Active

Thank you for your commitment and service as a Fredericksburg Baptist Church Deacon. Each year you will be asked to renew your commitment. As an active deacon, we hope you will continue to serve in this capacity. If you are in need of spiritual renewal and would like to take a break for a year, you may choose a sabbatical year. If you are unable to serve, you may become inactive. Inactive status will remove you from deacon correspondence. If you choose to return to active status, you will be asked to complete the orientation process. Please prayerfully consider how you can “Do the good that is yours to do.” We each have different gifts and talents. We hope you will join us again this year and share your gifts and talents for the good we can share.

Sabbatical

Thank you for your past service as a Fredericksburg Baptist Church Deacon. We hope you have found time and resources this year to renew your faith and grow spiritually. Each year, you will be asked to renew your commitment as a deacon. As a sabbatical deacon, we are excited for you to return to active status.  Please prayerfully consider how you can “Do the good that is yours to do.” We each have different gifts and talents. We hope you will join us again this year and share your gifts and talents for the good we can share. If you are unable to return to active status at this time, you may ask to become inactive. If you move to inactive status, you will be removed from deacon correspondence.

Inactive

Please confirm that you would like to remain as an inactive deacon of Fredericksburg Baptist Church. If you would like to return to active status, please indicate that on the attached form. You will be asked to complete the orientation process. If you would like to be removed from all correspondence, please indicate that also. We hope you will prayerfully consider this decision.

Deacon Status Phases

Fredericksburg Baptist Church Deacons Ministry as 4 status phases: Active Phase, Sabbatical Phase, Inactive Phase, and Reorientation Phase.

Below outlines the roles, responsibilities, and phases of service for Deacons at Fredericksburg Baptist Church. Our goal is to ensure that Deacons serve effectively while having opportunities for rest, renewal, and continuous spiritual growth.

1. Active Deacons: Active Deacons are those who are currently serving in their official capacity within the church. During their Active Phase, they regularly attend deacon meetings, fulfill their assigned duties, and actively participate in various church ministries. Their responsibilities include assisting with worship services, providing pastoral care, and supporting the church’s mission and outreach programs. Active deacons are essential to our ministry, ensuring that the church’s spiritual and operational needs are met with dedication and compassion.

2. Sabbatical for Deacons: At the end of each year, deacons can choose to take a Sabbatical. A Deacon Sabbatical is a planned and approved temporary period where a deacon steps away from regular duties for rest, personal renewal, and spiritual growth for one year. This period allows deacons to rejuvenate and return to their roles refreshed and ready to continue serving.

3. Inactive Deacons: Inactive Deacons are those who have previously served as active deacons but are currently not fulfilling their official duties due to personal circumstances, health issues, or other reasons. Although they are not involved in day-to-day responsibilities, inactive deacons retain their title and may be called upon to serve again in the future if their circumstances change. This status honors their past contributions while recognizing their need for a temporary break.

4. Reorientation for Inactive Deacons: If an inactive deacon wishes to return to active service, they will enter a Reorientation Phase. This phase involves a one-year period where the deacon works closely with the Deacon Steering Team and the Pastor. The reorientation includes training to ensure they are well-prepared to resume active service. Upon successful completion of this reorientation year, the deacon will be affirmed and reinstated as an Active Deacon by the currently active Deacons on the recommendation of the Deacon Steering Team and the Pastor.

Alternative: Deacons Requesting a Leave of Absence: Sometimes, personal reasons such as family commitments, health issues, or significant life events may require a deacon to take a break from their duties. In such cases, a deacon can formally  request a Leave of Absence. This leave must be requested and approved by the deacon leadership. During this time, the deacon is not expected to fulfill their usual responsibilities but remains in good standing within the church. Once the leave period ends, the deacon can resume their duties. If the leave of absence exceeds one year the deacon may be asked to participate in the Reorientation process.