Sugar Creek Baptist Church

DEACON CHAIRMAN’S COMMITTEE REPORT
Sugar Creek Baptist Church
Annual Business Meeting – January 31, 2010

As we consider this past year of 2009, many of the days seemed to have passed in the twinkling of an eye, while others seemed to have passed as slowly as the days before Christmas to a five year old.  In many ways 2009 was different from most other years; a new presidential administration, economic uncertainties, high unemployment, wars and rumors of wars, the list goes on.  Yet, in many ways 2009 was no different from any other year.  We are reminded of King Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 1:9:

What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again; 

there is nothing new under the sun. (NIV)

Despite such uncertain times, we know that God remains on his throne and in control and continues to work in all things.

It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as chairman of your Deaconate this past year.  The level of competence, commitment, love for Sugar Creek Baptist Church (“SCBC”), and love for the body of Christ expressed and shown in these men’s words and actions is humbling.  I count it as an incredible blessing to be associated with men who so boldly and effectively live for Christ; they are my friends, mentors, and counselors.  I am thankful for each of them. 

The Bylaws of SCBC state that we, the Deaconate, report directly to the church membership, not to the Senior Pastor, not to a Committee, not to a manager, but to the church membership.  The Deaconate is not a “governing board”, but rather a group of men seeking to serve the Church and the pastoral staff, while helping to maintain unity and protecting the overall welfare of the Church.  Pastor Hartman has said that when considering who might be nominated for the position of a deacon at SCBC, we should look not for men who want to begin doing those things a deacon does (which is to serve the Church), but to find those that are already doing that.  Deacons also seek to help preserve the basic Biblical doctrines of the Church, and making decisions in accordance with the purpose of the Church.  Deacons work in coordination with and seek the counsel of the Pastors and Committees in a manner consistent with the purpose of the Church.

In the 2008 Annual Meeting, church members elected by secret ballot, 31 new, Active Deacons.  That election nearly doubled the then existing number of Deacons at SCBC. Throughout the remainder of 2008 and early 2009, most of those new Deacons attended ordination preparation classes conducted by Pastor Emeritus, Dr. J. Dalton Havard.  Each new Deacon, who had not been previously ordained, was then examined by a Deacon Examination Board, led by Pastor Hartman, to confirm their understanding of and belief in the foundational Christian doctrines and their commitment to SCBC. Those new Deacons who passed the examination (a total of 20) were ordained on May 3, 2009. 

There are currently 81 Active Deacons.  This larger number has allowed us to increase the size and effectiveness of the seven existing Deacon Ministry Teams, as well as to allow the formation of an eighth Deacon Ministry Team, the Jobs Ministry Team.
Each Active Deacon serves on at least one of these eight Deacon Ministry Teams.  Each team has specific areas of responsibility.  Many teams include non-Deacons, who serve as valuable, contributing team members.

The eight Deacon Ministry Teams (DMTs) and their areas of service are:

1. WELCOMING: Provides a first point-of-contact to enhance the experience of visitors to Sugar Creek.
2. 
ALTAR MINISTRY: Assists staff in meeting spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of members and guests during invitation time at each Sunday Morning Worship Service.
3. 
BENEVOLENCE: Works with Minister of Pastoral Care and alongside 2nd Mile Ministries to provide immediate individual and family assistance.
4. 
HOSPITAL VISITATION: Coordinates with Church staff visitation of members in area hospitals.

5. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Helps meet special needs of members including widows, widowers, orphans, single parents, nursing home and homebound.
6. 
DEACON COMMUNICATIONS / SUPPORT: In addition to serving the Lord’s Supper, upon request, assists church staff other DMTs in meeting church needs; also builds awareness within our church body and the local community of servant services available through our various Ministry teams.
7. 
BEREAVEMENT: Provides care/support for family members in event of the death of a loved one.
8. JOBS: Provides counsel and job search skills through seminars and one-on-one counseling to those individuals seeking new employment.

Deacon Elections
Now, to tonight’s business of electing new Deacons. I want to thank Joe David Brown and his Deacon Nominating Committee for their time and effort in interviewing and examining this very find group of nominees for consideration.
Each SCBC member present will receive a ballot. Each ballot contains the names of:
Two (2) Inactive Deacons who desire to return to Active status:
Bob Chaddrick, Craig Cockerham


Four (4) New Deacon Candidates - Each new nominee completed the application process, was interviewed, approved and now recommended by the Deacon Nominating Committee:
Christopher “Chris” Henry, Rolland “Rollie” Kunc, Willard B. Sims, Homer V. Stewart
            
Thank you for your attention.  May God continue to bless Sugar Creek Baptist Church.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Milton Fick
Chairman, Deacons