A new year of ministry grounded in compassion, humility, and faithful presence.
by Mike Holt, Deacon Chair Elect
We will soon be entering a new deacon service year at Smoke Rise. We are deeply grateful to Dorothy Swindle, who has led with grace and wisdom as our Chair of Deacons in 2025. Her steady guidance and warm spirit have blessed us all. I am honored to follow in her footsteps and will assume the role of Chair of Deacons beginning in January 2026, thankful for the faithful fellowship that surrounds and sustains this ministry.
Our Fellowship of Deacons looks to the leadership that Jesus modeled when he said, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). As we look forward to a new year of service beginning in January, it is our prayer that our deacon ministry will remain rooted in supportive ministries of care, prayer and presence.
The heart of our deacon ministry is our deacon family ministry, where deacons are paired with a small group of church members and families to support through cards, calls, visits and prayer. On Sundays, deacons assist at assigned stations to meet and greet, to assist with communion, and to embody the spirit of hospitality and caring that defines our congregation.
Our deacons also serve alongside our pastors and staff as partners in ministry. At our monthly meals and meetings, deacons receive updates from the ministry team, hear about upcoming programs and needs, and offer encouragement and prayer. Deacons also view and affirm the church budget each year after approval by the finance committee. Through these moments, deacons help strengthen the bond of trust and support that holds our congregation together.
At Smoke Rise, our deacons don’t just hold a position — they live out a calling. We join with our new deacons and returning deacons in the coming year in prayerful support. These deacons who will serve are only a small representation of the many open hands and open hearts that make Smoke Rise Baptist Church a wonderful family of faith. May God bless our church and all who serve in this New Year!
