In The Master's Service

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Deacons ordained - Five Mile PB Church

Pursuant to a call from Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church, Akron, Alabama for the purpose of ordaining Brother Lance Hocutt, Brother Charles (Chuck) Payne, Jr., and Brother Steve Cornett to the office of Deacon, these Elders and Deacons assembled into a Presbytery: Elders Glenn Payne, Louis Culver, Philip Dukes, Tom Blair, Ernie Stump, Chris Hollingsworth, Dan Cates, Bobby Payne, and Licentiate Steve Milner, Deacons J. C. Pritchett, Charles Kitchens, Richard Burleson, John McCullough, Frank Cornett, Tally Kitchens, Charles Payne, Darrell Cobbs, Bill Stell, and John Blevins.

Elder Bobby Payne opened with prayer. Elder Glenn Payne asked Bro. Ken Johnson, Church Spokes - man, if Five Mile Church was of the same mind to ordain them as it was when the brethren were nominated in May by the Church. The answer was positive. The Presbytery elected Elder Glenn Payne as Moderator. He appointed Elders for the other functions and Bro. Charles Payne, Clerk.

Elder Stump used I Timothy 3:8 and Acts 6 as his guide for the office of Deacon and asked Bro. Ken Johnson if he thought the subjects were qualified as Deacons. Brother Johnson said that according to the Word of God, they were qualified.

The subjects were seated before the congregation. Elder Philip Dukes questioned them, using I Timothy 3: 9, stating that Deacons must hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. Then using the Articles of Faith, he read each and asked the subjects if they agreed with and believed them. Each brother stated his agreement. Elder Glenn Payne asked the Presbytery if it was satisfied with the answers and it was. The Presbytery was asked to surround the subjects, laying their hands upon them as Elder Louis Culver prayed a beautiful ordination prayer.

The wives were seated beside their husbands while the charge was being given. Elder Dan Cates used Romans 8:28 as he began his charge. He stated, "Today starts a new part of your lives, a new journey." Using Joseph and his brothers as an ex - ample, he said their journey would be bumpy, but they should depend on God, that He would guide them and give them what they need. They were told to have patience and to wait for God's time, always relying on their faith and their Elders.

Elder Glenn Payne used Acts 6th chapter as he began his charge. He explained that Deacon means Servang the Lord said to be a servant. Deacons are to supply needs and services; not to be greedy of filthy lucre; to handle the Church's money 'wisely. They are to be able to handle problems immediately when necessary. They are to handle the care of the Pastor. Elder Payne said Deacons are not to make preaching arrangements because the Pastor is over the pulpit, but that he may choose to consult the Deacons if he chooses. Deacons are not to be two-faced and are to be unchanged in the Word of God. They were instructed to be careful what they bring before the Church and to make sure the timing is correct; otherwise, they are to wait until the Church body is together. Elder Payne asked Brother Ken Johnson if the Church was satisfied with the work of the Presbytery. He stated that the Church was satisfied. The three brethren were returned to Five Mile Church as duly ordained Deacons. The Presbytery was then dissolved. Five Mile Church members and the visitors gave the newly ordained Deacons the right hand of Church fellowship.

Brother Charles Payne, Church Clerk