DCG HOUSE PASTOR

The equivalent of the position of a DCG House Pastor, in a traditional denomination setting, is called an Elder. This position is mainly held by a man except where there is no spiritually-ready male, to take the position up. This is not a matter of superiority of males over females, but as a matter of spiritual authority and responsibilities, as laid out according to biblical order of positions of responsibilities; in the church of God, which is the ground and the pillar of truth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The pastor will lead the home group church known as Disciples Community Group (DCG), in weekly Bible study, through:
• Dissemination of necessary information to the group.
• Announce the assigned weekly Bible reading.
• Moderate the Bible study time.
• Update his/her group’s weekly Bible study activities on DCG’s feedback portal.
• Mediate in other matters as may involve members like prayer requests, material/food requests by letting the group, or appropriate persons know, who can meet such needs.
• Liaise between the DCG base, which is, (Eternal Food Evangelistic Organization); and his/her local DCG, regarding all matters relating to Bible study/activities.
• Coordinate the involvement and participation of his/her local DCG in the monthly evangelistic gathering (Harvest Feast)
• Represent his/her local DCG at central meetings involving other DCG’s.
• Be one of the two, or more signatories to the local DCG’s bank account.

DCG HOUSE CO-ORDINATOR

The equivalent of the position of a DCG House Coordinator, in a traditional denomination setting, is called a Deacon/Deaconness. This position can be occupied by a male or a female. Eternal Food Ministry recognizes and encourages the upliftment of women to the position of a deacon (deaconess, as preferred by some), as seen in the example of Sister Phoebe, whom Apostle Paul recognized as such, in his letter to the Romans (16:1-2).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist DCG Pastor as may be needed. For example, lead Bible study when the house pastor is not available.
• Be in charge of preparation of the communion and its distribution.
• Be in charge of preparation/coordination of fellowship’s refreshments.
• Do the scheduling of the hosting of DCG Bible study venues.
• Do the scheduling of worship songs that will be used in the weekly Bible study.
• Liaise with DCG base, which is, (Eternal Food Evangelistic Organization); in the ordering of the Lord’s communion kits, as needed by his/her local DCG.
• Be responsible for ordering of food boxes from Eternal Food Bank, to stock their area DCG Eternal Food Bank outlet.
• Do the scheduling of volunteer members that will serve at the Food Bank outlet.
• Liaise with Eternal Food Bank regarding the monthly volunteering of his/her local DCG, whenever it’s the turn of his/her local DCG to volunteer at the Eternal Food Bank.
• Help coordinate the involvement and participation of his/her local DCG in the monthly evangelistic gathering (Harvest Feast)
• May, or may not be one of the two, or more signatories to the local DCG’s bank account.

CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE ANYONE CAN BE ACCEPTED TO BE TRAINED FOR THE POSITION OF A DCG HOUSE PASTOR, OR A DCG HOUSE CO-ORDINATOR.

• Be a saved, born again Christian.
• Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Must be a Bible student, as a lifestyle.
• Must be a prayer student, as a lifestyle.
• Must be teachable.
• Must be ready and willing to teach others about the word of God.
• Be ready to recognize the leadership and the spiritual authority of Eternal Food Ministry, as it is fitting for orderliness, in the body of Christ.
• Be faithful in whatever they voluntarily commit themselves to do, for the glory of God, in Eternal Food Ministry.
• Have a good standing of integrity and character in their family, workplace and their neighborhood.
• Be willing to abide with the rules and regulations of Eternal Food Ministry.
• Be willing to support the Divine mission and commission given to Eternal Food Ministry, in every way they possibly can.
• Not be a contentious person, or a divider.
• Be willing to participate in activities that will lead to the advancement of the course of the gospel.
• Be willing to participate in matters that will lead to the development of the ministry.
• Be a husband of one wife.
• Be a wife of one husband.
• Must have a good control of his/her home (children).
• Must be above reproach.
• Must not be greedy for gains/money.
• Must love God and love people.
• Must be hospitable, and gentle with people.
• Must love sinners enough, not to cast them away, and love them enough; to preach the gospel truth to them.
• Must be honest in all matters.
• Must be able to tell the truth in love. Not a flatterer.
• Must not be a gossip, or a backbiter.
• Must be matured enough to counsel house members and leave it (the counseling) there, unless there is any need to pass any information on, for further help; (with the consent of the person counseled), to the appropriate persons within their local DCG, or, Eternal Food Evangelistic Organization.
• Be a good example in everything.

THE FOLLOWING BIBLE PASSAGES HAVE FORMED THE BASIS OF THE LISTED CRITERIA ABOVE

“Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4“How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” 5 Jesus answered “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:3-5

“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18.

“2 And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. 3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:2-3.

“Likewise Deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. 9 Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

“12 But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. 13 In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

“1 As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” 1 Peter 5:1-3

“Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28.

“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28.

“A man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” Proverbs 29:5.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.” Romans 16:1-2

“But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.” Philemon 1:14

“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews 12:15.

“As God’s fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1.

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. 16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:14-17.

The House pastor and House coordinator’s manual is a living document which may be updated from time to time. All house pastors and house coordinators will be duly informed, should that occur.