Deacons

Oakbrook Church has established a board of deacons to oversee the mercy and compassion ministries of the church.  The word “deacon” is derived from the Greek word ‘diakonos’ which means “servant.”  Thus, the deaconate is an office of “service.”  Deacons serve as the church’s administrators of charitable welfare for needy, poor, and suffering people both within and outside of the church body.  Specifically, they provide financial support, provisions, and services to the poor and needy in society including widows, orphans, and families or individuals that have lost their primary source of income unexpectedly.  The deacons also conduct visitation, counseling, and other ministries for the poor, the jobless, the sick, the incarcerated, the widowed, the elderly, the homeless, the shut-in, the stranger (alien or refugee), and the disabled. 

The task of deacon demands skilled believers of high moral character who can be entrusted to fulfill the responsibilities with integrity and ability.  The integrity of a deacon should be well established in their personal character, spiritual life, and family life.  Key scriptures concerning the functions, duties, and characteristics of deacons include Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

Although the deacons oversee the mercy ministries within the body, Oakbrook Church believes that all members of the church are to be actively involved in the extension of compassion, mercy, and care to those that are hurting or less fortunate within the church and the community.     

Currently, the deacons board consists of six members: 

Vic Rinaldi & Mary, Presiding Deacon

John Whitney & Lesley

Chris Jones

Sharon Maffett

Dick Nielsen

Jenny Hoppel

Peter Parkinson

Dan & Janice Wolfe

Mariana Rautenbach