Deacons
Commentary by The Rev. Carol Brooks
The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the Apostles’ time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ’s holy catholic Church. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 510)
These orders are bishops, priests, and deacons. I serve in the order of deacons. In an Anglican worship service, the deacon reads the Gospel, leads the Prayers of the People, sets the table for Holy Communion, and dismisses the people when the service has ended. All of these tasks symbolize the ministry of the deacon. A deacon can be identified by the stole worn over the left shoulder which symbolizes the readiness of his or her right arm to serve God and the Church.
As the early church began to grow, many ministries were needed that could not be done by the Apostles alone. The appointing of the seven reputable men of Acts 6:1-6 is generally accepted within the church today as the beginning of the order of deacons. The ministry of the deacons then and now is service to the church and to the world.
The theology of the diaconate is based on the example that Jesus set, as the first deacon. Jesus used the word deacon when he told His disciples, “I am among you as diakonos—deacon—one who serves.” (Luke 22:27) He embodied the ministry of a servant, ministering to the sick, the poor, the hopeless and helpless. The deacon’s ministry in the church today parallels the ministry of Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
All Christians are called to minister to others and to witness to the Gospel of Christ. It is the duty of all who follow Jesus to care for others, to pray for them, and to help those who cannot help themselves. The Church exists to continue the work of Jesus in the world. Deacons reveal this ministry, the servanthood of Christ, by making known to the Church the needs and concerns of the world and by leading the Church into the world. Deacons serve in order to enable the church to serve better. They embody what Jesus himself was—a true servant.