As an ordained (retired) deacon in the Methodist Church, I appreciate these word’s affirming the call and service of the deacon as “one who stands in the middle.” I often say the deacon stands in the back of the church to welcome the world into the presence of God and to send believers into world for witness.
I love these lines from the ACNA (and others') Ordinal: "Furthermore, you are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. It is the Deacon’s office to encourage and equip the household of God to care for the stranger, to embrace the poor and helpless, and to seek them out, so that they may be relieved."
So, yes, this sounds like one who stands at the back, near the church door, looking for the suffering, both inside and out.
Just returning to this from your "Female Deacons" post of Aug 2024, I'm also intrigued by the phrase "one who stands in the middle," because that summarizes what I have been reflecting on about my own calling and vocation this week. What is the origin of that phrase as it pertains to deacons?
Good comments. Both deacons at my parish recently retired from "official" service due to their age (late 70s) and health. We might get a new Spanish-speaking deacon soon: he has confirmed his interest, and our pastor is agreeable, but one must wait while the mills of the Diocese grind slowly, but exceedingly small.
As an ordained (retired) deacon in the Methodist Church, I appreciate these word’s affirming the call and service of the deacon as “one who stands in the middle.” I often say the deacon stands in the back of the church to welcome the world into the presence of God and to send believers into world for witness.
Hi Constance, great to hear about your diaconate ministry, and yes, that's a wonderful way of summarizing the role of deacons.
I love these lines from the ACNA (and others') Ordinal: "Furthermore, you are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. It is the Deacon’s office to encourage and equip the household of God to care for the stranger, to embrace the poor and helpless, and to seek them out, so that they may be relieved."
So, yes, this sounds like one who stands at the back, near the church door, looking for the suffering, both inside and out.
Just returning to this from your "Female Deacons" post of Aug 2024, I'm also intrigued by the phrase "one who stands in the middle," because that summarizes what I have been reflecting on about my own calling and vocation this week. What is the origin of that phrase as it pertains to deacons?
Good comments. Both deacons at my parish recently retired from "official" service due to their age (late 70s) and health. We might get a new Spanish-speaking deacon soon: he has confirmed his interest, and our pastor is agreeable, but one must wait while the mills of the Diocese grind slowly, but exceedingly small.