Deacons
a ministry of caring for those WITH needs in the First Prez family
WHAT IS A DEACON?
DEACONS are ordained laypersons and covenant parts (members) of First Prez elected by the congregation to a ministry of caring for those in need in the First Prez church ‘ohana.
HOW DEACONS CAME TO BE
Acts 6:1-6
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
HOW DEACONS ARE DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons, 11 In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
(The Presbyterian Church affirms that God calls both men and women into leadership, which is why we have male and female deacons at First Prez.)
FIRST PREZ DEACONS
DEACONS for 2023: Kris Anderson, Danny Butler, Diann Colburn, Karen Dyke, Carol Hough Rogers, Leona Larkin, John Nelson, Kat Nelson, Georgine Stark, Bruce Morgan, Rene Morgan, Nate Nastase, Alicia Setoda, Jenny Tsukazaki, Ken Zeri (Moderator).
VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT OUR DEACON TEAMS
Please consider registering your interest by clicking the “GET STARTED” button at the bottom of this page if you’d like to learn more about how you might become a part of the following Deacon support teams. One of our team leaders will be in contact with you to explore the possibilities. Mahalo!
NEWCOMERS TEAM: Help orient people to First Prez, prepare them to become covenant partners of our church and then help them make a deeper connection to community at First Prez and the mission of the church. This could include attendance at periodic Newcomers classes that are offered 2-3 times a year.
VISITATION TEAM: Offer friendship and encouragement to those who are no longer able to attend worship services or other church activities in person, by writing cards, making phone calls and praying.
HELPING HANDS TEAM: Provide focused, limited, temporary assistance to persons in our church family who are in need of transportation to medical appointments, meals in a time of emergency, moving, or need help caring for their homes, for example.
MEMORIAL SERVICE TEAM: Provide support and care for families during a memorial service for a loved one.
At First Prez Honolulu, we have women and men serving as Deacons. We also have male and female Elders who prayerfully lead our church, and who make up a governing body called The Session. Read more about First Prez Elders here.