The kingdom grows in secret places. The seeds sown in the dark still rise toward the sun. The mercy offered in silence still reshapes the world. So may we walk quietly, bless widely, and love deeply. And may we trust that what is small is never lost to God.
Category: Resources
Deacons commit themselves to meditating on and studying God's holy word, not only for their own nourishment but also with others. There is no Lone Ranger in the kingdom of God, and the deacon is committed to seeing others grow; in fact, we grow together.
Here is the source of every sacrament, The all-transforming presence of the Lord, Replenishing our every element Remaking us in his creative Word.
The beauty of this Guild is that it's very simple to set up. It also means that our older members are not just 'receivers' from church members, but also 'givers', able to provide much-needed intercession. The Guild gives them an identity and a purpose, and is connected to the life of the whole parish.
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.
The deacon serves through preaching and intercession; she acts as a bridge in corporate settings between the people and the divine by speaking forth the Word of the Lord in the public reading of the Gospel and lifting up the needs of the people in intercession.
Crafting a mission action plan rooted in this vision commences with two fundamental questions: 'Who among us is the most vulnerable in our community?' and 'In what ways can we wholeheartedly respond with love?' This missional stance redirects our focus to those who are often overlooked and pushed to the margins, elevating them to the forefront of the church's mission.
Deacons, the servants and agents of love, are called to live within communities: a community of faith (a church) and a local community. They are tasked with serving this local church and should be contextual missional realists who can bring the needs and hopes of all people to the covenant community.
My diaconal calling is rooted in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus, offering a compelling gospel narrative that stands as an alternative to the prevailing forces of dominance – a narrative shaped by the example of Jesus himself, one that provides an antidote to the excesses of unchecked capitalism, consumerism, and individualism.
The emissary of King Jesus can often be found kneeling at a kerbside, extending compassion to those desperate for solace, or delivering a message of hope to weary souls behind prison walls. This humble servant whispers the name of Jesus to those submerged in deep trauma, their wrists bearing the scars of profound emotional anguish. It is also spoken reverently at the graveside of those who have tragically taken their own lives.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 