DEACONS

Bert and Heather Scott

Bert and Heather Scott have been married for 32 years. They have 4 children and 14 grandkids and counting (hint hint!). Bert builds barn doors and other furniture and runs a property oversight company in Carlton Landing. Heather works for Continental Resources, an oil and gas company in Oklahoma City.

They have been members of the Carlton Landing community since 2014 and look forward to spending even more time in Carlton Landing.

Caleb and Crystal Conner

Caleb and Crystal moved full-time to Carlton Landing in the fall of 2019. They met in college a Abilene Christian University.  Transplants from Texas, first to Tulsa, then to Carlton Landing, they live on the corner of Ridgeline and Boulevard. Caleb is a District Manager for Farmers Insurance and Crystal is an Interior Designer.  They have two children, Christian, 16, and Catherine, 11. They both grew up in the Church and have loved being able to plug in and serve here in Carlton Landing. "We are so thankful to be a part of a wonderful Church that is growing and pouring into others."

What are Deacons and who can serve?

Because we believe the Bible is God's authoritative word for life and doctrine, we week our guidance in God's word. What does the Bible say about deacons? The Bible provides two roles in the leadership and governance of the church: elders (presbyteros and episkopos) and deacons (diakonos). Elders lead the church by exercising spiritual authority and providing regular preaching and teaching. Deacons serve by carrying out the practical tasks and necessities that arise within the church.

Like the elders listed in 1 Tim. 3:17, the requirements for Deacons are primarily based on character and spiritual maturity. Unlike elders, deacons are not expected to teach or exercise ultimate spiritual authority in the church. Like others in the churches, deacons fall under the leadership, teaching, and spiritual authority of the elders.

In 1 Tim. 3:8, Paul gives the only list of qualifications for deacons in the New Testament. This list describes a Christian of maturity, not perfection. This list of attributes includes the normal expectations for every person following Christ and walking by the Spirit. Deacons, like elders, should be noted for their consistency, track record of faithful obedience, involvement in the church, and evidence of faithful service.

Christians have read these texts differently throughout history with respect to whether or not women can serve as deacons. Even churches in the same denominations come down differently on this issue. However, we believe that in 1 Tim. 3:11, Paul is referring to the wives of the deacons serving alongside them. For this reason, we commission couples to serve as deacons together and undertake God's calling as a unit. We do believe Christians can disagree about this issue, but find this to be the most faithful reading of the text applied to our context.

If you'd like to engage further on this topic, check out these three resources:
  • Listen to Pastor Cole's sermon titled, "Church Leadership." 
  • Read our white paper, "Deacons"
  • Email us at info@carltonlanding.church to talk more!