Diakonia is ‘an integral part of the church’s being and mission’. There is no church without diakonia, and no diakonia without ‘the distinctiveness of its faith-based action’.
Category: Article
Diaconic aspects in the Epistle of James video
we at last have the ability and opportunity to offer information about online courses available to distinctive deacons, which can be accessed from anywhere in the country.
Disciples are to call down from the Jesus in their midst what they have the courage to open themselves to in his self-giving. For deacons this message may well be especially meaningful, but deacons do not take their name from here. They take that from another kind of diakonia. We see this clearly in what the later writer, Ignatius of Antioch, had to comment about the deacons among the Trallians: ‘they are not deacons (diakonoi) of food and drink but are officers (hypēretai) of the Church of God.’
I am grateful for the generosity of resources, hospitality and welcome that the Methodist Diaconal Order offered to us as guests from different denominations: for their openness to listen to the ‘outsiders’ voices, and for the treasures gathered.
place of the diaconate in the diocese.
The overlooking of the particular ministry of deacons is
almost certainly due to a particular kind of clericalism – the
association of ‘priesthood’ with ‘leadership’, and the propensity
to collapse general talk of vocation into the particular calling
to the ordained ministry of priest.
What does seem to be clear, however, is that there is a definite need
and place within the emerging Church for bridge-builders and ambassadors, for prophets and activists, for servant ministers and community healers and for those who are prepared to step into the ambiguity and “liminality” of the spaces where “Church” and “World” may intersect or be in dialogue with each other.
And this is exciting.
‘Only Connect’ Distinctive Deacon Conference, Wydale Hall, Diocese of York 4-6th March 2022 Wydale, near Scarborough, was a beautiful setting for our first face to face gathering for two years. It was a joyful occasion shared by 26 participants including 5 enquirers and 1 ordinand. We were joined by deacons from Dioceses as far apart … Continue reading Only Connect: distinctive deacon conference
The in-church hospitality aspect of diaconal ministry holds a particular value to me. Understanding hospitality as an expression of love, care and welcome has been foremost in my mind when being ‘at the door’ of my own home and the church building.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 