and clicks will flourish throughout the congregation if the “watchers” are not on guard. These satanic forces must be dealt with through prayer that is motivated by love and a desire to see the purposes of God prevail. We are in a spiritual battle with a spiritual enemy. We must fight his spirit with the Holy Spirit. We must be skilled in dealing with those whom the devil uses; for our purpose is to love the individual but to uncover how the enemy uses them.

II. MAINTAINING ORDER It is the responsibility of the Deacon Board to work along with the Hospiticians to maintain order throughout the entire service. Distractions such as excessive walking and talking should be addressed in a polite and pleasant manner. The deacons and the hospiticians should work with one another to ensure that the people are not robbed of what God desires to do in their hearts because of distractions and unnecessary interruptions. In an effort to ensure that each member and guests visit to any BTI function is an enjoyable one, we have put the following guidelines in place to ensure this end. Responsibilities of the Deacons Ministry include the following:

Be a living example of a life that has been transformed by the Risen Christ. Teach / Expound on the Word of God, Watchers of the Household of Faith, Conduct Prayer (in the sanctuary and online), Host / Conduct an entire service, Conduct Communion, Receive the Offering, Prepare the sanctuary for each service, Clean the sanctuary after each service, Spear head special projects when needed under the direction of the Senior Pastor. These guidelines apply not only at church services but also at prayer meetings, leadership meetings, concerts, plays, etc.

1. Dealing with the Spirit of Violence: There have been times when people have entered the sanctuary with the intent of dealing violently with a leader or a member of the congregation. The deacons must be watchful and discerners of those whose intents are not godly. The deacons must be watchful of those who:

A. Enter the sanctuary with the intent to do harm to someone. As far-fetched as it may seem, there are those who will enter the church with a weapon (knife, gun, bat, etc.) with the intent of using it. The deacons must be watchful as well as prayerful. The deacons should immediately listen for direction from the Holy Spirit on how to diffuse the situation. It is so important that the deacons not attempt to deal with any matter after the flesh. The enemy loves when this happens because it furthers his purpose. Your physical size and boastful speaking does not intimidate the devil. His works are arrested only when Christ is on the scene. Do not try to be a hero. Remember purpose and think of the safety of the congregation, the perpetrator and yourself.

B. Enter the sanctuary to argue with someone. This actually happened at one of our churches.

A gentleman came into the sanctuary and asked to speak with a certain leader, the leader was pointed out to him and the gentleman walked up in the pulpit and began to argue with the leader. Thank God that the leader had enough wisdom to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and the situation was quickly diffused. However, we must still be mindful and aware of what is entering the Household of Faith. With this in mind, we ask that the following guidelines be followed when someone who is obviously agitated or angry asks to see or speak with someone from senior leadership. If a stranger or someone that we get a check in our spirit about asks to see one of the leaders, then a deacon should politely introduce him or herself to the person, ask what their name is and what the nature of their visit is. Once they tell you why they need to see the leader, kindly ask them to wait in the foyer, lobby or office while you go and inform the leader that they have a visitor. If a person refuses to tell you the nature of their visit, then do not pry because it may be a personal matter.

However, do not allow them to go to the leader. The leader should come to them, unless you are instructed otherwise by the leader. If a person becomes irate or argumentative because you do not allow them to go to the leader, or if the leader refuses to see them, do not argue with them. At this point, if the deacon is a female, she should immediately find a male deacon, explain the situation and allow him to deal with the matter. The male deacon should explain to the person that it is our policy that the leader comes to them, or that the leader is unable to speak with them at this time. If they are still argumentative, then kindly ask them to leave the premises. If they refuse to (One major area of responsibility for the Deacon is that of a “watcher.”) leave, do not panic or respond in a negative manner due to fear. It is also important not to move into pride and try to deal with the situation in the flesh. That will most certainly spell disaster. Petition the Holy Spirit for help.

Remember, He knows what is before Him and is never taken by surprise. We must trust in the ability of the Holy Spirit to deal with everything in His presence. Your heart must remain pure so that if need be, you will be a vessel through whom He can flow. If the person refuses to follow your instructions and you discern that the situation is not getting better, then it may become necessary to do one of the following:

1. get another deacon or leader to handle the situation, or

2. call the police to have the person removed from the premises.

2. Dealing with the Mentally Challenged: The Deacons must be mindful of the mentally challenged, those who are on special medications and alcoholics. Some medications and alcohol can influence people to behave in a strange or even violent manner. Once again, this happened at one of our churches. A gentleman, who was mentally challenged and in need of his medication, was walking excessively during the service, and when asked by the bishop to take a seat he refused and got very angry.

The bishop was in the middle of making an altar call but had to stop and deal with the situation. This should not be. The deacons must be mindful of what is going on in the service. The following guidelines should be observed when dealing with situations of this nature. Your approach:

1. Approach the individual in a loving and cautious manner; being mindful that this person’s behavior could turn violent at any moment. Introduce yourself and ask the individual to step into the lobby, lounge, foyer or office. However, make certain to take another deacon with you as a witness.

2. Inquire as to what the problem is and how you may help. Ask them if they are with someone. If yes, then have someone get the person or persons that accompanied them to the service. If the person or persons that accompanied the individual to the service is able to handle the situation then allow them to do so.

3. If the person is alone, then try to settle the matter peacefully. If they agree to calm down and not be a distraction, then allow him or her to return to the service. If they refuse to calm down and you discern that they will continue to be disruptive to the service, then ask them if there is someone they would like for you to call to come and pick them up. If not, then you may have to politely ask them to leave the premises.

Note: Be led by the Holy Spirit. If He leads you to counsel the individual or pray for them, then do so. However, always have another deacon or minister with you as a witness.

3. Settling Disputes It is the responsibility of the deacons to intervene when you witness someone getting out of control with a leader, a hospitician, an MIA, a PSA or any other member or guest in the congregation. Your approach:

1. If you are unknown to either person, then introduce yourself.

2. Ask if everything is alright and if your help is needed. Ask what the problem is and how may you help. (Do not be presumptuous by assuming you know what the problem is).

3. Do not take sides, but allow all parties to explain the matter as they perceive it.

4. Listen and discern as they speak.

5. Listen for the wisdom and direction of the Holy Spirit to bring peace to the situation and proceed as He instructs you.

III. PRE-SERVICE SET-UP A deacon should arrive at the sanctuary 30 minutes prior to the start of each service to carry out the following:

1. Turn on all lights. Turn on all Air Conditioning units.
2. Turn on ceiling fans when needed.
3. Straighten all chairs in the sanctuary.
4. Vacuum the floor of the sanctuary.
5. Empty all large, full and/or smelly garbage receptacles and fill with new liner.
6. Put cones in designated places in the parking lot.
7. Make certain that the technicians have already tested all sound and broadcasting equipment, Videowalls, etc.

IV. POST-SERVICE CLEAN UP At the completion of each service or scheduled function at the sanctuary, the deacons should do the following:

1. Turn off all Air Conditioning units.

2. Turn off all ceiling and floor fans.

3. Make certain that the technicians have properly turned off all sound and broadcasting equipment, Videowalls, etc.

5. Return all chairs and tables set up for children’s church to their proper place.

6. Straighten all chairs in the sanctuary.

7. Vacuum the floor of the sanctuary.

8. Empty all large, full and/ or smelly garbage receptacles and replace with a new liner. All garbage cans should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a month or as needed.

9. Turn off all lights in the building that are not in use. If they are in use (i.e., someone in a meeting) then it is the responsibility of the deacons to assign someone from that meeting to turn off the lights upon completion of the meeting.

10. Lock all doors. If someone is remaining in the building (i.e., for a meeting) then the deacons should designate someone from that meeting to lock all doors upon exiting the building.

11. Retrieve all cones from the parking lot and return them to their proper place.

Additional Responsibilities:

a. All fluorescent lights should be checked regularly and all blown bulbs should be replaced with new ones.

b. Periodically check all outside bulbs and replace blown bulbs with new ones.

c. Make certain that we keep paper towels and toilet tissue in stock. Funds will be provided by the ministry.

d. The Deacons should do periodic checks of the parking lot to ensure that all is well. For safety reasons, the parking lot should be checked by at least 2 deacons per inspection.

e. All carpets should be cleaned every 4 months or as needed. Funds will be provided by the ministry.

f. Make certain that all vacuum cleaners are operational at all times. Vacuum bags and belts should be purchased as needed.

g. Communicate to the landlord any repairs to the building (inside and out) that he or she is responsible for. (i.e., Air conditioning unit, leaky roof, storm shutters, structural damage, etc.)

V. OFFERINGS The Main Offering :The following are the guidelines that should be followed when receiving the MAIN offering.

1. Make certain that you have everyone’s attention. If people are talking or if there is excessive walking; politely ask them to stop so that the offering can be ministered.

2. Pleasantly encourage the congregation to give their tithes and offerings. You can also state that their generous giving is what supports the ministry financially and enable us to meet our financial obligations.

3. At times, it may be necessary to inform the people of the budget so that they will know the amount you are trying to raise. As of January 2023, our budget is as follows:

4. Keep in mind that the above totals may change due to an increase in our monthly expenditures for rent, electric and / or special projects such as the building fund.

5. Remember to ask for monies for current projects such as building fund, reformation pledges, etc.

6. Remember to ask the congregation to raise their hand for tithe and love offering envelopes. It is also a good idea to remind the congregation from time to time to legibly print their name, and contribution amount on their envelope.

7. When broadcasting encourage the online church members and visitor’s to give an offering. Instruct them to return to the Bible Teachers website and click on donations to make a contribution.

8. All checks should be made payable to Bible Teachers International or their BTI respective locations. Thank the people for their generous giving.

10. Pray over the offering.

2. The Reformation Offering The following are the guidelines that should be followed when receiving the reformation offering.

1. State the purpose for the offering: This offering goes directly to our Global Training Center in Leesburg, Florida. It helps with the expenses they incur by being the center that hosts all major conferences (World Conference, School of the Prophets, Gathering of the Sons, Fast Tracks, etc.) and the global distributor to all Mary Banks Ministries Worldwide.

2. Ask for a specific dollar amount: ($5.00 per week or $20 a month) This sets a guideline for their giving and let's them know that you have a budget to reach. Although you are asking for a specific dollar amount, do not make the people feel as if their offering is not appreciated if they do not give the amount asked for.

3. It is also important to state, for the sake of our visitors, that this is not our main offering.

4. Remember to ask those who have their food items to bring them forward and encourage the people to continue to bring in food items.

5. Remember to ask for monies for current projects such as building fund, reformation pledges, etc.

6. Remember to ask the congregation to raise their hand for tithe and love offering envelopes. It is also a good idea to remind the congregation from time to time to legibly print their name, and contribution amount on their envelope.

7.When broadcasting encourage the online church members and visitor’s to give an offering. Instruct them to return to the Bible Teachers website and click on donations to make a contribution.

8. All checks should be made payable to Bible Teachers International or BTI. Thank the people for their generous giving.

9. Pray over the offering. .

The Outreach Offering The following are the guidelines that should be followed when receiving the outreach offering.

1. State the purpose for the offering: This offering is used to aid our ministers on their missionary journeys. You may inform them of recent or pending journeys. People are more open to give when they know what their money is being used for and the good that is produced as a result of their giving.

2. Ask for a specific dollar amount: (usually $5) This sets a guideline for their giving and lets them know that you have a budget to reach. Although you are asking for a specific dollar amount, do not make the people feel as if their offering is not appreciated if they do not give five dollars or decide not to give at all. Do not ask for more than $5 unless you are directed to do so by the Senior Pastor.

3. It is also important to state, for the sake of our visitors, that this is not our main offering.

4. Remember to ask those who have their food items to bring them forward and encourage the people to continue to bring in food items.

5. Thank the people for their generous giving

KEY POLICY: Only the Senior Pastor can have keys to the sanctuary and offices copied. Only the Senior Pastor can distribute keys. It is against church policy for deacons to loan keys to any Bible Teachers International facility to anyone.

GUIDELINES FOR JR. DEACONS WHO ARE STILL IN ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL

A. Must display Christ-like character toward teachers and fellow classmates.

B. Must deal honestly (no lying, stealing, cheating on tests, quizzes or exams).

C. Must receive satisfactory grades in behavior. Bible Teachers International will not reward disrespect for authority. Those deacons who continually choose to be defiant or disrespectful to their parents, teachers, principal, bus driver or guidance counselors will be asked to resign from the Deacon Board. Jr. Deacons will not be allowed to wreak havoc at school or at home and work in the service of the Lord.

D. Must maintain a C average or better in all classes. We do understand that every child’s comprehension and level of understanding is different.

We simply ask that you put forth an honest effort and apply yourself to your studies. A grade of F implies that little or no effort was applied. This is not acceptable. If you are having difficulty with a particular area of study, inform your parents, guidance counselor or your deacon board president so that help can be sought. THERE IS NO SHAME IN ADMITTING THAT YOU NEED HELP. It is a shame, however, to need help and be too proud or just not care enough to seek it. Must show report card to the auxiliary president upon receipt.

Service Day: Service Time: Budget:

Sunday 9:00 a.m. $3,500.0

Wednesday 7:30 p.m. $1,000.0

Friday 8:00 PM $1,500.00

Weekly Budget: $6,000.00