The Vocation and Ordination of Church Officers

Preached at the ordination and installation of a deacon. Outline:

1. The origin of the diaconate underscores the division of labor reflected in the Church's two permanent offices.
2. The Holy Spirit calls men to these offices through their selection by God's people according to specific, God-given, criteria.
3. The ordination of men into these offices is through prayer and the laying on of hands by elders.