We believe that Christ is the head of Lake Tapps Community Church, and of the full body of born-again believers, which is the body and bride of Christ.

All who are born again and attend Lake Tapps Community Church are recognized as the church, the body of Christ, the Body, the flock, and the congregation. Membership in a local church, however, is a confession before God and men of a living commitment to a group of believers. As such it is a commitment of responsibility for and to the other members of the church. (Acts 2:42- 47; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Lake Tapps Community Church is under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, administered by the elders and deacons, and accountable to its members.

"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40)

"Let all things be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)

"Let all be done for the strengthening of the church." (1 Corinthians 14:26)

“Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)

 

appointment of deacons

The following is taken from the published BY-LAWS of LAKE TAPPS COMMUNITY CHURCH

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DEACON?

Before someone can serve as an Elder or a Deacon, they must have attended Lake Tapps Community Church for at least one year and be a member of the Body. The time requirement may be waived by unanimous vote of the Elders.

Men and women who are led by the Lord to practically minister to the church Body and to steward Lake Tapps Community Church’s material assets, and are willing to serve in the office of Deacon on the Church Council, shall be members of Lake Tapps Community Church who:

  • a) Evidence a gifting and calling on their lives to practically serve God’s people (Romans 12:4-8).

  • b) Desire to serve the Body by providing leadership in operational and stewardship aspects of church ministries.

  • c) Are recognized by the congregation as people who are “of good repute, full of the Spirit, and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3).

  • d) Meet the biblical qualifications of a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-12).

See “The Church Council Responsibilities and Composition” (page 4 in LTCC By-Laws) for specific role details.

HOW IS A DEACON NOMINATED AND SELECTED?

  • ● The Elder Team, as well as all members of the church, may nominate men and women whom they think meet the biblical qualifications of a deacon listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. Nominees should exhibit an observable track record of serving, leading, and giving at Lake Tapps Community Church, as well as exhibit fruit in ministry, marriage, and family life.

    ● Barring any disqualifying reasons, a member of the Council will approach the nominee to prayerfully consider being a deacon.

    ● When the nominee senses an internal call from the Holy Spirit to serve as a deacon, he or she should make his/her desire known to the Council. The Council will confirm the calling through discussion and prayer.

    ● With the approval of all members of the Council, and the mutual agreement of the nominee, he or she enters the Assessment Phase.

  • ● If the nominee is replacing an existing Deacon, he or she will ideally have a time of shadowing the departing Deacon.

    ● If the nominee is filling a new deacon position, the nominee will be assigned a current Deacon to answer questions and be the primary contact for the nominee. He or she may be asked to help prepare a proposed job description for the new role.

    ● With the approval of all members of the Council, and the mutual agreement of the nominee, he or she enters the Affirmation Phase.

AFFIRMATION PHASE:

● The Elder Team and Church Council will present the candidate to the members of Lake Tapps Community Church at least 4 weeks before a vote is held.

● Members will be urged to evaluate the life and conduct of the Deacon candidate, and if aware of any disqualifying sin or character flaw, must make the matter known to the current Elder Team or Church Council, who will investigate the claim.

● A vote may be held at the Annual Members Meeting, or at a special members meeting convened by the Elders or Church Council at any time throughout the year.

● Members will vote to either affirm or deny the Deacon candidate to serve as a new deacon. Acceptance requires an 80% affirmative vote of members voting, assuming quorum is met. His or her service will begin immediately upon approval.

WHO ARE THE DEACON CANDIDATES?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A DEACON IS VOTED INTO THEIR ROLE?

  • Elders and Deacons may remain in their office indefinitely or until such time as they:

    ● voluntarily resign.

    ● are removed via the process outlined in Article II Section 5.

  • In order to encourage the Elders and Deacons, as well as communicate any room for improvement, a review of each Deacon and Elder, including the Lead Pastor, will be conducted annually.

    Members will complete a detailed review, based on biblical qualifications of each Elder and Deacon. An opportunity for general feedback will be available via the review as well. Reviews may not be anonymous.

    Elders will assess the reviews submitted by members and provide a synopsis to the members, examining and addressing concerns as a team.

    Any concerns expressed regarding biblical qualifications, or errors in doctrine or morality will be investigated and addressed by the Elder Team immediately. Elders may contact the member submitting the concern and help guide the member through a biblical process for resolution using Matthew 18:15-20 in general, and specifically 1 Timothy 5:19-21 for Elders.

  • All disciplinary proceedings in this church shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance with a view toward reconciliation and restoration, and biblical processes per 1 Timothy 5:17-21 and Matthew 18:15-17.

    At any time, members who have concerns or evidence regarding biblical qualifications, doctrine, and/or morality of an Elder or Deacon are encouraged to take the following steps, in order:

    1. go to the Deacon or Elder to discuss the issue. If the person bringing this concern is not satisfied with the outcome in terms of innocence or repentance...

    2. go to the Deacon or Elder together with one or more witnesses of the issue. If the persons bringing this concern are not satisfied with the outcome in terms of innocence or repentance...

    3. take the matter to the Elder Team for counselling and assistance. If the Deacon or Elder is unresponsive to elder discipline, or if necessary, church discipline (1 Timothy 5:20), he or she will be removed from their office by a unanimous vote of the remaining elders.

WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A MEMBER?

    • Review the Membership Covenant you signed when becoming a member.

    • Pray to seek God's will as to how you should vote.

    • Contact the Deacon Candidates to ask any questions, address any concerns, or give encouragement!

    • Contact an Elder with any unresolved concerns.

  • Members are asked to stay after church service on Sunday, October 20th for a brief meeting to vote whether or not to affirm the candidates.

    • Please Click Here to provide us with your feedback or ask questions.

    • In December, respond to the request for members to review standing Deacons and Elders. (See "Do Members Have the Opportunity to Review the Church Leaders" above.)

    • Talk to any Elder or Deacon if you have questions or concerns.