Being a deacon involves a lot more than passing the offering plate. Let's discuss all aspects of being a deacon.
Diaconal Ministries
Jodi
Darren
Staci
Eric
We, as deacons, are called to a ministry of mercy. With the recent economy financial poverty has become more prevalent. The movie "The Line" shares the stories of people living at or below the poverty line in the US, and inspires us to rid ourselves of wrong assumptions and judgements.
The Diakonia Remixed: Office of the Deacon Task Force commissioned a diaconally-themed song "Everybody Get Diakonian!" and it is now available for you to listen to OR to remix for the chance to WIN $200 and a Deacon's Handbook!
The final report from Diakonia Remixed: Office of the Deacon Task Force is available for reading! Want the link? It's here!
Wondering what some of the hot reads have been on the Deacon Network? Wonder no more - here's a list of the top blogs based on interest and rating!
Our diaconal responsibilities may sometimes feel repetitive or the nature of needs we're facing may be daunting. There comes a time when a break from the typical is helpful to refocus our energies and inspire us in new ways. Diaconal Ministires of Canada is hosting two "Day of Encouragement" events - and it could be exactly what you're looking for right now!
On October 17th at 9am EST there is a webinar feature for deacons (or anyone really)! This is a great opportunity to gain practical information about what a deacon is, does and how to partner and serve well in your community! All the information is here...
There's the old joke about how the Bible says that the man is always supposed to make coffee - HE BREWS - but I'm not making a joke when I say WE'RE ALL DEACONS! Are you surprised? Worried? Eager? Confused?
It's easy to assume everyone knows who the deacons are, or what they do in a congregation, however that's not the truth! And when people are confused about what a deacon is, or who to contact when there is a concern, your ministry will not fully attain all its potential. Here are 5 things you can do to be known in your congregation:
In order to serve well as deacons we need to be in tune to the needs of the congregation and community in which we serve. How good are your observational skills? Take this awareness test and find out! (You don't have to be a deacon to take the test!)
Tonight one of my friends asked me how I was doing. I replied "good" in an optimistic voice and continued on with what I was doing. Another friend walking behind me replied, "you know, it's okay if you aren't good". I paused and had to acknowledge that she was right. I had given a programmed response. Are you as quick to lie and prevent authentic conversation?
It's summertime! As this is often a "slower" time in ministry, it becomes a great time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead!
Deacons are catalysts for change and it's only natural that that would include working for justice in our churches for people with disabilities. Join us for Part 3 of our 4 part series exploring the connectedness between Disability Concerns and Deacons.
People with disabilities are often marginalized in our communities and our churches. Join Mark and myself over the next four weeks as we explore how what disabilities are, what they might look like in our midst, and how Deacons can be a catalyst for justice for people with disabilities.
When we become task focused we can lose sight of what God is calling us to, or asking of us - as individuals and churches. What would it look like for us to stop staring at the trees, but rather see beyond the immediate and discover our unique ways of serving.
The Office of the Deacon Task Force, Diakonia Remixed, is back again with their preliminary report! They are looking for feedback before June 30th. Check out the work they have been doing and share your thoughts about the changes they are recommending. Are you curious about what it says?
TOMORROW (May 16th, noon) we have the opportunity to participate in a webinar geared specifically to the work of deacons. Join Bernita Tuinenga and Dave Ellens as they identify the main roles of the deacon, discuss how they can be more effective with benevolence needs, and learn how to encourage good stewardship...
Showing hospitality can take many different forms as it's expressed through different people and in a variety of situations. Lately I've been thinking about hospitality as an act of mercy. Mercy for the person who is alone. Mercy for the person who feels uncomfortable in a social setting. Mercy for the person who needs assistance.
We all need a little help now and then. Though we may like to believe we can do it ourselves, we actually might be able to do our ministry more effectively by getting some assistance. Fortunately for deacons there are organizations and resources available to support us. In this blog two are named - and we're looking for more...
As the church we have the responsibility to act justly - yet we often shy away from complex justice issues. In Canada, a new initiative is seeking truth and reconciliation for those Aboriginal persons and communities that have been affected by attending residential schools. How should we respond as individuals, churches and a denomination?
A poem by Edgar Guest reminds us that our lives are sermons, and invites us as leaders to live out our faith - as it is often more powerful to see a sermon lived out than to listen to one. "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell ..."
The role of the deacon is best utilized to prepare people to become elders. Useful as a "training ground" for future elders, the office of the deacon is the perfect place to introduce folks to council without having too much responsibility! NEWSFLASH: This isn't the truth!
It's seventh inning stretch time. This is the time of the year when the initial gusto of the start has waned, and now, you may find yourself in a bit of a rut. I always hope not, but the reality is that it happens. We get tired. It's tough. What should we do about it?
As children our lives are full of opportunities - and we seem to create endlessly in all sorts of ways. As we get older our lives change, our priorities and responsibilities look different and we may find ourselves idealizing those good old days, rather than living fully now. As deacons we can encourage hope and inspire joy simply by living truly.
The church is made up of people. Deacon teams are too. I'm thankful for the people who serve our congregations, and today we hear a brief reflection from an everyday deacon - someone like you!
A gold mine of information exists in the realms of the Deacon network! When was the last time you checked out the "All Resources" section? If you've browsed it, you've noticed tabs for articles, blogs, resources and websites. The wealth of information you can access is phenomenal!