LifePoint Deacons FAQ
How much time will this role require from each Deacon?
At this time, we foresee the responsibilities for LifePoint Deacons will take one or two evenings a month, with 2-4 hours total. The goal is to maximize the care while not taking too much more of people’s already-busy schedule.
How will Deacons be equipped for helping church members with needs that arise?
Deacons will be required to complete training that will provide helpful insight on the right steps to take in certain situations to help the households they are assigned. This may include answers to questions like who to contact in an emergency situation, when there is a need for counseling, or bereavements and benevolence.
Will there be any effort made to connect each Deacon with households they already have a relationship with?
Yes. We hope each Deacon will have some people assigned to them with previous relationships, but also some new people as well. However, it is possible that a Deacon may be assigned a majority of households they do not know well or at all.
What is the length of a term for each Deacon?
2 years.
If a husband and wife are both Deacons, will both have ten households or will that be a shared list?
At this time, we intend to have a husband & wife who are both Deacons assigned more than 10 households (approximately 15-20), and they will work together to care for these households. This is still subject to change.
What is the difference between a Deacon and the ideal Life Group leader?
There are many similarities between these roles. However, Life Group leaders carry the burden to care for a group of people for a potentially shorter season and Life Group leaders carry the responsibility of teaching their group as well. Deacons will not be charged with teaching responsibility, only care. Additionally, we will commission Deacons as they hold a biblical office in the church.
How will Deacons be introduced to the households they are responsible to care for?
The Deacons will be introduced to the church body in mid-September. At this time, the church family will be told to expect contact from one of these Deacons in the next month and to please respond to their efforts to connect. From there, Deacons will begin contacting their assigned households. This plan is still being finalized.
Will men be asked to contact men or women be asked to contact men?
Generally, we will be asking men to contact men and women to contact women. In the case of singles, they will be assigned to a Deacon of the same gender. Typically a female Deacon would contact the wife of a married couple, whereas a male Deacon would contact the husband of a couple.