"Ordination of Elders & Deacons 2025"

Sermon Notes are available for you to follow along below, or for download here.

Sermon Notes
Sermon Scripture:  Acts 6:1-7

1. ​The Church’s First Priority is the Ministry of the ____________
2. The ___________ Congregation is Involved
3. Godly Character is Critical for Spiritual Leaders
4. The Church Shares in the ____________

Charge to the Elders

• First, I charge you to shepherd the flock of God.
• Second, I charge you to _______________ the treasure of the gospel.
• Third, I charge you to live a life _____________ reproach.
• Finally, I charge you to depend wholly on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Charge to the Deacons

• First, I charge you to be ministers of mercy and service.
• Second, I charge you to be guardians of church _____________.
• Third, I charge you to be men of unimpeachable character.
• Finally, I charge you to remember the ______________ of your service.

Charge to the Congregation

• First, I charge you to ______________ them.
• Second, I charge you to _____________ to their leadership.
• Third, I charge you to ______________ them in their ministry.
• Fourth, I charge you to _________ for them relentlessly.
• Finally, I charge you to ________________ them faithfully.

“Deacons, then, serve to care for the physical and financial needs of the church, and they do so in a way that heals divisions, brings unity under the Word, and supports the leadership of the elders. Without this practical service of the deacons, the elders will not be freed to devote themselves to praying and serving the Word to people.
Elders need deacons to serve practically, and deacons need elders to lead spiritually.”
– Mark Dever & Paul Alexander, The Deliberate Church

Deacon Vows

1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired and infallible Word of God, the only perfect rule of faith and practice for the church? We do.
2. Do you confess the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and do you endeavor to live a life worthy of the gospel? We do.
3. Do you sincerely believe the doctrinal statement and covenant of Riverview Baptist Church to be an accurate summary of biblical teaching? We do.
4. Do you promise to faithfully perform the duties of a Deacon as set forth in Scripture and in the constitution of Riverview Baptist Church, serving the church with humility, diligence, and love? We do.
5. Do you promise to care for the physical and practical needs of the church, to assist the Elders in their ministry, and to promote unity and peace within the congregation? We do.
6. Do you commit to upholding the spiritual integrity of the church, supporting its mission, and submitting to the leadership of the Elders? We do.

Elder Vows

1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired and infallible Word of God, the only perfect rule of faith and practice? We do.
2. Do you confess the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and do you endeavor to live a life worthy of the gospel? We do.
3. Do you sincerely believe the doctrinal statement and covenant of Riverview Baptist Church to be an accurate summary of biblical teaching? We do.
4. Do you promise to faithfully perform the duties of an Elder as set forth in Scripture and in the constitution of Riverview Baptist Church, shepherding the flock with humility, diligence, and love? We do.
5. Do you commit to protecting the church from false teaching, leading by example, praying for the congregation, and equipping the saints for ministry? We do.
6. Do you promise to maintain a godly character, to care for your family, and to seek the spiritual well-being of every member of Riverview Baptist Church? We do.

Congregation’s Vows
The congregation of Riverview Baptist Church will be asked to affirm the following:

1. Do you, the members of Riverview Baptist Church, promise to receive these men as Deacons and Elders, knowing that God has called them to this sacred office? We do.
2. Do you promise to pray for them, to encourage them, and to support them in their ministry, submitting to their leadership as they submit to Christ? We do.
3. Do you commit to holding them accountable to their vows and to seeking their counsel and guidance as they lead the church according to God's Word? We do.
4. Do you promise to actively participate in the life and ministry of Riverview Baptist Church, working together with your Deacons and Elders to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ? We do.