In two of the recent paper publications I have noticed several churches’ resolutions are closed with the tern “Board of Deacons.” Now, I have been a practicing New Testament Christian since 1946; a student of the Bible; an ordained minister of the gospel since 1953; a graduate of Howard College and a student of Southwestern Baptist Seminary under the presidency of Dr. Robert Naylor, et al.
In your Comment article of Aug. 12, “Baptist Polity – Strength or Weakness?” Vol. 167, No. 32, you state in the next to last paragraph, second sentence: “Baptist polity is a strength of those who trust believers to faithfully respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” Again, “Baptist polity is a strength for those who believe leaders should set the course that others follow,” I concur completely with your statements.
The same is true about deacons. In a New Testament Baptist church there are no boards for control. Only committees to recommend to their specific congregation, if the majority of the church in a business meeting by majority, vote for that kind of method is one correct way to do it; but never giving one person in the church the total responsibility to make all binding acts even including the pastor. Now I understand there are pastors who are not educated, etc., but the Scriptures do not give the pastor total control of a Christ-like church. Even the pastor is to recommend his goals for a majority vote to his (employer) congregation for acceptance prior to any actions.
Sometimes we take this privileged doctrine for granted as people of Jesus. My point is to help our fellow Baptists to be on guard about even thinking, much less, creating an authoritative board with a chief deacon.
Robert L. Beard Sr.
Birmingham, Ala.
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