Jeff Brower's post, "Deacons - Priests or Kings?" is a gem. Wish I had written it. It stimulates us to think about deacons and their authority, their relationship to the Kingly dimension of Jesus' identity. But it also reminds us of a 43 year old report to Synod - where the "unfullfilled" nature of the deacons' role is acknowledged! What's happened since?
How very urgent it is that the church in this decade receive and follow the leadership of deacons! Deacons are the most hidden resource of the CRC. They are formally and officially present in every CRC congregation across the North American continent - some 1,000 churches. What a network! What a delivery system! What an infrastructure! What couldn't we do under deaconal leadership?
What will call forth the best thinking and creativity and leadership from this army of deacons? What could the denomination do at Synod this summer? What could the congregations do to prepare the soil for the flowering of the deaconate? What could the deacons do?
We are habituated to look to the clergy for leadership. This habit limits us as a denomination and as congregations. We've got a treasure trove of leadership; let's throw the lid wide open and get creative!
We need to hear your stories! Where and how are deacons leading the church into new ministries of mercy and justice?
