Greetings Church Family,

 

The position and role of deacon was established by the early Christian church in Acts 6:1-7.  It is a tradition that carries on today at First Baptist Church Murfreesboro through our annual deacon election.  Deacons at FBC serve the church in many ways.  Our Constitution and By Laws outline the role of deacon as this: “The purposes of the Active Deacon Body are to serve and minister to the church body and assist the church staff in meeting the ongoing needs of the church and the community. The Deacons will also be responsible for reviewing the Emergency Plan annually, maintaining all related material and equipment, and be responsible for the development and implementation of different response teams in accordance to the ERP. The spiritual guidelines of the Active Deacon Body are as follows: (a.) a deacon shall be a worthy representative of Christ and the church at all times; and (b.) a deacon shall exemplify Biblical principles.”

 

Each year, eleven deacons are elected to serve a three-year term with the Deacon Body. This year an additional spot has been vacated, so there will be twelve lines on the ballot. Enclosed with this letter you will find a master list of eligible church members who have given their consent to serve by not removing their names from the list.  You will also find a ballot for nominating twelve members to serve as deacons.  The eleven candidates who receive the most votes will serve a three-year term. The 12th candidate will serve a one year term. The following are current active deacons, listed under the year they will transition off the active deacon body:

 

January 2027

Scott Abernathy, Cathy Bean, Rick Bean, Leah Boyd, Joe Collier, Chris Dye, Brittany Jackson, Chris Jackson, Cavender Lane, Bethany Wrye   

                                              

January 2028

Jim Bertelsen, Natalie Cates, Mark Crocker, Lane Herndon, Peyton Herndon, Sean Prince, Mark Ricketts, Alexandra Sharp, Davis Sharp, Ed Stevens, Derrick Wrye

 

The following group will complete their terms as active deacons in January of 2025 and are not eligible for re-election until one year has passed:

 

Ronald Barrett, Jon Buford, Stacey Buford, Lucie Burchfield, Meredith Davis, Jeff Fryer, Jeff Jordan, Kevin Long, Ben Parris, David Peterson, Jenni Stinnett                

 

***In order to ensure accuracy, all ballots must be signed to be counted. ***

 

All of the above names have been removed from the master list included in this packet.  Using the enclosed paper ballot, each church member may vote for up to 12 persons to serve as deacons.  Members also have the option to instead go to www.fbcmboro.org/deacons and submit a ballot digitally. Paper ballots may be mailed, returned to the church office, or deposited in the offering plate. Paper ballots must be submitted no later than the offering on Sunday November 23rd.  The deadline for digital submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21st.  The Deacon Election Committee will tabulate the ballots and will contact those elected to serve.  The Deacon Election Committee will present a list of newly elected deacons to the church; then an ordination and installation service will be scheduled.

 

I ask that you prayerfully consider your nominations for the role of deacon.  I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow deacons, the staff, and all of you for your support.  I continue to feel grateful and excited about the opportunities and blessings the Lord has presented our church.

 

Many blessings,

Scott Abernathy

Chair of Deacons