So You're A Deacon Now (2021)
Mark 7:24-37
From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
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Introduction: Deacons At Work (Examples)
Throughout the seven years I attended college and seminary, I would periodically discover a slip in my mailbox telling me to see the front desk because a package had arrived that wouldn't fit in my tiny student box. Upon receipt, I would take it back to my dorm room and find a kind card from the Deacons of the church I grew up in and various items that a college student or seminarian would enjoy.
While expressing care for those who are far away, Deacons are also busy with their local ministries. For example, you have probably seen the Deacons at work each year collecting food for local food pantries, volunteering to cook for Jan Peek, and supporting other local charitable organizations such as Putnam CAP or others who help care for those in need. In addition, you will Deacons here and in many other churches who strive to care not only for members/friends of their church but also for those who are part of the larger community.
Another area where you probably have seen Deacons at work is the area of fellowship. Pre-pandemic, Deacons would set up refreshments and snacks and encourage those attending service to stay afterward. Unfortunately, we may not be ready for that yet. However, the Deacons here have worked to innovate their ministries, such as bringing some Advent/Christmas cheer to homebound friends and families with our Advent kits, which contained some goodies, devotionals, and a home Advent wreath. These are all excellent stories, which highlight the work of Deacons, though you may be wondering, "Is that the only Deacons do?"
What is a Deacon?
According to the Book of Order (Part 1 of the Presbyterian Constitution), “The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.” (G-2.0201)
Expanded Definition (The Presbyterian Deacon: An Essential Guide, by Earl S. Johnson Jr.)
“Exhibit within the church and before the world the exemplary moral authority of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ.”
“Care for God’s people in Crisis.”
“Challenge structures and conditions, within the church and within the wider society, which keep persons or groups powerless and voiceless.”
“Become liturgical representatives of the church’s presence in the world and the world’s presence in the church.”
Scriptural Reference:
The ministry of Deacons and the ordination of Deacons to this form of ministry as it presented finds its roots in Scripture. Today in our reading, we see Jesus traveling with his disciples and healing numerous people. It sets the stage for Deacons who, in their calling, model healing and compassionate works of Jesus. It also reminds us that this endeavor requires a healthy dose of humility, admitting when we are mistaken (such as Jesus indirectly acknowledging the mistake he made in his encounter with the Syrophoenician woman).
We do not see the role of Deacons fully until the Book of Acts, where believers selected Stephen to oversee the distribution of alms to the widows and others who were in need (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen's ministry of caring for the poor drew upon such convictions as found in our reading from Proverbs, which ultimately cost him his life at the hands of the powers he fought to disassemble and reform. While being a Deacon today will most likely not cost you your life, it goes to show how essential Deacons are in their love and care for those in their church and those in their broader community.
You Are A Deacon
So that is what it means to be a Deacon. Do you have a heart of empathy and compassion? Do you show care for your neighbors by sending them a card or giving them the occasional call? Do you donate to a food drive or volunteer with other organizations that help correct systematic injustices or prop up others? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then that means you're good to go to be a Deacon! And let me clarify something, I mean that YOU are a Deacon, not just the people here today who are being installed and ordained; I mean you who are out sitting in the pews or with us virtually. So while we will be acknowledging the gifts of specific individuals today who were chosen to serve in an official capacity, never forget that the office of Deacon is one that we can live out always as we continue to model the heart of Jesus. Amen.