“We’re looking for a few good men.” With this phrase the U.S. Marines recruited men of courage, endurance, and mental toughness. Their role: to get jobs done no one else could do. My grandfather fought on Iwo Jima in WWII as a marine. He was with a unit that went onto the beaches that first afternoon. Knifed in the hand, he returned to the landing ship to get medical attention and then fought back to his unit. Unfortunately he was shot, taking him out of the battle. After the war, he was very proud of what the marines accomplished together. They were given a commission and they accomplished it.
In Matthew 28:19 and 20 the church is commissioned to make disciples of all nations. We as churches are called to preach the gospel and teach those who believe how to follow Christ. Since God includes deacons as part of a healthy church, they are vital to the church’s effectiveness to fulfill this commission. The gospel is the message and the heart of church. Deacons enable the church to live out the gospel in practical ways.
- You have reached the end of this article preview. This article was published in the Summer 2025 Baptist Bulletin. Subscribe to the Baptist Bulletin or purchase a gift subscription. If you already subscribe to the print edition, sign up for free digital access.
Will Hatfield is lead pastor of Crossroad Baptist Church, Ames, Iowa. This article was originally published in The Pastor: A Guide for God’s Faithful Servant, ed. by Jim Vogel, which is available at rbpstore.org and other online retailers.
