Grace Bible Church
Policy on Selecting and Removing
a Member of the Women’s Servant Council (Deaconess)
(Revised 1/9/2023)
A member of the Women’s Servant Council (WSC) [also referred to as a “deaconess”] has great responsibilities toward God and His Church. She cannot fulfill these unless she meets the qualifications of both having the necessary spiritual gifts and character that God has set forth in the Scriptures. A fully qualified deaconess is a great asset to the church. An unqualified deaconess is a hindrance and possible danger to the church. The process given here is to help determine if a woman is equipped in character and in spiritual gifts to serve as a member of the WSC. If this is done correctly, then the church will simply be recognizing a woman God has set apart to this ministry and the church will be blessed. If done incorrectly, then it will be people choosing leaders according to their own desires and standards and the church will suffer.
It is also recognized that a woman that gives all appearance of being qualified at one point in time may later prove herself unqualified. Therefore this policy includes a means to remove unqualified women from being a member of the Women’s Servant Council.
Also included is a brief outline of how a woman can work toward developing herself to be a deaconess. It is our belief that though not every Christian woman will have the necessary gifts to be a deaconess, nevertheless, every Christian woman should be developing themselves to meet the spiritual and character qualifications of being a deaconess.
The process of selecting members of the WSC will be accomplished in five phases
1) Nomination
2) Evaluation
3) Internship
4) Confirmation
5) Continuing Reaffirmation
1. NOMINATION TO PROCESS
(Relevant Scriptures: Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3-5)
A. Identified by an Elder, Deacon or member of the WSC
Each existing Elder, Deacon and WSC member should, as a part of regular ministry, identify women who desire to be a deaconess and may be qualified. Such women should be discipled and prepared to be a deaconess. Such an identified individual should be:
1) In the discipleship process (discipling or being discipled)
2) Involved in church ministry.
3) Ready for simultaneous evaluation and internship
B. Identified by a member of the church.
Members of the church may recommend to the Elders women they recognize that may meet the qualifications for a deaconess, are doing the work of ministry and desire to do the work of a deaconess. Such an identified individual should be:
1) Active in a ministry of the church
2) Actively involved in the discipleship process (discipling or being discipled)
3) Assigned to an Elder & a WSC member for initial screening and assistance.
C. Approval to proceed in the process
1) A woman identified for nomination to the WSC by either process A. or B. above will initially be screened by the WSC at regularly held meeting as to her qualifications and ability to serve on the WSC. If approved, her name shall be submitted to the Elders for screening as to her qualifications and ability to serve on the WSC. If approved, she shall be referred back to the WSC for step 2 below.
2) A current WSC member will meet with the nominee and complete an Initial Self Evaluation Questionnaire with her (see Appendix A). The process continues only after individual has completed this Initial Evaluation Questionnaire, given serious consideration and prayer to the matter, and still desires to proceed. If areas of disqualification are discovered, the nominee will be encouraged to work in the areas of weakness discovered for possible future re-nomination, and a report will be given to the WSC and the Elders.
3) The WSC member that completed the Initial Evaluation Questionnaire with the nominee will report her findings to the WSC. If the nominee is approved, a report and recommendation will be given to the Elders. A nominee does not proceed unless approved by the Elders. Those turned down at this phase are to be encouraged to work in the areas of weakness pointed out for possible future re-nomination.
D. Assigned Discipling member of the Women’s Servant Council
Each approved candidate is assigned to an existing WSC member for discipleship, evaluation and help through the process (i.e. contact, guidance, support, accountability, modeling, evaluation of home life and reputation in community).
2. EVALUATION (1-3 months)
(Relevant Scriptures: 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
A. Written Evaluation (see Appendix B)
1) Testimony of salvation
2) Testimony of current ministries
3) Doctrine
4) Philosophy of ministry
B. Assigned Discipling WSC member (This formally begins with nomination approval)
1) Assistance with testimonies and written evaluation
2) Spending time to get an accurate picture of family life. The mentoring member of the WSC should be able to identify the strengths and weakness in the candidate’s relationship with her husband and children.
3) Investigation of reputation outside the church. The candidate is to give a list of references which are to be contacted by an Elder or WSC member. In addition, neighbors, known friends and co-workers should also be contacted. (See Appendix C for possible questions for this investigation).
4) Identification of any deficiency or weakness in character, ministry or belief and provide or direct to training classes as needed.
C. Approval by Elders to proceed to an internship
The written materials are to be given to the Elders for review. The candidate is to be available to the Elders for questioning/clarification of the written materials. The Elders will decide if the candidate is ready to proceed to an internship or continue working in areas of weakness based on the written materials and the report and recommendation of the discipling WSC member.
3. INTERNSHIP
A. The assigned member of the WSC continues in discipling relationship for accountability and assistance
B. A WSC Intern attends all WSC meetings and functions. She may speak to issues being discussed but does not have a say in the decisions of the WSC.
C. A WSC Intern is to continue reading through relevant books (especially in any areas of weakness) and discussing them with the discipling WSC member. (See Appendix D for a list of recommended books)
D. A WSC Intern is to demonstrate her heart for service through involvement with the WSC in one or more of their areas of service.
4. CONFIRMATION
A. Elder Approval. Upon recommendation by the discipling WSC member, the WSC Intern will be interviewed by the Elders & Women’s Servant Council for final approval to become a member of the WSC.
B. Congregational Notification. Upon unanimous approval of the Elders, the WSC Intern will be presented to the congregation as being ready to become a member of the WSC. The congregation will be instructed to go to her if they have any personal problem with her or information demonstrating that she is not qualified. They may also come to the Elders with any information that might demonstrate the candidate is not yet qualified and the Elders will then investigate. A period of at least one month will be given to the church for taking such actions.
C. Congregational Affirmation. After at least one month has passed since the congregation was notified, the WSC Intern will be presented to the congregation for affirmation. Affirmation must be by at least 75% of the Active Members.
D. Installation. After affirmation by the congregation, the WSC Intern will be installed as a member of the WSC by the laying on of hands by the existing Elders. This will be done as either a special service or part of a regular Sunday worship service. (Acts 6:6)
5. REAFFIRMATION, REVIEW, CORRECTION, REMOVAL
(Relevant verses: Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
A. Re-affirmation: Members of the WSC are to be re-affirmed as to their qualifications each year by the members of the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting.
1) If a member of the WSC receives less than a 95% vote of confidence, she is to be re-investigated as to her qualifications.
2) A re-investigation of qualification begins with asking those who gave a no confidence vote to:
1. Talk with the particular member of the WSC about the reason(s).
2. Bring the matter before the Elders with the accused member of the WSC present to either affirm the accusation of lack of qualification or affirm that the concern has been resolved.
3) If less than two people come forward to meet with the Elders to bring formal charges, then the matter is to be dropped.
B. Accusations: A WSC member may be subject to accusations at any time of the year.
1) The accusations must be made by at least two people.
2) Those making the accusations should meet first with the member of the WSC in question to express their concerns.
3) If there is no resolution in private or the matter would disqualify the woman from continuing as a member of the WSC , the matter is to be brought before all the Elders for investigation.
C. Annual Review. Each WSC member is subject to annual review by the Elders and other WSC members . Those found negligent or incompetent to carry out their responsibilities may be subject to Correction and/or Removal as outlined in paragraphs D & E below.
D. Correction. If a WSC member is accused, as in A or B above, the matter is to be investigated.
1) The Elders are to investigate all relevant facts including interviewing additional people to determine the truth or falsity of the accusations.
2) If the accusations are determined to be false, those making the false accusations are to be rebuked with church discipline carried out if there is no repentance.
3) If the accusations are determined to be true, the Elders are to determine if it is a matter of disqualification from being a WSC member or a matter of correction. Disqualification would be for no longer meeting the qualifications of 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6, for serious negligence of responsibilities, or no longer holding to the Statement of Faith of Grace Bible Church. Correction would be for misunderstandings, errors of judgement, or other minor matters that do not demonstrate a failed character, etc.
4) A WSC member that is corrected is to receive it with all humility and demonstrate the fruit of repentance.
E. Removal. A WSC member that is found to be disqualified as outlined above is to be removed from being a member of the WSC.
1) A WSC member that in humility recognizes her failure may resign by stating she is no longer qualified and wishes to work on the areas of failure. She is eligible to be renominated at a later time after the area of failure is corrected.
2) A WSC member that continues in sin or refuses the correction given to her is to be rebuked before the congregation and removed from being a WSC member.
3) A WSC member may be removed by unanimous consensus of the Elders and/or by a failure to receive a minimum 75% vote of affirmation of the active members present at a Regular or Special Church Business Meeting.
4) If her sin continues, the former WSC member is to have the final step of church discipline, disfellowship, carried out against her.
Appendix A – Self Evaluation Questionnaire
Women’s Servant Council (Deaconess)
Directions for the Discipling WSC member: Arrange to meet with the WSC Intern nominee and work through this Evaluation Questionnaire with her. Be sure to congratulate her on the nomination to the process of becoming a WSC member, because that in itself is an honor and says that her spiritual maturity is beginning to be noticed. Whether she believes herself to be qualified or is able to complete this process or not, it should be an encouragement to be recognized for maturity that is above other Christian women in the church. You may also want to give her a copy of the handout sheets on the Church Officer Qualifications – Women’s Servant Council (see below) so that she will have a chance to review them and consider them carefully before she meets with you.
This Questionnaire is simply a way to initially screen the individual as to how well she currently meets the Scriptural qualifications for a WSC member (deaconess). If in your evaluation you find that there are areas of serous weakness that need to be worked on before she can continue in this process, point those out along with a plan as how she can strengthen or overcome them so that she might be fully qualified in the future. Be encouraging! If there are minor weaknesses, you may work with her in those areas until she is qualified. If there are no serious deficiencies, you may recommend her to the Elders and she can move forward to the next step of the process.
1. Do you consider serving the Lord and others a duty or an opportunity?
Do you enjoy serving the Lord and others?
Would you like to serve the Lord by doing the work of a deaconess? Why?
2. How long have you been a Christian?
How would you rate your Christian maturity?
Babe Adolescent Young Woman Middle Age Mature Senior Saint
3. Is there anything in your life that would cast doubt on your character if it were known? Those that live godly lives will be slandered (Matt 5:11); is there anything you could be accused of that could be backed up by evidence?
4. If your neighbors, co-workers, etc., were contacted, what would they say about you?
5. What is your behavior like in social settings?
6. Are you content with your present situation of life? If not, what would need to be changed to help you be content? (Phil. 4:11,12)
7. Do you ever lose your temper? If so, what causes it?
Is there anyone you resent or hold a grudge against?
How do others perceive you in this area? Angry? Resentful? Bitter? etc.
8. How do you react when someone takes advantage of you?
9. How well do you get along with others?
10. What is your view on the use of alcoholic beverages?
Do you partake of alcoholic beverages? Other drugs?
11. Describe your personal walk with the Lord?
Do you have a plan to regularly read/study the Bible?
Do you have a plan to spend consistent time in prayer & meditation?
12. Describe what you like to do in your free time?
13. Describe your home life?
14. Describe your relationship with your husband?
How would your husband describe your relationship with him?
If you are single, describe your dating life?
15. Describe your relationship with your children?
Describe the spiritual condition of your children?
Describe how you are trying to raise them in the nature and admonition of the Lord?
16. Do you struggle in the area of gossip? (Talking about others behind their backs, saying things that are unnecessary, talking to others about someone else’s problem without talking with them first, etc.).
17. What area of ministry are you currently involved? How long? Describe your involvement. Who was over you?
18. Is there anything that has not been covered that might disqualify you from being a deaconess / member of the WSC?
19. How would you explain the gospel to someone in order to lead them to Christ?
20. What is your own testimony of salvation?
21. Do you have any questions or reservations concerning the Constitution of Grace Bible Church?
22. Are you in full agreement without reservation with the Statement of Faith of Grace Bible Church
Church Officer Qualifications – Women’s Servant Council – Deaconesses
“Deaconess” is simply the feminine form of “deacon,” which literally means “table waiter.” Deacons & Deaconesses are servants of the church. The Apostles charged certain men to help serve with the temporal affairs of the church (Acts 6:1-6). In practical terms Deacons assist the Elders as directed and they have to meet certain spiritual qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13). In the same way, Deaconesses are godly women who are servants of the church who assist the Elders as directed and they must meet certain qualifications. In order to emphasize the position of service, the Deaconesses at Grace Bible Church are referred to as the Women’s Servant Council (WSC). General Qualifications of a godly woman are seen in demonstrating the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22,23 and in passages such as 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:1-6. Specific qualifications are listed in 1 Timothy 3:11.
Galatians 5:22 (NASB) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Timothy 2:9 (NASB) Likewise, [I want] women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; 10 but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness. 11 Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, [and] then Eve. 14 And [it was] not Adam [who] was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But [women] shall be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
Titus 2:3 (NASB) Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 [to be] sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.
1 Peter 3:1 (NASB) In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any [of them] are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 And let not your adornment be [merely] external– braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. 6 Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
1 Timothy 3:11″Women* must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.”
(*We hold that in the context of this passage, the term “women” in this passage refers to women deacons/servants and is not restricted to the wife of a deacon).
Members of the Women’s Servant Council (deaconesses) are to be:
1. DIGNIFIED: She is to be a solemn, serious minded, steady, solid individual. She behaves in an honorable manner.
2. NOT MALICIOUS GOSSIPS: She controls her tongue and does not slander or accuse other people. The Greek word here for “malicious gossip” is used as a name for the devil in many passages of the New Testament because she slanders and accuses the saints.
3. TEMPERATE: She is sober in judgement. She is self-controlled, stable and steady in her thinking. She is not given to anger or irrational emotional outbursts. She is not “flighty,” “scatter-brained” or addicted to anything that would make her so. (The meaning of the root word is to “not be addicted to wine.”)
4. FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS: She is trustworthy in all things. She is faithful to accomplish any task given to her, and she is faithful in her commitment and walk with the Lord.
The only deaconess mentioned in the New Testament is Phoebe in Romans 16:1 who was recognized for her service to the church in Cenchrea.
Appendix B – Written Evaluation – Women’s Servant Council / Deaconess
1. Please write out your testimony of salvation.
2. Please describe the ministries in which you have been involved in past and those in which you are presently involved and what results you have seen from those ministries. Please also explain what spiritual gifts you believe you may have and how God has used them.
3. Please write out what you believe concerning each of the following areas:
The Bible
God the Father
God the Son, Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
Angels
Satan & Demons
The Nature of Man
Sin
Salvation
The Nature of the Church
God’s plan for the future of mankind and the earth.
4. Please describe your general philosophy of ministry in the following areas.
A. What is the mission of the church and how is it to be carried out?
B. What is/are the ministries of a deaconess and how do they help with the over all ministries of the church.
C. Where does a deaconess fit in the structure of the Church? To whom is a deaconess responsible to for her ministries? How should she carry out her responsibilities?
Appendix C – Possible Questions for References
For use when contacting a reference, neighbor, co-worker, etc. Explain who you are and the reason for your call. Inform that the candidate is being considered for a position of leadership in their church and ask if they would mind answering a few questions about the candidate.
Name of Candidate Date:
Name of person being interviewed
“Your relationship to the candidate?”
“How long have you known the candidate?”
“Did you know the candidate is a professing Christian?”
“Did you know she is a member of Grace Bible Church?”
“Has the candidate ever talked with you about Jesus Christ?”
“Which of the following words would fit the candidate in your opinion?”
Shy Gregarious Withdrawn Outgoing Reserved Bold
Kind Mean Considerate Selfish Compassionate Callous/unfeeling
Proud Humble Friendly Contentious Congenial Opinionated
Harsh Gentle Respectable Inappropriate Honorable Devious
Wise Stupid Discerning Foolish Patient Rash
Would you consider the candidate a good / fair / mediocre / poor / bad neighbor/co-worker/etc. (according to relationship)?
Describe the candidate’s relationship with her husband?
Does he respect her? Does she respect him?
Is she committed to him alone or does she have an eye for other men?
Describe the candidates relationship with her children?
Is she involved with them?
Do they respect her?
Do they obey her?
Do you like / tolerate / dislike having her children around you?
Appendix D – Recommended Reading & Resources – Women’s Servant Council / Deaconess
Bible Survey / General Commentaries
Talk Thru the Bible, Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth Boa. Thomas Nelson, 1993
The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, John f. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, ed. Victor Books, 1985.The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
New Testament, John f. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, ed. Victor Books, 1983.
Bible Backgrounds / Customs
Manners & Customs in the Bible, Victor H. Matthews. Hendrickson Publishers, 1988.
Sketches of Jewish Social Life, Alfred Edersheim. Eerdmans Publishing, 1979.
How to Study the Bible
First Hand Joy, Rick Yohn. NavPress, 1982.
How to Study the Bible, John MacArthur
Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible, Walter Henrichsen & Gayle Jackson. Zondervan Publishing, 1990.
Systematic Theology
Practical Christian Theology, Floyd H. Barackman. Kregel Publications, 1992.
God the Father
The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer. Harper & Row Publishers, 1961
Knowing God, J.I. Packer. InterVarsity Press, 1973
God the Son, Jesus Christ – see Salvation
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit & His Gifts, J. Oswald Sanders. Lamplighter Books, 1970.
Angels / Demons / Satan
Angels: Elect & Evil, C. Fred Dickason. Moody Press, 1975.
Unmasking Satan, Richard Mayhue. Victor Books, 1988
The Strategy of Satan, Warren Wiersbe. Tydale House
Salvation
The Gospel According to Jesus, John F, MacArthur.
Faith Works: The Gospel According to the Apostles, John F. MacArthur. Word Publishing, 1993.
Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God, J.I. Packer. IVP, 1961
The Gospel Call and True Conversion, Paul Washer. Reformation Heritage Books, 2013
The Nature of the Church
The Church; The Body of Christ,John F. MacArthur, Jr. Zondervan, 1973
Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch. Lewis & Roth Publishers, 1995
God’s Plan for the Future
The Meaning of the Millennium, Robert G. Clouse, ed. IVP, 1977
The Rapture: Pre, Mid, or Post-Tribulational, Richard Reiter, ed. Zondervan, 1984
Apologetics
Always Ready: Directions for Defending the Faith, Greg Bahnsen and Robert R. Booth. Covenant Media Press, 1996
Ultimate Proof of Creation,Dr. Jason Lisle. Master Books, 2009
Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell. Campus Crusade for Christ, 1972
God Doesn’t Believe in Atheists, Ray Comfort. Bridge Publishing, 1993
Scientific Creationism, Henry Morris. Creation-Life Publishers, 1974
Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, Barbour & Co., (The Christian Library), 1952
The Kingdom of the Cults, Walter Martin. Bethany House Publishers, 1965/1997
Ministry & Church Issues
Jesus Christ Disciple Maker, Bill Hull. Fleming H. Revell, 1990.
Competent to Counsel, Jay Adams. Zondervan Publishing, 1986
Charismatic Chaos, John F. MacArthur Jr., Zondervan Publishing, 1992
The Fulfilled Family, John F. MacArthur Jr.
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible, Jay Adams. Zondervan, 1980
Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Ted Tripp
Passion & Purity, Elizabeth Elliot (Women)
Beloved Unbeliever, Jo Berry (Women)
Social Issues
Abortion: Whatever Happened to the Human Race, Francis A. Shaeffer & C. Everett Koop. Flemming H. Revell Company, 1979
Pornography: The Mind Polluters, Jerry R. Kirk. Thomas Nelson, 1985
Welfare: The Tragedy of American Compassion, Marvin Olasky. Regnery Publishing, 1992
Homosexuality: The Crises of Homosexuality, J. Isamu Yamamoto, ed., Victor Books, 1990
The Pink Agenda: Sexual Revolution in South Africa and the Ruin of the Family,Peter Hammond and Christine McCaffety. Christian Liberty Books, 2001
Devotional / Inspirational / Discipleship Tools
One-to-One Discipleship, Al & Lorraine Broom. Multiplication Ministries, 1983
The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges. NavPress 1978
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney. NavPress, 1991
How to Worship Jesus Christ
Hinds Feet in High Places, Hurnard (Women)
A Way of Seeing, Edith Schaeffer (Women)
A Woman After God’s Own Heart, Elizabeth George (Women)
Loving God with All Your Mind, Elizabeth George (Women)
How to Become a Member of the Women’s Servant Council (Deaconess)
at Grace Bible Church
Ladies who become members of the Women’s Servant Council (WSC) take on great responsibilities toward God and His Church. She cannot fulfill these responsibilities unless she meets the qualifications of both character and gifts that God has set forth in the Scriptures. A woman who is fully qualified is a great asset to the church while an unqualified one can be a danger to the church. For this reason, Grace Bible Church has a serious process to identify qualified women for this ministry. (This ministry can properly be referred to as that of a Deaconess). The full policy defining this process is available from the church office to any church member upon request. The basic steps of the process are outlined below.
1) A woman is saved and begins her walk with Jesus Christ.
2) She grows in maturity through various means (see below) and is recognized by those in the congregation as having the marks of a godly woman as noted in passages such as in Galatians 5:22,23 (“fruit of the Spirit”), 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:1-6 and meeting the specific qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:11 (see attached paper). She is then nominated by a Church Member to be considered by the Elders as a candidate.
3) The Elders evaluate the nominee as to her qualifications and then direct her accordingly to grow in any areas of deficiency and/or prepare for an Internship on the Women’s Servant Council and then confirmation as a WSC member
4) The WSC Intern is presented to Congregation for affirmation.
Means of spiritually maturing.
A) A consistent personal devotional life of Bible study and prayer
B) Involvement in personal discipleship both as one who is being discipled and as someone who is discipling others.
C) Consistent and humble usage of their spiritual gifts in ministry.
D) Taking advantage of any regular or special classes that might be helpful toward ministry training. This would include ministries such a worship services, Sunday School, small group Bible studies, special seminars, etc. (For those who desire to pursue self study, please talk with a Pastor, Elder or WSC Member to set up a course of self study).
E) Reading of Christian books helpful to a greater understanding of the Bible, theology and its application to daily life. (A list of suggested books and resources is attached)
If you are taking advantage of the various means of spiritually maturing as noted above and are interested in becoming a WSC Member, whether in the near or distant future, then please talk with a Pastor, Elder or current WSC Member for specific direction in preparing yourself for this wonderful and important ministry.