Meditation Six: Journey to Baptism
They accompany those searching for faith and bring them to baptism. They assist in administering the sacraments; they distribute communion and minister to the sick and housebound.- Ordination of Deacons
Deacons proclaim the gospel inside and outside the church, but they are also called to journey with those searching for faith and bring them to baptism.
The seekers may not know what they are looking for, but the deacon understands that all souls are restless until they find their rest in Him. The spiritually hungry may attempt to find sustenance in different faiths and philosophies, but the orthodox deacon recognizes that this hunger finds fulfillment in Jesus, who is the bread of life.
Others are searching and know what they are looking for – a higher power, freedom from guilt and
shame, a new identity, or a spiritual experience. The deacon journeys with these seekers, answering questions and sharing about Jesus so that the lost become found and experience the peace, joy, hope, and forgiveness found in the Kingdom of Christ. The deacon rejoices with the angels when others come to faith and return from the far country, and they will guide these individuals, perhaps even families, through the waters of baptism and into visible inclusion in the corporate family of faith.
In addition to the sacrament of baptism, the rite of entry into the Christian faith, the deacon also assists with the sacrament of the Eucharist, the covenantal family meal.
I lack the words to fully describe the theological significance of the Eucharist, but I confess that in this meal lies a holy mystery in which participants commune with Christ in a way distinct from other aspects of Christian worship. The deacon serves this Eucharistic mystery by reading the Gospel and distributing communion.
The deacon is called to visit the sick and housebound, displaying a preferential option for the marginalized, both in terms of missional activities and pastoral care.
Father of Creation,
God of the Gospel,
You have called us as deacons to journey
alongside the seeker and bring them to baptism.
By your Spirit, enable us to be humble guides,
confident in the goodness of your Son
and the way of his kingdom.
Amen.
With thanks to Rev Jon Swales for this meditation and the photos from a baptism at Lighthouse community church. lighthousewestyorkshire.org.uk
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 