Welcome Our New Deacons

This past week our church reached an important and encouraging milestone. After a season of prayerful examination, we have concluded deacon examinations and are grateful to affirm five new deacons: Clay Cochrane, Mike Hanshaw, Joe Woodrum, Matt Woodrum, and Douglas Workman.

These examinations are never treated as a formality. They are a meaningful part of how we seek to obey Scripture and shepherd the church well. Each of these men stood before the elders and shared a clear testimony of God’s saving grace in their lives. They articulated the gospel with humility and conviction. They demonstrated both personal faith in Christ and a growing ability to explain the truths of God’s Word clearly and faithfully.

Scripture calls the church to take the selection of its leaders seriously. In Acts 6, when the early church faced practical needs that threatened to distract from prayer and the ministry of the Word, the apostles instructed the congregation to select men who were of good repute, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom. The role of deacon was born out of a desire to protect the unity of the church and to ensure that ministry needs were met in a Christ honoring way.

The apostle Paul gives further guidance in 1 Timothy 3, reminding us that deacons must be dignified, sincere, and tested. He writes, “Let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” That testing is not about perfection, but about faithfulness. It is about examining character, doctrine, and consistency over time.
During these examinations, all five men proved themselves capable of giving a defense of their faith and explaining their understanding of God’s Word. They answered questions thoughtfully. They displayed teachability. They showed a sincere desire to serve the church, not to seek a title, but to meet needs and support the ministry of the gospel.

We should receive this moment with gratitude and sobriety. Gratitude because God continues to raise up servants among us. Sobriety because leadership in the church is a sacred trust. Deacons are called to model servant hearted leadership that reflects Christ Himself, who came not to be served, but to serve.

Please join me in praying for Clay, Mike, Joe, Matt, and Douglas as they step into this role. Pray for their families. Pray for humility, wisdom, and endurance. And thank God that He remains faithful to care for His church by providing men who are willing to serve for the good of the body and the glory of Christ.