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April 27, 2023 / by Andrew Woodman

More than a handful of times in the past six years, someone at East White Oak has said something to me along the lines of, “I had no idea you were a deacon!”

I think that if you were to ask any of the six men that currently serve as deacons, they would be perfectly OK with that statement.

The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word for “servant.” At East White Oak, the role of a deacon is just that—participating in various ministries, figuring out where the needs are, and quietly serving to fill those needs. So, what do deacons actually do? That list is long and varied, but here are a few examples:

  • Each month, deacons make sure that the communion elements are prepared and ready.
  • Deacons assist with budget planning and provide another set of eyes for the church finances.
  • They continuously help to make sure our vans are ready and in working condition.
  • They assist with repairs around the building, including many recent technology updates.
  • Deacons and their wives provide backstage assistance during baptisms.
  • They are ready and able to help if a ministry has an unexpected need.
  • Deacons participate in monthly meetings with the elders which include Bible study and prayer.

During 2022, the elders and deacons had a goal of digging deeper and refining the role of a deacon at East White Oak. During a summer retreat, we landed on these words from 1 Timothy 3:10 as being particularly meaningful: “and let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” From that verse, we have adopted the term “Proven Servants,” to describe our role here at East White Oak. We want to work in the background to serve each ministry, wherever the need might be. Does that mean that volunteers that serve in other capacities at East White Oak are somehow less important? Absolutely not! 1 Corinthians 12 makes it abundantly clear that the body of Christ is made up of many different parts, and we are all needed in order to make it function correctly. Deacons are simply one specific group called on to serve in a special way.

So, what is a deacon? Deacons are simply Proven Servants, coming alongside and helping other East White Oak ministries as we all seek to grow in Christ and make disciples.

Andrew Woodman serves as a deacon at East White Oak. He is married to Kimberly. They have four children between the ages of 3 and 15. He currently works at State Farm as a Technical Architect. Andrew enjoys woodworking, home projects, being outdoors, and keeping up with his kids’ music and sporting events.