Installation of New Deacons
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The congregation gathered to install three men into the office of deacon, a ceremony that marked a new season of service and leadership. Pastor Richard Sutton opened by welcoming visitors and emphasizing the importance of an extended prayer meeting that evening, where the church would lift up concerns ranging from global affairs to families, teenagers, missionaries, and the upcoming youth leadership trip to Richmond, Washington. He praised the community’s recent giveaway effort, noting how material generosity served as a tangible expression of the kingdom of God, complementing spiritual worship and obedience. The teaching then turned to biblical foundations for church organization. Citing Ephesians 4:11‑14, Sutton explained that God equips the saints through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to build up the body of Christ, and highlighted the ongoing need for leadership even after the foundational offices have passed. He also referenced Acts 6:1‑7 to illustrate the early church’s practical “maintenance department,” showing how deacons were appointed to address daily needs, allowing elders to focus on prayer and the word. The class concluded with a call to embody love through giving, worship, and service, encouraging every member to live out their faith in both spiritual and material ways.
Key Scriptures
God has given some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of service, to build up the body of Christ...
In those days, when the number of disciples was increasing, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, saying that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution...