November 11, 2025
Called by the Spirit
During one day of my recent doctoral class in Oregon, our cohort was led on an incredible journey through the Book of Acts with New Testament professor Dr. Ekaputra Tupamahu. His love for Scripture was absolutely contagious (and I really do want you all to meet him someday—stay tuned!).
As we studied Acts 6 together, we came to that beautiful and pivotal moment when the early church set apart its first deacons. The church was growing, needs were multiplying, and the apostles recognized that faithful leadership was essential if the community was to flourish.
Dr. Tupamahu asked us to pause and really pay attention to what happens in verse 3:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, select from among yourselves seven people of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task.” (Acts 6:3)
He pointed out something I had never fully considered before: the apostles did not handpick the deacons themselves. Instead, they empowered the congregation to discern whom the Spirit was calling. It was a radical act of trust—a recognition that God’s Spirit was already moving and speaking among the people.
That same trust continues today. When we ordain deacons, we are acknowledging that God has been at work in the lives of ordinary people, shaping them into servant leaders who embody the love of Christ in tangible ways.
On Sunday, November 23, in addition to having our last Story Sunday, we will also ordain Cathy Chinlund, Dan Driscoll, Josh Miller, and Josh Prillaman to the Deacon Ministry of Ardmore. Additionally, Wayne Edwards, Mary Epperson, Leslie Hege, Adam Horton, and Brad Preslar were elected but have previously been ordained as Deacons. These individuals have been called out from among us—people of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom—and we give thanks for their willingness to serve.
For two thousand years, deacons have been the hands and feet of Christ in the church: visiting the sick, caring for the hurting, supporting the ministry of the gospel, and strengthening the bonds of community. May we pray for them, support them, and, like those first believers in Acts 6, trust that the Spirit of God is still guiding the church today.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Tyler Tankersley