On Sunday, May 17 at 5:00 p.m., First Baptist Lafayette gathered for a special Commissioning and Deacon Ordination Service, celebrating God’s call on faithful men to servant leadership and praying over those preparing for ministry opportunities in the months ahead.
The evening included worship, prayer, and a time of affirmation as the church recognized active deacons, honored those rotating off the deacon body, and ordained three new deacons.
Returning deacons introduced during the service included Ben Burgess, Joe Davis, Taylor Emfinger, Lucius Hornsby, Ronnie Powell, Nicky Prather, Rob Richardson, Michael Smith, and Hartie Spence III.
Newly ordained deacons are Terrence Strahan, James Tucker, and Jared Tucker. Each man’s testimony, family, and ministry involvement were shared before they received certificates of ordination and symbolic deacon sticks.
Following the presentation, ordained men of the church gathered around them for the laying on of hands and prayer, symbolizing encouragement, blessing, and support for their ministry.
During the service, Bro. James reminded the church that ministry is never meant to be carried alone. Just as the early church appointed deacons in Acts 6 to help meet practical needs and strengthen the ministry of the church, today’s deacons continue to serve as faithful encouragers, prayer warriors, and servant leaders alongside the pastors and church body. The qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 continue to serve as a model for biblical servant leadership—men of integrity, spiritual maturity, and faithful character.
The deacon body at First Baptist Lafayette exemplifies this role.
Commissioning Service
The commissioning portion of the evening also provided an opportunity for the church to pray over members preparing for upcoming ministry assignments this summer, many of them students.
Prayer was offered for
- Mission team traveling to Vinton, LA (June 15–20),
- Mission team traveling to Boston, MA (July 11-17),
- Eb & Debbie Hoehl as they spend five months serving in Michigan
- Sarah Deloach as she serves two months with Valley Church in Tewksbury, MA, and
- For the many volunteers preparing to serve during Vacation Bible School on June 1–5.
Click Here to View the Service
