Deacon Update, April 2014

DEACON UPDATE Problems viewing this e-mail? View as Web page (use CTRL+ for larger print) View older issues Connect to deacon website All Good Gifts April 2014 Some years ago I was involved in some behind-the-scenes work for an ecumenical conference. As the attendees began to arrive there seemed to be a shortage of staff at the registration table, so I offered my services. The person in charge was grateful for my help, briefly told me what to do, and rushed off to attend to other tasks. Within moments, though, she ran back to where I was checking off names and handing out nametags, pulled me aside, and asked about my spiritual gifts. Not really understanding the point of the question, I told her the results of the last assessment in which I’d participated, and she sighed with relief. "Good," she said, "I was worried that working the registration table might not be one of your gifts." At the time I thought this was a pretty extreme interpretation of spiritual gifts discernment, and most days I still do. But most days I also think that we don't call out gifts in each other nearly as well as we should, grateful if we can simply fill slots in our various ministries. I understand that with diminishing numbers in many of our faith communities we may not feel we have the "luxury" of calling out gifts; I know of at least one congregation where members take turns as deacons—there simply aren't enough folks to fulfill that role otherwise. This spring I've been asked to talk about caregiving in ways other than my traditional "four functions of deacons" talk. I just completed a webinar on deaconing in small congregations, and in a few weeks I'll be presenting at the Church Planting Conference; in both my focus is less on a traditional deacon ministry, and more on the concept of a "culture of care," calling out the caregiving gifts not just of those who may—or may not—serve as part of a traditional deacon body, but of the whole congregation. What might that look like? Perhaps Mabel would agree to send all of the birthday cards for the congregation. Karen might be willing to oversee all of the food preparation, everything from Love Feast and potlucks to organizing food for the week after the Miller's baby is born. Joe might take on the task of coordinating rides for doctor visits for those who aren’t able to drive themselves. Mabel, Karen and Joe may not be called to deacon ministry—or perhaps their congregation doesn't have deacons—but they have gifts of service, hospitality, and encouragement, and they are passionate about using those gifts in caring ways. As deacons, one of OUR responsibilities is to see that everyone in our congregation has the opportunity to discern their gifts and find ways to use them to serve the community. A more involved community; more people being served. What a gift! Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17). Donna Kline Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry dkline@brethren.org 847-429-4306