During the month of May, a deacons election took place in the Ballyclare congregation. As we prepared for the election, Interim Moderator Rev. Andy Hambleton preached on the topic of deacons from Acts 6:1-7, showing how the office of the deacon brings a twofold benefit to the life of the local church: protecting word ministry (so that those called to preach can devote themselves fully to prayer and the ministry of the word), and promoting mercy ministry (so that the practical needs of those in the congregation are not neglected). Acts 6 also shows us the biblical procedure to follow in appointing deacons: a plurality of godly and gifted men, chosen by the congregation from amongst the congregation, who the elders then appoint to this duty.

In God’s goodness, five men were very comfortably voted in as deacons – all five of whom had already been serving as deacons previously: Axel Schmidt, Dave Roger, Shaun McFall, Stephen Logan and Steve McCartney. The installation took place during the evening service of Sunday 1 June.

Join us in giving thanks to God for his provision to the church in this way, and pray for these five men, that the Lord would strengthen and equip them to serve well as deacons, for the good of the church and for the glory of God.

Andy Hambleton