No, not the wheeled variety! In this interesting comment on the north-south divide and the failure of the C of E to take informed responsibility in poor areas, community theologian Ann Morisy says ‘the Church of Scotland, besides investing in coaching, provides additional full-time staff for each and every priority (poor) parish. The people appointed, however, are not clergy, but youth workers, community animators, administrators, artists, and poets, as well as trained and experienced coaches.’
This concept, of people who are trained to coach others in dealing with their circumstances in order to make a difference, is surely a diaconal one. This is an opportunity for the diaconate to step in to community needs and show its true colours.
Ann’s article: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/8-september/comment/opinion/breaking-down-the-north-south-divide
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 
Yes, I was not aware of this excellent move by the Church of Scotland until I picked up on this article. Imaginative and practical.
LikeLike
An interesting highlight to avenues of community care with marginalised and dispossessed people and families.
LikeLike