Ordination Day

This past Sunday, we had the great privilege of ordaining three young men (Jeff Chadd, Jason James, and David Stewart) as Deacons at Bethel. My heart was so moved by the experience. Aside from my own ordination, I’ve only been a part of a few other such ceremonies. Though there are some slight differences between the ordination of a Pastor and that of a Deacon, I still feel there is a special camaraderie that is shared between the “ordained brethren.”

I’m filled with a lot of hope as a result of their ordination. They represent a generation that is often hard to find involved in Christian leadership today, but they represent a growing population at Bethel. I’m most excited that they were not the only young men who would be qualified for the position. In the initial nominating process, I allowed the existing Deacons to offer names with no input myself, and I’ve been blessed to be around these godly men.

Lee Roberson (who recently went home to be with the Lord) said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” How thankful I am that God has given us nine great men of God to serve in this very special position. They are each very different in their personalities and giftedness, but they are all ultimately concerned with the glory of God and the reaching of people for Christ. I cannot describe the help they offer to me, in the way of assisting in the pastoral care of Bethel’s membership as well as in their prayers and personal encouragement.