You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine… Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then, they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure…”

titus 2:1, 3-5a, niv

While there is no direct Biblical reference to a Mother Board or Deaconess Board, there are “Church Mothers” found in traditional African-American churches. Church Mothers are comprised of older women in the congregation, who have been saved for many years and are able to impart wisdom and prayers to younger generations. This tradition is based in I Timothy 5:1-2, which records “Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with complete purity.” Also, Titus 2:1-5 states, “Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, submitted to their husbands, so that the Word of GOD may not be discredited.” This is the foundational basis for having “spiritual mothers” in the Church.

Serving as a Mother is not an ordained position. However, we are to honor the elders who have persevered in the faith because we can gain so much valuable wisdom from them regarding spiritual matters. Hebrews 6:12 instructs us to, “Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 11:2 also records, “For by faith, the elders obtained a good reputation.” Church Mothers should be available to impart great prayer and counsel to those in need.

Church Mothers carry out the following duties:

• Assist candidates when they are preparing for Baptism

• Assist in serving The LORD’s Supper by clearing the tables or altars of the cloths and vessels used for that purpose. (The Deacons help to prepare, and the Mothers clean up also. Mothers ensure that the cloth and gloves are clean and ready at all times.)

• Teach younger women of the Church how to conduct themselves by precept and example

• Take care of the sick and poor of a parish or the members of the congregation of which they are members, as much as they are able. (Mothers work with the Pastor, Deacons or special committees appointed among them to carry out this duty.)

• Tithe faithfully

• Follow the Pastor’s vision

• Attend all Church events (as they are able)

Mothers are to be friendly and loving to the widows, singles and young married women. These women of excellence should be known for their generous and loving hearts. They are to pray and keep the ministry and leader before The LORD. Mothers should be informed of the sick among them, should convey messages to the deacons and make periodic calls to members who may have slacked in their commitment to the Church.

Most of all, Mothers are to be dedicated Christian women believing in one LORD, one Faith, and one Baptism — knowing that The Bible is the only book that never changes, because it is the Holy Word of GOD, Who is everlasting. Mothers are to be committed to believing and telling of the life, death and Resurrection of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, and why this had to be. The keyword is Love.