Sermon Notes 11 January 2026

Pastor Ryan Perry Sermon 11 January 2026

Texts: John 13:1–17; Romans 16:1–2; 1 Timothy 3:8–11; Acts 9:36–42; Acts 18:24–26; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 11:11-12; Acts 2:17; Philippians 2:3-8; John 13:17; Mark 10:42-45; Matthew 23:11; Matthew 25:21

Thesis: The ministry of the deaconess flows from the servant heart of Jesus — it is biblical, beautiful, and born from discipleship.

John 13:1–5 - If we want to understand the ministry of the deaconess, we must begin where all Christian ministry begins not with titles, not with roles, but with Jesus on His knees as the ultimate servant.
 
John 13:3 - True service does not flow from insecurity. It flows from identity.

John 13:14–15 - Our Lord washed our feet...
The towel was not a prop. It was a proclamation. That towel has been passed down through the centuries. And today, it rests in the hands of Christ’s servants – in Greek diakonos

Romans 16:1 - Phoebe is not described as a volunteer or helper.
 Paul uses the word diakonos, which in English is deacon or deaconess. It is a word commonly used for ministers of service in the church.
 
Paul commends Phoebe publicly and entrusts her with the delivery of the Book of Romans itself. This is not cultural accommodation. This is apostolic affirmation.

Women’s ministry in the church is not “modern”; it is in Scripture.

Acts 9:36 - This leadership is through service, care, and influence vs. teaching, pastoring, or governing over the gathered church.

Luke calls Tabitha a disciple. Her ministry was not loud nor positional. But when she died, people wept - and, God raised her back to life.

Acts 18:26 - Priscilla corrected Apollos. Not publicly nor harshly. But wisely. Relationally. Along with her husband Aquila.
 
This is the spirit of deaconess ministry: truth spoken with love, wisdom with humility, strength expressed through service.

Biblical Order:

• 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 - Headship orders the church. Partnership energizes it. The Spirit unites it. And love governs it all.
• Acts 2:17 - The Spirit does not divide gifts by gender. He distributes them for the building up of the body.
• Philippians 2:3-8 – This is the call of every diakonos. Not a title to hold. A testimony to live.
• John 13:17 - The blessing is not in knowing about service. It is in doing it.
• Mark 10:43 - And so today, we do not merely affirm a role. We recognize a calling already at work. We do not elevate status. We bless service.

Acts 6 - story of the creation of the position of deacon. The apostles prayed and laid on hands, ordaining them for service.

 Deaconess Must Be:
    •    Worthy of respect (dignified in character)
    •    Sincere and honest (not double-tongued)
    •    Not addicted to much wine
    •    Not greedy for dishonest gain
    •    Holding firmly to the faith with a clear conscience
    •    Tested and proven trustworthy beore serving
    •    Faithful in marriage and family life
    •    Able to manage their children and household well

Mark 10:42–45 - ...not to be served but to serve...
 
Through God’s calling, prayer, and the affirmation of this congregation, we now call Melinda Albrycht, Shannon Holloway, and Donnie O’Connor to serve as a deaconess for the glory of God and the building up of His church.

ORDINATION

• Commitment call and response
• Laying on of Hands
• Ordination Prayer

This calling is not theirs alone but ours together. Support your deacons with prayer, encouragement, and cooperation. As they serve tables, distribute resources, and care for needs, honor their leadership and work alongside them in unity.

Jesus said: The greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11)
And one day, every faithful servant will hear: Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:21)

Closing Prayer:
May the Lord bless you,
strengthen your hands for service,
and fill your hearts with His Spirit
as you serve His people with humility and joy.