Dedicated Diaconate Discussions

Dear Highland Hills Family,

This year as we enter into the deacon election process, we are trying something new. As our church is growing and new faces are either voting for deacons or even on the ballot this year, this is something to celebrate. To help address this exciting issue, and help everyone know who is on the ballot, candidates are invited to answer a series of questions and the answers will be available to the congregation.

Don't worry, it's not a pop quiz of Bible trivia or a test of Highland Hills history (although many would ace both!). Instead, these are questions to help you all get to know the people who you are voting on to love and tend this church. The questions are ones that if you were in worship on October 4th, you will recognize. They all are about the good things God has done in their lives or in the life of the church. No tricks.

Our hope is that these questions let everyone in the church gain a deeper understanding of all ten of our faithful church members who are on the ballot, even if you aren't in a Sunday school class with them.

Deacons first appeared in the early church in Acts 6:1-6. The early church needed leaders who would make sure that no one was overlooked in their daily distribution of food. They then voted on seven leaders who were of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom who could make sure everyone in the church was cared for.

Our deacons at Highland Hills build on that tradition. They do a lot to care for the church. Our deacons serve the families that are assigned to them through the deacon family ministry, and because of that servant leadership, also make decisions that lead the church. This group of 15 are important for the life of the church.

Our hope is that these questions will help you discern who is being called into this important ministry, whether you have known them for 50 years or for 5. This is not to weed out folks who are less well written, or known or unknown, but to give everyone a chance to express their own experiences of God, and a sense of calling to the role of Deacon.

We are so grateful for the 10 people who agreed to be on the ballot for this year, and be on the lookout for their answers soon!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Caitlin