Guide

Roles


	When the Servants are Governors Posted on February 7, 2012, 8:56 am \| 1 comment Topics: Roles Getting the roles of governance and ministry mixed up is the crippling confusion in many councils. For deacons, the role confusion can be even more painful and debilitating. Are deacons primarily decision makers? Or are they ministers of benevolence and mercy? Are they sometimes both? Read more »
	The Sad Cherry Tree Posted on January 1, 2012, 2:06 pm Topics: Roles There sits in the centre of our backyard a beautiful young healthy cherry tree, yet its story is a sad one of limited potential. As we begin a new year will your story be like the cherry tree's? Or will you embrace the opportunities and dreams God has given you? Read more »
	Diakonia Remixed: Terms for Deacons Posted on December 12, 2011, 4:45 pm \| 9 comments Topics: Synod, Roles Melissa Van Dyk mentioned the results of the Diakonia Remixed survey in her blog post and raised some questions concerning terms for deacons. The task force would like to take the opportunity, in this blog post, to preview some of our work and hear your feedback regarding terms for deacons. Read more »
	Giving Space For God's Voice Posted on November 29, 2011, 3:11 am \| 1 comment Topics: Roles, Spiritual Health If God is present in each conversation we are having, can we allow his voice to be heard? Or are we too busy inputting our own opinions and advice to actually allow the Spirit to speak. What might happen if we became people who actually let God say what needs to be said...? Read more »
	Companioning Case-Managers, Not The Experts Posted on November 8, 2011, 2:50 am Topics: Community, Roles When we offer help to someone we can have the crazy notion that we need to fix the whole issue ourselves. We would do more for those we offer assistance if we understood our role as referring folks to the resources of our broader community, without abandoning them. Read more »
	As Easy As A.B.C.D. Posted on October 18, 2011, 2:32 am \| 2 comments Topics: Community, Roles We want to help people. We want to do the right thing, the good thing, the Godly thing. Often we discover that we need to learn how to help well. ABCD is a method of offering assistance which empowers those we are serving and, as it continues to grow in popularity, it's worth paying attention to. Read more »
	Deacon Vision Posted on October 4, 2011, 2:25 am \| 1 comment Topics: Roles With the advent of another ministry year, it's a good time to take some time and think about what God may want to do through your team this year. In light of our call to this diaconal office, what's your vision? Oh, come on, dream bigger! Read more »
	People, Not Projects Posted on September 27, 2011, 2:44 am Topics: Community, Roles We love to do good. Sometimes though, our desire to do something good leads us to turn people into projects. In the latest issue of Partners, a diaconal newsletter, Linda Weening shares a story of assistance which may make you think about how you speak with those you serve. Read more »
	Nurturing The Nurturer Posted on September 20, 2011, 4:00 am Topics: Roles, Spiritual Health You're a nurturer, but are you being nurtured? Our culture tells us we need to be productive and efficient. Usually that means every minute of our day has to be filled with some commitment. The reality is that's not healthy, truthful, or the gospel. Read more »
	Simply Simple Encouragement Posted on August 30, 2011, 2:02 am Topics: Getting Started, Roles In the Charge to Deacons it says “They are also called to speak words of Christian encouragement”. This statement is broad, and it can take many different forms. I think that makes it exciting! There are a multitude of ways we can live this out as individuals (and a diaconate) using our unique giftings. That freedom is pretty cool. Read more »
	Be A Champion! Posted on August 9, 2011, 10:49 am Topics: Getting Started, Roles Deacons have good days, so-so days and not-so-good days. Yes, we’re human. Being a leader comes with a weight. Having a mentor to share successes and struggles with can make the difference between despair and delight. So I wonder... are you a champion? Read more »
	Your Role: Is It Too Much To Handle? Posted on July 10, 2011, 10:17 pm Topics: Roles Have you ever had one of those days when you just want to throw in the towel and yell "ENOUGH - I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!"? Many of us have gone through that. How is it possible to continue when you feel there is nothing left to give? Read more »
	Alive? Welcome to Council! Posted on June 1, 2011, 2:00 pm \| 4 comments Topics: Roles It seems like there is a leadership crisis in many of our churches, specifically relating to our council roles of deacon and elder. Many congregations are struggling to find individuals who are able or willing to step into these roles. What’s going on? Why is this happening? Read more »
	Deacons in Leadership Posted on January 11, 2011, 9:24 am \| 4 comments Topics: Roles Have you ever heard someone say that elders are to rule, and deacons are to serve? What in the world do you make of this odd separation of functions in the body of Christ? You may be asking, “What does leadership have to do with my ministry as a deacon? Isn't it the elders and the pastors who lead by ruling?” The more common portrayal of deacons is... Read more »
	Charity AND Justice for the Poor Posted on December 6, 2010, 3:51 pm Topics: Roles Mary's song of hope becomes more challenging when it moves beyond charity for the poor to judgment: “…but he has sent the rich away empty.” How are we to participate in the kingdom activity of sending the rich away empty? I can’t say I have ever heard a sermon about that. Read more »