At Kampala Baptist Church, our Deacons serve as spiritual leaders and caretakers of our church community. Rooted in Scripture, the role of the Deacon is to support the church’s mission, care for the congregation, and embody the love and compassion of Christ through acts of service. The Deacons Board works closely with our pastoral staff, organizing and overseeing various ministries, from outreach programs to prayer groups, ensuring that the needs of our congregation are met in a spirit of humility and grace. With hearts dedicated to service, they provide guidance and support for both the physical and spiritual wellbeing of our church family.
My name is Patrick Mugwanya and I am currently serving as the chairperson of the deacon’s board at Kampala Baptist church. I am also married to my beautiful wife Miriam Mugwanya and together we have three children; Josiah Kironde – 7years, Noah Daniel Mugwanya (Testimony) – making 3years and Jewel Mugwanya – 4months old now.
I accepted Christ as my Lord and savior in May of 2002. At the time, I used to fall sick often and so my mother decided to take me to a balokole church (Liberty worship centre church) which was located in Mengo at that time so that they could pray for me and this happened during a week day. So, on the Sunday of that very week, I decided to go back and when they made an alter call, I was among those that stood up to receive Christ as my Lord and Savior. Since then, I have been and still walking this journey of Salvation and I can vividly testify that I have seen the Lord at work in me and so I have no regret for accepting Christ to be my Lord and Savior.
There is a common belief among some people that deacons are called to serve tables. The term “serve tables” dates back in Acts 6: 1- 7. Its important to understand the context in which it was used and also in my opinion, that term was metaphorically used. In these verses, we notice that the word was being preached and disciples increasing in number and at the same time, there were other people (widows) that needed to be cared for. So, the Apostles asked the disciples to choose amongst them seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom to whom they laid their hands and prayed for to take on the above roles.
Generally, Deacons are model servants appointed to a local church office. They are deployed to assist the pastors or elders by protecting church unity, organizing practical service, and meeting tangible needs where possible.
The bible in itself does not fully spell out the actual duties and responsibilities of a deacon but however, in 1 Tim 3: 8-13, it gives clear qualities that a deacon should have.
In its leadership, Kampala Baptist Church embraced the deacon’s ministry and has stipulated the expected roles to enable the smooth running of the church.
These duties of the deacons are divided in line with the 3-sections outlined below.
1. DAY TO DAY ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHURCH AND ITS PROJECTS.
To facilitate church ministries by supporting the administration in coordinating the practical functions of the ministry activities.
Meet regularly (once a month and whenever else the chairman of the council summons) as a Deacons council to plan the affairs of the church to meet the practical needs of the different church ministries.
Oversee the welfare of church property.
Oversee the regular inventory of church property.
Approve the disposal and donation of church properties in consultation with the pastoral team and elder’s board.
Work with the administrator to ensure a conducive environment for church ministries with a special focus of worship services in the week.
To offer input in process of determining priorities for disbursing church finances through the deacon’s representative on the finance committee.
2. SMOOTH FLOW OF WORSHIP.
Each deacon, especially when on duty, should ensure the following: -
Offering: The deacons shall oversee the collecting and counting of the offertory in church public worship and hand it over to the finance officer of church after verifying it.
Church auditorium: Although the cleanliness of the church is managed by the office of the Administrator, the deacons will double check its condition before its use for worship and other formal meetings. The deacons will identify and communicate to the administrator any repair and maintenance needs identified in the course of their duty. They will oversee the decoration of the sanctuary.
Children: The council will ensure that the children are cared for during service so that there’s no disruption of the main service. (Deacon and ushers on duty).
KBC Ushers: The council shall oversee the Usher’s body. This shall involve 2 deacons meeting with the ushers and submission of a monthly report.
Worship Needs: Worship and music needs for the ministry i.e, finances and purchases of equipment is to be coordinated by the deacon’s council.
3. WAITING UPON AND MEETING THE NEED OF THE CONGREGATION.
Under this component, the deacon’s council shall: -
Consult with the pastor, work out a system to meet the needs of the members of the congregation. This includes supporting the visiting ministry, receiving visitors and hosting special guests.
Meet the social needs of congregation by organizing Love feast, fun days and other occasion for church members to meet informally.
The deacons board initially had eleven members but five have since stepped down having felt the need to serve in other responsibilities. The currently serving deacons are;
However, just as the apostles requested the disciples to select the seven men among them to service, the deacon board has also identified four more disciples within the church that will soon join the currently serving team of deacons.