2026 DEACON INDUCTION PROCESS
Phase 1
Candidates Invited
May, 2026
Candidates demonstrate a lifestyle of "loving God, loving others, and making disciples," and show a high capacity to serve in a greater position.
Biblical deacon qualifications and Orchard Church expectations are located on this page:
New candidates are invited into the process, ONLY after being agreed upon by current deacons at the end of April, 2026.
Phase 1 ends with a
"Get To Know You" dinner and prayer time
6:30PM June 2, 2026
DINNER & PRAYER
6:30 Tuesday, June 2
at The Orchard Church
This will be a great time to talk together, ask and answer questions, go over basic Deacon definitions and Biblical qualifications. We will go into way more detail in the upcoming leadership development course. For now, we're just excited about new candidates starting the process!
Catering by:
Phase 2A
Leadership Course
Begins 6:30 Tuesday, June 9
Current deacons and candidates attend our custom leader development course, taught by Pastor Steve and other elders. While this material is primarily for new deacon candidates, it is GOOD STUFF, and applicable in everyone's lives.
The Law of the Lid
6:30 Tuesday, June 9
Our Simple Strategy
6:30 Tuesday, June 16
The Imperative of the Gospel
6:30 Tuesday, June 23
(Deacon paperwork due)
The Joshua Problem
6:30 Tuesday, June 30
Leadership Keystones
6:30 Tuesday, July 7
The Role of the Deacon
6:30 Tuesday, July 14
The Lifegroup Priority
6:30 Tuesday, July 21
Phase 2B
Personal Interviews
June - July
These interviews are assigned by the chairman of deacons, conducted by elders with new deacon candidates.
These are casual and informal meetings for the purpose of hearing testimonies, discovering gifting, and exploring calling on each new candidates life.
Deacon Questionnaire
Each candidate will complete a deacon questionnaire, which is accessible right here:
QUESTIONNAIRE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Save the PDF to your device with YOUR filename:
LASTNAME FIRSTNAME Questionnaire.pdf
(example: Dusek Steve Questionnaire.pdf)
2. Type out your own answers in fillable forms within document.
(you can save, close, and re-open the pdf on your device)
3. Email completed PDF (with YOUR filename) to:
stevedusek@orchardellijay.com
on or before Tuesday, June 23
Spiritual Gifts
You will also receive a spiritual gifts test link via email.
Please complete the assessment on or before Tuesday, June 23
Phase 2C
Follow-Alongs
New deacon candidates have the chance to follow along on Sundays and during lifegroups to see how current deacons perform their role. This is a great mentoring opportunity for candidates in a wide range of ministry activities.
June - July
Phase 2 ends with a
Deacon Prayer Dinner
6:30PM Tuesday, July 28
Phase 3
Installation of New Deacons
Sunday, August 2
All Three Services
**We realized late that the Women of Joy conference will mean that several new deacon spouses would be out of town, unable to be present for this important day, so we rescheduled it back one Sunday.
We will introduce new deacons, and pray for church leadership during the Sunday morning services.