The "New" Deacons: Turning the Tables

By Jeanne Paynter

"If we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching? Why aren't His feet going?"
-Casting Crowns

What do you picture when you hear the word "deacon?" Depending on your church experience, you might picture a selfless server, a stodgy saint, or even draw a complete blank. Let me suggest that if you really want to know what a deacon looks like, look in the mirror!

The Board of Deacons of Central Presbyterian Church is elected by the congregation and ordained by the church elders. In that sense, you may not be a deacon with a capital "D." But the mission of the Deacons is one that all believers share: To be Christ's heart of compassion and hands of mercy among people that need His love and care.

The word "deacon" literally means "servant." One translation for deacon is "a waiter of tables." This image closely describes the role of the first ordained deacons in the book of Acts. The early church was growing so rapidly that the leaders (the twelve Apostles) could no longer meet its practical needs, specifically, the distribution of food. Widows were going hungry! The Apostles chose seven respected members, including Stephen, to take over the food program so that "the Twelve" could devote themselves to teaching and preaching. As a result of each believer serving according to his or her gifts and calling, "God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased" (Acts 6:7).

Today, Central has fifteen Deacons, not seven; but we find ourselves in much the same situation as the early church. Our church is growing, and there are many needs, both within and beyond these walls. If the Deacons continue to serve as the only "waiters of tables," we are in danger of having too many people "going hungry," with their needs not being met.

That is why the Deacons are "turning the tables" in a new direction. Our commitment to compassionate ministry remains unwavering. However, like the church has done in the past, we are changing our methods to accommodate our growth. To continue to extend a personal, caring touch to the Central community, we need you to join us as Christ's hands, feet, and voice.

The "new" Deacon board has organized into four teams that will oversee the delivery of Services and Helps, Care and Visitation, Prayer, and Communication. The Deacon's role will shift to equipping you to use your gifts and talents to serve in a variety of ways such as care teams, visitation, transportation, funeral luncheons, and prayer ministry. In addition, the Deacons will be the umbrella for the new Every Thought Captive mental health ministry.

We seek to connect you, with your unique interests, skills, and spiritual gifts, to members' needs. Whatever gift God has blessed you with, we'll find the need in the congregation that requires your particular ministry profile. Stop by the Deacons' Desk in the Concourse today, or any Sunday, to find out how you can serve. And, check out the "Ministry Profiler" column inside today's News & Views. It may be like looking in a mirror!