This monthly e-newsletter is a ministry of Christian Reformed and Reformed Church in America Deacon ministries.

Reflection

The work of the deacon is often associated with administering benevolence. While this is an important function, a deeper theological reflection on diakonia sees the task of the deacon as equipping church members for works of service (diakonia). Synod 2015, in fact, used Ephesians 4:12 (leadership as equipping) as part of the basis for important updates to the Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). Dr. Mariano Avila, professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, spelled this out beautifully in a background paper about the 2015 CRCNA Church Order changes:

“In summary, service is the foundational vocation of humanity and must be expressed in all areas of life. Service is the search for the well-being of creation, of our fellow human beings, and the glory of God. We are called, in a fallen world, to model with our life and in all of our relationships a central value of God’s upside-down kingdom: diakonia. We must aim for the deaconship of all believers.”

Since deacons often act as the benevolence committee of the church, this issue of For Deacons will focus on benevolence from various angles. In the future, though, we want to consider how benevolence should be just one of the functions to which deacons give oversight. To read more of Dr. Avila’s paper,  Click here »

Developing Policy and Guidelines

The CRC’s charge to deacons states that “benevolence is a quality of our life in Christ and not merely a matter of financial assistance.” Benevolence involves a lifestyle of love, respect, and compassion. To that end, the links below offer practical ideas to help deacons develop guidelines for benevolence, use a plan of action when providing long-term help, and identify people who will be able to partner with those in need of the ministry of mercy. These resources also address attitudes and behaviors that are needed to help deacons relate well to the ones they serve (adapted from Diaconal Ministries Canada).
In short, consider the following guidelines:

• Ensure that your general benevolence policy and procedures are approved and regularly reviewed at the council level so that they have continuity.
• See that the procedures articulate other resources that need to be considered before monies are given out (e.g., government or community resources). Some churches utilize a local Christian Community Organization to administer the emergency needs of community members.
• Determine whether your benevolence policy applies equally to church members and to community members.
• Determine whether the deacons administer the fund directly or give oversight to a benevolence committee made up of people gifted in mercy ministry.

• Diaconal Ministries Canada—Deacon Resources
• The Network—Benevolence Fund Policy
• Reformed Church in America—How Should Deacons’ Funds Be Administered?

Deacons Connect

Got a question about diaconal work? Ask your fellow deacons!  

Post your questions and ideas in the Deacons section of The Network. Here are some postings from others:

• One Model for Recruiting Elders and Deacons
• How Does Your Church Handle Cold Calls?

A Host of Supportive Resources
for Deacons

Remember to Check Out These Resources Dedicated to Your Support

• Diaconal Ministries Canada, e-Quip diaconal blog
• Volunteers in Service
• Holland Deacons Conference—Diaconal Ministry Resources
• Volunteers in Action—Resources for Deacons
• Northern Alberta Diaconal Conference Newsletter