DEACONESS MINISTRY
Mission:
  • Evangelize to the unsaved and unchurched.
  • To spiritually educate the ministry to serve as the female spiritual servant-leaders and laypersons for the Pastor, Deacon Ministry and the Israel Baptist Church.
  • To be spiritual caregivers within the body of Christ and throughout the community.


Purpose:
  • To serve as the female spiritual servant-leaders to the Pastor and Deacons Ministry.
  • To assist female candidates for baptizing.
  • To assist in counseling and evangelizing to the new female converts.
  • To minister to the female congregants of the Israel Baptist Church.
  • To minister to the sick and bereaved.


Vision:
  • To spread the gospel to the unsaved and unchurched.
  • To be the female servant leaders to minister to the needs of the congregants and community; to give Christian care during a crisis.
  • To religiously educate the community through evangelizing.
  • To partner with IBC ministries in workshops, activities, mission projects and fellowships.
Deaconess of the Baptist Church:
PHOEBE (Noteworthy Servant – name means “BRIGHT”)

Romans 16:1-2; Philippians 4:13; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; 1 John 3:16-20 “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her nay help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.” (Romans 16:1-2)

PHOEBE was known as a servant (Greek word translated: deaconess) and a helper. Apparently she was a wealthy person who helped support Paul’s ministry. She was highly regarded in the church. As a helper, Phoebe was gracious, humble, courteous, Christian aid to the pastor in bringing aid, counsel, comfort and understanding to those in special need.

PHOEBE:
  • Was the first deaconess in the early church.
  • Referred to as the assistant to the deacon.
  • Also known as "Succorer" - means "helper".
  • Served the church in various capacities.

Why and How Deaconess Were Chosen
  • Became necessary in the early church (New Testament).
  • To perform the duties necessary that the men of the church cannot.
  • Set apart for the work of God's Kingdom.
  • To serve as the female spiritual Servant Leaders to the Pastor and Deacons.
  • Important part in the development of Christian and humane duties of the church.
  • To assist female candidates in the baptizing services.
  • To minister in special capacities.
    • Minister to the sick and bereaved female members.
    • Perform other duties in the interest of the female members of the church.


The Deaconess Ministry is not a "SOCIAL CLUB"
  • Togetherness is key - for the uplifting and the enhancing of the spiritual matters of the church.
  • Our presence at church should be:
    • An opportunity to leave all world activities, associations, affiliations and thoughts behind us.
    • Drawn into the sacred presence of God to do His work.
  • We should be about our Father's business.


Qualifications of a Deaconess
  • Spirit-filled women of the church.
  • Members in good and regular standing.
  • Devoted, committed and dedicated.
  • Discreet and confidential.
  • Must attend Sunday Worship services regularly.
  • Must attend Bible Study regularly.
  • Must attend Prayer Services regularly.
  • Must be a thither.
  • Have the Pastor’s vision and spirit.
  • Not busy bodies, meddling in other people’s affairs, not given to unkindness nor to envy and malice, deceitfulness, lying, dishonesty, unfaithfulness, but women who are sincere Christians, dedicated to the service of the Master; of understanding natures, big of heart, sharing what they possessed with those in need.
NOTE: Regardless of the title, the main purpose of the ministry is to:
  • Enhance the spiritual matters of the church.
  • To help foster peace, love and Christian unity in the church.
  • Remain open to any opportunity to share the Lord while serving/ministering; be ready at all times to minister.
  • Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance about what He would have us to do at any given moment.
  • Wisdom and spiritual discernment are vital (spiritual care and acts of Christian love).
  • Know how to lovingly serve others as we trust Him to give us the guidance we need.



THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTRY LEADER:
  • To serve as the female spiritual servant-leader to the Pastor and Deacons Ministry.
  • To serve as the team leader of the ministry.
  • To ensure the spiritual growth of the ministry with Christian education related to the ministry that the ministry may serve as spiritual caregivers of the church, as well as the community.
  • To present an agenda/program to the ministry annually and/or when concerns or situations arises.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MINISTRY:
  • To be a member of the Israel Baptist Church in good and regular standing.
  • Be a member of the ministry for at least 3 years.
  • Be visible and accessible.
  • Have knowledge of the Holy Bible.
  • Be teachable and have an open mind.
  • Be compassionate, kind and caring.
  • Have the Pastor’s vision and spirit.
  • Be able to coordinate and organize.
  • Have administrative skills.