Hello everyone, my name is Jonah Carpenter and I am applying to be a deacon at Damascus Community Church. For the past 4 years, I have had the privilege to serve in our youth ministry, first as an intern, then as a jr. high director, and currently as our interim youth ministry director. Growing up at DCC myself, it has been a blessing to serve the community that served me. It was at our youth group that I decided to dedicate my life to vocational ministry, a calling which led me to Trinity Western University in Canada and has now brought me to Multnomah University Seminary where I am working on completing my Masters in Divinity. Working in youth ministry has been a deep blessing over the past 4 years. I cannot think of another job that allows me to both have life-changing conversations with youth and also purchase an inflatable gorilla suit (I promise it was in the budget). While I still have much to learn, I have been so blessed by the patience and encouragement I have received from the parents, youth and volunteers in our ministry.
Deacons at DCC
(From our church constitution)
“In the New Testament, the word Deacon generally describes those who serve (minister) in the context of the church body. In addition, Deacons were individuals specifically qualified and identified by specific responsibilities (Acts 6:1-6; Phil.1:1-2). At DCC, Deacons are those who have leadership positions in reference to particular ministries or ministry teams and are qualified according to I Tim. 3:8-12.”
Our understanding of those qualifications is explained in the paper available in the church office. We follow a selection and approval process which includes an application with references, interviews, and a recommendation to the elder council. The council is responsible for appointment of deacons.
The final step before appointment is submission of the candidates’ name to the congregation for a four-week examination process. During this time church members are encouraged to talk about the ministry role with the deacon candidate and share with them any concerns related to the qualifications. If there are concerns that remain unresolved, members are then encouraged to bring them to one of the elders.
If there are no objections, the candidate will be appointed to serve as recommended in the specific role of ministry or ministry team leadership.
At this time Jonah Carpenter has been recommended as the Student Ministry Director.
The review process will continue through January 10.
The purpose of this deacon position is described in the Student Ministry Director ministry description:
- To provide direction, oversight, administrative support, and resources for DCC Student Ministries (High School and Junior High), for the discipleship and ministry of students.
- To provide coordination of DCC Student Ministries in partnership with other ministries of DCC.
- To recruit and train the student ministries staff of volunteers, adhering to DCC policies.
To contact Jonah, email to jonah.carpenter@damascuscc.org