A Ministry of Service

Our new Pastoral Resident Patricia Greene began working with us on Wed. Aug 1st.  Just like doctors have a time of rresidency to complete their preparation to "practice" medicine, pastors can benefit greatly from such a time as well. 

Last night was the meeting of the Deacons.  In preparation for the meeting Patricia and I talked about the role of the deacons in the Presbyterian tradition.  I referenced a study that the PC(USA) conducted in the early 1990's.  The original study was entitled "A Proposal for Considering the Theology and Practice of Ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1992).  In 1996 an abridged version suitable for study in congregations was released:  "A Ministry of Service:  A Guide to the Meaning of Ordination and Church Office in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)."  Thanks to my friend Tom Green for telling me about it. 

One of the most exciting (yes, I get excited about theology and studies) aspects of the paper is that it is very empowering for the deacons.  It acknowledges that the role of the deacon has often been relegated to making coffee without any appreciation for the role of service in Christian faith.  This study goes a long way to challenge that view.  In fact it insists that if we do not understand the role of deacon, then we cannot understand the role of elder or minister.  And of course it is based on the notion that Jesus ministry was essentially a ministry of service:

"Calling people to a particular office does not imply that the church elevates these offices over the ministry to which the whole people of God are called.  To be called to leadership as a minister, elder or deacon is to be called to a ministry of service after the model of Jesus."

"Thus a spirit of diakonia permeates the church's understanding of leadership in ministry, transcending the traditional ways of thinking about power and authority.  The office of deacon, with its stress on service to and for God, is a paradigm for all offices.  It is not the "least" of the offices, but vividly represents the meaning of all ministry."  (Chapter 3, page 21)

This study has been influential to me and I hope empowering to the people in the church.  We are blessed in our congregation to have an outstanding board of deacons.  They know what they are called to do and to be.  They have fun with it--meetings are often filled with laughter.  It is a challenge and it is hard work.  They for me exhibit an ideal diaconate.  They are the hands and feet of Christ.