Why Deacon Team Ministry?
1. It is Biblical
In Acts 6:1-7, the first deacons are chosen. The first church had grown from 120 (Acts 1:15) to 5000 (Acts 4:4) and it was continuing to multiply. With growth came new complaints (Acts 6:1). However, these complaints would not squash the first church from multiplying—it was a ministry opportunity to call the church together to serve in unity. The solution was to appoint seven deacons (Acts 6:3) who would distribute the daily food to the widows. These seven deacons didn’t just handle daily distribution of food to the church alone—they recruited and administered, making sure the needs of everyone were met.
What were the results of the deacons handling this ministry?—”So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).”
2. Everyone is called to serve
1 Corinthians 12 can be summarized as “diversity of gifts, unity in service.” Every believer has the Holy Spirit, but that same Spirit gives every believer a different gift (1 Cor 12:4). Each spiritual gift is for the benefit of the church, not the believer. Therefore, our spiritual gifts are for the good of the church body and not the individual.
Paul furthers this illustration that the spiritual gifts make up the functions of the church body by explaining that the church is one body with many parts (1 Cor 12:12). Each part must function; we don’t have body parts without a function. Likewise, each member of the church has a function, and we don’t have members without a function. Every part contributes to the effectiveness and wellness of the body, and each member contributes to the effectiveness of ministry and wellness of the church body.
Deacon Teams
1. Shine Ministry Team
When a need arises in the community, Emmaus wants to be a church on a mission to help. This team is looking for volunteers who will respond to community needs with grace, kindness and compassion. Opportunities to serve include the monthly distribution of cleaning and hygiene products at the food bank, food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas and responding to emergency needs such as fire, eviction or other challenging life events. This could involve collecting donated items, packing or distributing Shine bags, or making yourself available to serve in times of crisis.
Message: We are with you during a time of need.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, encouragement, helpfulness, compassion, grace, kindness
2. Acts Ministry Team
Everyone could use a helping hand from time to time. Whether it is cleaning gutters for our senior adults, helping a single mom move, or building/fixing a ramp, Acts Ministry is here to help. Acts is looking for volunteers who can donate Wednesday night to meet some of the bigger jobs, but is also looking for volunteers who can make a friendly visit on their own time and change an air filter or fix a leaky faucet.
Message: We are here to help.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, helps, encouragement, service.
3. Hospitality
Drive to be a church that is not just welcoming, but hospitable. It is more than coffee and donuts; it is about signage around the church and how we make visitors feel when they arrive and worship with us.
Message: Everyone is welcomed here.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, encouragement, hospitality, service.
4. Inactive Members Outreach
The past few years haven’t been easy, and the world’s uncertainties have made daily life difficult. The COVID pandemic and past events in the church have caused many members to physically fall away from the church. The Inactive Members Outreach Team is looking for volunteers to regather members and rebuild fellowship through congregational worship, Sunday school, and small groups. It is not a mission to find out why they left—but to love, support, and uplift in getting them to physically return to regular church attendance and service.
Message: We miss you, we love you, and we will not let you slip away from us so easily.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, encouragement, faith, healing, discernment, intercession, communication, mercy, and wisdom.
5. Life Event Team
This team provides immediate short-term assistance for people within our church family and community who are experiencing a time of crisis and/or upheaval of their normal schedule (hospitalization, illness, birth, death). Assistance will be provided in several ways through meals, gift cards, and supply cooler.
Message: Let us serve you during your life event.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, encouragement, service, hospitality, mercy.
6. Prayer Team
This team stays in touch with those on the prayer list. The team members let them know we are praying for them, update the prayer list, and let the church know about any praises that come out of the prayer. It is important that we become a praying church and understand how the power of prayer allows us to tap into the Holy Spirit.
Message: Today I spoke with God about your needs.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, encouragement, faith, healing, intercession, mercy.
7. Helping Others Team
This team looks after the needs of the congregation, especially our senior adults. This team’s role is to deliver meals to homebound and sick members and non-members who don’t get to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Some of these team members volunteer to help congregational members with doctor visits, pick up prescriptions, etc. In order to protect our senior adults, we ask team members to be background checked before serving, and we do require another background check every 3-5 years.
Message: Let us serve you.
Spiritual Gifts: Administration, encouragement, service, hospitality, mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can serve on a deacon team?
Anyone can—members and non-members, even volunteers from the community! Anyone wanting to partner with Emmaus Baptist Church can help fulfill the mission of reaching others for Christ.
How long do you serve on a team?
As long as you feel called to serve on that team. Not every team requires a weekly commitment—some teams may be monthly, or as the occasion comes. There are teams that fit every kind of schedule and availability.
How do I join a team?
Contact the office by phone, email, or fill out a communication card letting the church know which team you’d like to join. Communication cards can be filled out online at ebcmin.com or put in the offering plate before or after the service on Sundays.
