Do you feel like nothing much is happening among the deacons at your church? If you answer Yes, does this bother you?
I have a very simple idea.
Would it be possible for two deacons to agree to meet regularly for prayer, for study of diaconal Bible themes, and for mutual encouragement? I wonder what God would do through a couple of deacons who were committed to help each other grow and discern God's will for them in their role as deacons.
What if you were praying regularly with a prayer partner for the deacons of your church? What if you told your pastor that you were going to begin doing this, and that you hoped that your pastor would just ask you once a month how it's going....
Let's suppose that about one-third of CRC congregations had such a pair - that would be about 300 pairs, or 600 deacons. Reminds me of a Bible story. Gideon's deacons. What dream might God send you?
What will happen this summer as synod considers the overture on deacons? Are deacons praying about it daily between now and June?
I'd like to imagine that deacons practicing the disciplines of prayer and study and discernment together could open some doors for God to work in fresh ways though the CRC diaconate.
Could you imagine that with me? And pray for it too?