At First Baptist Claremore the ministry of Deacon is recognized as a holy calling from the Lord on the life of a man. As in the New Testament, the mission of the deacon ministry at FBC is:
- To aid the Pastor and ministerial staff in performing pastoral ministries,
- Proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers,
- Care for the church body and other persons in the community,
- Lead the church to engage in fellowship of worship, witness, and ministry.
All deacons at FBC minister to specific membership demographic groups by participating in four primary ministries.
The Hospital Ministry group assist our pastors by visiting church members who are hospitalized or in short term rehabilitation. This ministry ensures sufficient visits are made according to the length of stay and seriousness of the condition. Any special needs are reported back to the church office for referral to the appropriate team and/or Sunday School class. Team members also make at least one follow up call after the patient goes home or completes treatment.
The Bereavement Ministry group collaborates with our pastors to offer support, comfort, and fellowship to our members and their families as they go through times of crisis, grief, or loss. In each crisis a deacon contacts the family to seek out how he might assist them, pray with them, and determine how the church might help.
The New Members Ministry group assists the pastors in new member orientation and engagement. It is vital to long-term engagement of new members to establish relationships and identify with similar demographic small groups. Deacons assist the pastor in the new member’s Sunday School class and make in-home visits and other contacts to encourage prolonged involvement.
The Homebound/Widows Ministry group ministers specifically to church members who are unable to attend church on a regular basis due to aging or health issues. This team maintains contact with the homebound members taking whatever actions necessary to insure ties to the church are maintained. Our intent is that each member receive appropriate and desired literature, and church publications. This team also maintains contact with the widowed members in an effort to identify needs and keep the person engaged in church activities.
In addition to serving in one of the above ministries, deacons participate in visiting and contacting guests after each of our Sunday morning worship services. Following each observance of the Lord’s Supper, deacons collect an offering that contributes to the Deacon Family fund that is utilized throughout the year to assist church members during time of financial or other crisis.