Thoughts, devotions, and more from Jeffrey K. Ross, author of "Next Step Devotions"
I have served as a deacon for decades across two churches. Long before becoming a deacon, the church in which I grew up elected a friend and me to serve as "junior deacons" while we were high school teenagers—a non-voting position meant to expose us to the role and encourage our growth. From that time …
Continue reading Book Review: “Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church” by Matt Smethurst
(The following is the October 10 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Titus 1 and pay close attention to verses 5-9.) While most of the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1 relate to one’s character, some are functional. For example, the ability to teach is common to both …
Continue reading Teach Sound Doctrine and Refute False Teaching
(The following is the September 27 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 3 and pay close attention to verses 1-7.) Leading a church is meaningful work with eternal impact. Not everyone is qualified or called to the task. Paul lists the qualifications for men who serve as “overseers” – …
