2021 Deacon’s Care Plan
CONTACT THE DEACONS CARE MINISTRY HERE
BACKGROUND
The National Deacons Care Team is committed to following Acts: 6:1-6. The Apostles were struggling to advance the early church so they launched the first deacons.
The scripture reads, “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.(ESV).
It is within that spirit that the National Deacons Care team exists. Our goal is not to replace local deacon’s ministries but to offer additional resources to those who need care. We “care” and are committed to supporting congregants in any way we can.
MISSION
The Mission of the Deacons Care Ministry is to provide supportive services to the Churches of God By Faith and others.
VISION
The Vision is to collaborate with Church of God By Faith members with Christian professional experience to share their expertise with others.
TRAINING
All of the leaders have received extensive training to help perform their tasks through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute (CTI).
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
TERM– This Agreement applies to discussions between Individual and Church Of God By Faith, Inc. related to the duties of your Position (the “Church Business”) during the period of time beginning on the date set forth above and ending on the later of, or the term of service (the “Exchange Period”), unless otherwise earlier terminated.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Individual understands and acknowledges that in his or her Position he will receive confidential information pertaining to the activities, operations and the business of Church Of God By Faith and/or financial and personal information of Church members (“Confidential Information”).Individual further acknowledges that disclosure of such Confidential Information may be prejudicial to the Church’s member and/or Church Of God By Faith.
CONFIDENTIALITY – Individual agrees to: Not disclose or discuss Confidential Information with others not authorized to receive such; Use reasonable means to protect and prevent the disclosure of Confidential Information, whether oral or written; Use the Confidential Information only in connection with the
Church Business during the Exchange Period. Individual may disclose Confidential Information to Pastor, specific member(s) of the organization of which the Individual holds the above referenced Position and only such member(s) that has/have a real need to know or as otherwise directed by Church Of God By
Faith.
REMEDY – Upon my violation of this Agreement by Individual, Church Of God By Faith Inc may in its sole discretion remove such Individual immediately from said Position and prevent such Individual from serving on any other position at Church Of God By Faith that involves receipt of Confidential Information.
BENEVOLENCE – Deacon David Jones
Benevolence is simply showing love through giving – giving of money, time, advice and abilities to help the needy. Our goals are to: assemble list of agencies that can assist members; assist members when needed and ensure that the Benevolence Policy of the Church of God by Faith, Inc. Policies and Governing Instruments is being adhered to, This ministry is coordinated by Deacon David L. Jones who resides in Cocoa, FL and attends Emmons Memorial COGBF. He is a lifetime member of ByFaith, but received Christ in 1990. Currently, he serves on the Daytona Beach district and is a chairman of the Deacons Board, treasurer and Finance Committee chairman, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, and building committee member. Deacon Jones is retired and is happily married to Sis. Audrey Kaye for 23-years. His goals are to become the best deacon he can be and to continue learning. Deacon Jones was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
CARE-GIVING – Deaconess Lubertha Williams
The Fill My Cup Ministry provides training and emotional support to caregivers which will enable them to effectively fulfill their role through proper management of available resources. Care-giving is to mirror God’s love by providing practical and compassionate care support to persons caring for elderly parents or their own spouse, child, sibling or friend on a day to day basis. Deaconess Williams coordinates this ministry for the National Deacons Care Ministry, She is a lifelong member of COGBF and has served as a missionary, youth president, and 2CBF adviser and is employed by the South Carolina Youth Advocate Institute. Deaconess Williams loves working for the Lord, helping others and doing whatever God calls her to do. Deaconess Williams was nationally consecrated through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
LAY-CHRISTIAN COUNSELING – Deacon Charlie McBride
The National Deacons Care Counseling team provides ancillary services to ByFaithers and their families including but not limited to: online personal counseling, referrals for services and assistance to agencies within their immediate region to help alleviate issues before they become a crisis. This ministry is coordinated by Deacon Charlie J. McBride. He is married to Thelma for 48 years and has a B.A. in Liberal Arts and a M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling. He has nearly 40 years of experience in the field of counseling. This includes: supervision of counselors, vocational rehabilitation counseling and counseling individuals with emotional and mental health issues. His goal is to advise individuals and refer them to various community service agencies where they could possibly receive the services required to benefit them and their needs. Deacon McBride is the chairman of the COGBF National Finance Chairman’s Network and was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
HOSPITALITY MINISTRY – Deacon Mark Williams
Our mission is to serve as ambassadors for Christ and the Church to ensure that all who come, whether to join, visit, or take part in a special service are welcomed into God’s house. Our vision is to create a culture and environment that will enhance each member and guest and to create an atmosphere of love, fellowship, and excitement for everyone. Deacon Williams was born in the ByFaith Family and attends Shekinah Glory in South Carolina. He has been a deacon for 30 years and chairman of the Board for 15 years. He loves God, his church and his family. He and his wife Lubertha have always had a spirit of hospitality. They have consistently tried to create an atmosphere of love, fellowship and belonging and have welcomed many into their lives and homes. Their gifts and talents will be helpful in this hospitality ministry.. Deacon Williams was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
GRIEF MINISTRY – Deacon Walter Booth
The National Deacons Grief Ministry offers assistance of professionals or other qualified persons that are committed throughout the grieving process of individuals and families. The mission provides a listening ear, companionship, and referral to other agencies. COGBF, Inc. will provide respectful, spiritual and professional services to those in need case-by-case. Deacon Booth is also a minister who believes in helping a person through the grieving process is no easy task but no job is too hard for God. He resides in Gainesville, FL and attends Jerusalem COGBF since 1974, he has been a member of ByFaith and currently serves as a Finance Board chairman, deacon, and Sunday School superintendent. He holds an A.A. degree from Santa Fe College and has attended the University of Florida. Minister Booth is retired, has been happily married for 47-years to Debbie, and is the father of four children. Deacon Booth is a nationally ordained minister and deacon through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
MEDIA MINISTRY – Deacon Stephon McBride
The mission of this ministry is to improve the effectiveness and the use of technology to help spread the gospel. This will be done in an effort to offer suggestions to local assemblies for affordable options for using technology in services. To assist the National Media Team as needed. Deacon McBride is the 7th child of the late Elder Cleveland P. McBride and the Late Mother Gertrude B. McBride. He is married to Barbara McBride and has two children. He is a graduate of Sumter High School, attended the University of South Carolina, Sumter, SC and has completed Continuing Education courses at Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter, SC. He is employed at Becton Dickinson PSA for the 37 years. His motto is “treat others like the way you want to be treated”. He is a locally ordained Deacon at Lynchburg Church of God by Faith, Lynchburg SC. He currently serves as the director of Media Ministry and serves on the Usher Board.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MINISTRY – Deacon John McKnight
As the Church of God by Faith continues to grow, there are many church policies and procedures that are sometimes confusing. This ministry seeks to bring clarity on Apportionments, ByFaith Partners, CTI, the Governing Instruments, the Ritual and any other general workings of the National Office. Deacon McKnight is married to Phyllis for 39 years and is a member of Starke COGBF where he serves under Presiding Bishop McKnight. Nationally, he serves as co-dean of CTI, coordinator of the Affiliation Ministry, and National 2CBF adviser. Deacon McKnight served on the Ritual Committee and helped author the Governing Instruments and Deacons Manual. He also works for the Executive Council to help make sure their vision and goals are achieved. Deacon McKnight was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
PRISON MINISTRY – Deacon Billy Joe Milling
The main objectives of this ministry is that some might come to know Christ as their Lord and savior and have an inward change and become productive citizens in society. We believe that when a person realizes their short comings, they will share with others their testimony of how the Lord changed their ways of thinking. Then, they may become good moral examples in their homes, communities and society for others. Deacon Milling has been a member for 35-years and serves as chairman of Deacons Board at Abbeville COGBF. He serves on the Prison Ministry and is the treasurer of the Finance Board. On the Central Georgia District, he is the facilitator of the Deacons Training Program. He is retired from the Military/Civil Services and owns a beef/cattle farm. He has a degree in farming and a Third Class Radio and TV License. He attended Ft. Valley State College and South Plains Junior College in Texas. He is married to Sister Almetta and they have five children. His ministry goals are to continue reaching out to lost souls through the Prison/Jail Ministry and to continue encouraging as many deacons as possible to take CTI classes.
REAL ESTATE MINISTRY – Deacon David Hall
The mission of this ministry is to assist local churches under the leadership of the Church of God By Faith, Inc. with all of their real estate needs and concerns to keep them in compliance with all local, state and federal laws to help them maintain their tax exempt status. Deacon Hall currently holds a position of Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc. in Port St. Lucie Florida and has been active in the real estate profession for 25. He also serves on several local non-profit boards that helps children and families succeed in life. He is currently serving on the Florida Realtors Board of Directors and a Board member with the Florida Housing Coalition. He is an Instructor with the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute teaching Church Finance and also an Ethic Instructor with his local Realtor Association in Florida. Deacon Hall was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
SECURITY MINISTRY – Deacon Jonathan Gaskins
The vision of the Security Department for COGBF is to provide the security and safety operations for National, District, Local and Outreach Ministries. Our Mission is to provide continuous communication, training, and support throughout the Churches of COGBF to create a safe and secure corporate worship experience for the Executives, lay members and visitors. Deacon Gaskins resides in Sanderson, FL and attends Johnson Chapel COGBF, He has been a ByFaith member for 47-years and currently serves as chairman of the Deacons Board, Sunday School superintendent, Jacksonville District chairman of Finance Committee and on the National Security Team. Deacon Gaskins retired as a 20-year Law Enforcement Officer and is currently self-employed. He enjoys life with his wife of 49 years, Annie and their five children. Deacon Gaskins was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
TAXES AND FINANCE MINISTRY – Deacon Al Smith
This ministry provides supportive services to uphold the mission of the Churches of God by Faith, its affiliates and others by being a group of dedicated individuals that aide in providing the needed resources for the total church. Our Vision is to fulfill the mission of Acts 6:3 by using our God given wisdom and knowledge obtained to collaborate with members and affiliates to handle the business affairs of the their places of worship. This ministry is coordinated by Deacon Al Smith, II. He resides in Tampa, FL and attends The Rock COGBF. He is a lifelong member of ByFaith and serves as a chairman of the Finance/Deacon boards, Christian Board of Education, musician, and a Deacons Ministry leader. He also serves on the Tampa West Coast District as chairman of the Finance Board and Christian Board of Education. He is employed by the City of St. Petersburg and enjoys life with his wife, Patricia of 34-years and their 11 children. Deacon Smith was nationally ordained through the Church of God by Faith Theological Institute.
TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY – Deacon Albert Ross
Deacon Ross attended school in Douglas, Georgia retired from Cavco by Fleetwood Homes, where he worked for 34.5 years. In junior high school,he began to enjoy building and doing blueprints and have loved construction work every since. He enjoys doing things for others. His relationship with people is the strongest and most genuine one can have. The Vision of this ministry is to create a better transportation system for the members of the Church of God by Faith. Our goal is to set up a National Transportation Team through the National Church. The plan is to give instructions to every district chairman deacon, and from that point he will give those instructions to each individual chairman from each church. Many of our elderly members have personal transportation needs in their areas and our aim is to coordinate with agencies and individuals to meet those needs.
TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY – Deacon Edwin Whitehead
The Vision of this ministry is to create a better transportation system for the members of the Church of God by Faith. Our goal is to set up a National Transportation Team through the National Church. The plan is to give instructions to every district chairman deacon, and from that point he will give those instructions to each individual chairman from each church. Many of our elderly members have personal transportation needs in their areas and our aim is to coordinate with agencies and individuals to meet those needs. Deacon Whitehead was born and raised in Unadilla Dooly County Georgia. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United State Air Force and became an airplane mechanic. At the end of his enlistment, he was honorable discharged and returned to civilian life as a US Civil Service and mechanic for 35-years before retiring. Jesus came into his life at the age of 29. He is married and all of his children’s have accepted Christ as their savior.
