We define a deacon as a man or woman of proven character who serves the church body through significant oversight of practical ministry needs.
2023 Deacon Process
Every year we select a new group of deacons and deaconesses. While the elders take responsibility to decide, the entire church family nominates and then affirms the choices of the elders. See 1 Timothy 3:8–13 for the biblical qualifications for deacons.
We are looking to recognize men and women who are already serving and have a proven track record of faithfulness. Every member of Grace Church should be serving; deacons, however, have oversight of others who are serving. They give direction, instruction, motivation, and guidelines for other servants. A true deacon will gather and equip others to serve, even as he serves himself. His or her service will also free the elders from a practical need so they can focus on their primary role of prayer and teaching. Just as pastor means “shepherd,” with all its feeding and leading implications, deacon means “servant,” with all its caring and ministering implications.
Process
Members Nominate • Now through October 30
Elders confirm, deny, or add to nominations • November 2
Three weeks to affirm the nominees • November 13–December 4
2022 Deacons
Tom Atchley Kathleen Atchley Rachel Banks Casey Banks Jack Barley Tommy Barrington Scot Brandon Tarin Brown Alan Cade Melani Cade Allanah Colburn David Dykstra Jason Egli Rachelle Egli Ben Friesen Mariano Friginal Bonni Gilley Lynette Grauman |
Derek Griffioen Coleman Hammond Brooke Hammond Seth Hansen Kristin Harvey Kirk Hoffman Suzanne Hoffman Don Holder Denise Holder Lori Jackson Amy Jackson Don Klassen MaryAnn Klassen Dave Lehrman Julie McEntee Rene Munoz Steve Nagle Josh Nichols |
Sarah Oskam Jessica Parker Greg Parker Elizabeth Peterson James Prendergast Joanie Riddle Scott Riddle Josie Rios John Rogers Kim Rogers Randy Rusconi Brent Sawatzky Ty Soria Emma Stahl Peter Thomas Dale Thurow Nathan Torres Meghan Warkentin Janelle Wilgenburg Carly Woods |