MINISTRY REFLECTIONS FOR DISTINCTIVE DEACON CURATES (IME PHASE 2)
The ministry of the deacon comes down to us from the earliest times of the church when the apostles laid hands on the seven (Acts 6), and then flows through the inspiration of great deacon saints like Stephen, Philip the Deacon, Phoebe, Macrina, Lawrence, Francis and many more. The ministry of the deacon is God’s gift to the church, for we have the freedom to reach outwards, identifying and meeting needs, creating bridges and stepping stones between God and those who do not yet know him, and between church and community. We are a living bridge to draw people closer to God and for the church to welcome them. In this marginal space, the ministry of the deacon is essential to the mission of the church, for the deacon will know the community, and will be building networks of trust through which the love of God can flow.
As a distinctive deacon, you have a clear sense of calling to a go-between ministry which is outward-looking, community-minded, servant-hearted and missional. However, there are very few resources to help you reflect on the diaconal aspects of your ministry, as most are geared towards priesthood.
These reflections are for distinctive deacons in curacy, and are the Evidences produced by the CofE national Ministry Team, which expand and develop the six diaconal Qualities. They are designed to be flexible, and help you review the diaconal nature of your ministry after you have been ordained. You can use them in whatever way is most helpful, whether on your own in a time of quiet, or with a spiritual director, mentor or soul friend. Using them on an annual basis with your incumbent can help ensure that you both continue to focus on your diaconal calling, and that you are not getting too drawn in to other ministries.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 