The Cowee Deacon Knife
This is a letter that is given to our deacons as they are ordained to serve that explains the significance of the deacon knives:
When I was a young boy, I can remember my father giving me a pocket knife. It was a small Uncle Henry brand with three blades. This is a special memory I have with my father in which he gave me something that had more significance than a gift. He showed me the knife and held it with a certain level of respect. He told me there were rules to having a knife, like not running with it, if you open it, close it, and never hand an open knife to another person. You know, man-stuff like that. Even at the time, I could tell there was something weighty to the idea of a boy owning a knife.
Pocket knives are like deacons, or maybe it is better to say deacons are like pocket knives.
- Pocket Knives are kept hidden. For the most part, they are tucked away and out of sight. You don’t carry them on your back or hip like a sword. They are not usually mounted in a case on the mantel. They are slipped inside your pocket, and so it is with deacons. In a church, the Pastors are out front. They are front and center, by God’s design, but Deacons serve in the shadows. It is the duty of the Pastors to be servant leaders to the church, and it is the responsibility of the Deacons to serve her as leading servants.
- They are not weapons. A weapon is not a pocket knife’s main function. They are tools used for projects, too many to count. Deacons are not weapons. They should not be engaged in fighting or conflict. The picture of carrying water instead of gas is embedded in my mind.
- They do dirty work. Pocket knives clean out fingernails and scrape goop off of things. They are regularly used in ways that require them to get a little dirty. From washing dishes, raking leaves at a widow’s house, unstopping a toilet, making sure doors are closed on a building, and any need that arises, a deacon is always there. This is the sort of dirty – church work into which deacons step. They free up the pastors to do the work they need, so the gospel can go forth in greater ways.
- They are handy. I carry my knife about everywhere I go. A saying I like to use in response to the question, “Does anyone have a pocket knife?” is, “I have my pants on, don’t I.” I usually forget it is there, but I know when it is gone. I had forgotten I had one and had them taken entering a ball game and felt lost without it. We have all been in situations in which a pocket knife just comes in so handy. Deacons are that way, always there to take care of things just when they are needed. With no prep or little warning, they are willing to serve at a moment’s notice.
- They can defend. As I said, they are not weapons, they are not offensive, but they can be defensive. I’ve heard stories before of people being trapped in a vehicle and using a knife to cut the seat belt. If you are attacked by a bear and a pocket knife is all you have, a pocket knife is what you will use. God forbid our church or pastors are ever under attack, but if they are, it is expected that the Deacons will protect them and her. Without question and with unified resolve, they will defend this church and its pastors.
Someone might ask, why would anyone want to be a Deacon? It is a hidden, dirty job that steps in the way of harm, so why would you or anyone else ever want to be a deacon? I will tell you the truth, every good deacon I have ever known wouldn’t ask that question. They are built for it, called by God to serve His church in this way. They all understand something else about pocket knives,
- They are honorable. My father gave me a lot of things, too many to count. He gave me basketballs, baseball bats, clothes, food, and even my first car, but none came with that sort of gravity. When he gave me that knife, it was more than a gift. It was a stepping into a stage of life that required honor and integrity. In many ways, it was a coming of age.
Being a deacon at Cowee Baptist is an honor. These Deacon’s Knives represent an honorable role. You should treasure this knife. You should hold it in high regard. It is an heirloom and should be carefully passed on to others. This knife is a treasure because being a Cowee Deacon in the shadows of this great ministry is an honor.
Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Pastor Jason
1 Timothy 3:8–13 (NASB95)8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.