Welcome to the Deacon Ministry
Welcome to the Deacon Ministry of Effort Baptist Church! Our ministry is dedicated to serving God through compassionate leadership, spiritual guidance, and practical support for our church family and community. As deacons, we are called to assist in the care of the congregation, support the Pastor in various ministries, and help maintain the spiritual and physical well-being of the church. Whether through prayer, outreach, or service, our goal is to reflect Christ’s love in all that we do. We are excited to have you join us in this sacred calling, and we look forward to serving together as we grow in faith and fellowship. May we always strive to uplift and strengthen the body of Christ through our collective service.
This Deacon Ministry was established in 1875, alongside the founding of the Church. Since its inception, the Deacon Ministry has had eight chairpersons. The first chairperson was Deacon John Hunter, and the current chairperson is Deacon Joyce A. Moore Liberty, who is also the first female to hold this position and has served two terms. According to available records, Deacon J.C.N. Howard, Sr. held the longest tenure, serving for 39 years (1954–1993). The Deacons play a vital role in assisting the Pastor with the administration of the church.
The ministry’s main event is ‘Deacon Stephen Day,’ which is celebrated annually in September with a special program. The Deacon Ministry consists of both male and female members. Before 2008, female members were known as ‘Deaconesses,’ a title typically given to the wives of Deacons. The Deaconess Ministry was officially established in 1987 by an act of the Church Conference, during the pastorate of Rev. William L. Shaw II. Its first chairperson was Deacon Mary E. Howard.
Since its founding, 89 individuals have served as Deacons—49 have passed away, and 40 are still alive. The longest-serving Deacon is Deacon James Daniel Weaver, Sr., who has served for 50 years (1970–present) and chaired the ministry from 2012 to 2015. The oldest living member of the Deacon Ministry is Deacon Peelah Ben, who was 93 years old in 2020.