DEACONS: THE MINISTRY OF COMPASSION AND SERVICE
Book of Order (G-2.0201)
"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."
"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."
Book of Order (G-2.0401)
Ruling elders and deacons are men and women elected by the congregation from among its members. The nomination and election of ruling elders and deacons shall express the rich diversity of the congregation’s membership and shall guarantee participation and inclusiveness (F-1.0403). Ruling elders and deacons shall be nominated by a committee elected by the congregation, drawn from and representative of its membership. Congregations
may provide by their own rule for a congregational nominating committee. The rule shall meet the following criteria: (1) the minimum size of the committee as specified in the rule shall be at least three persons; (2) at least one member of the committee shall be an elder currently serving on session; and (3) a majority of those persons on the committee who are eligible to vote shall consist of persons not currently serving on session. The pastor shall serve ex officio and without vote. When elections are held, full opportunity shall always be given to the congregation for nomination from the floor of the congregational meeting by any active member of the congregation. A majority of all the active members present and voting shall be required to elect.
Ruling elders and deacons are men and women elected by the congregation from among its members. The nomination and election of ruling elders and deacons shall express the rich diversity of the congregation’s membership and shall guarantee participation and inclusiveness (F-1.0403). Ruling elders and deacons shall be nominated by a committee elected by the congregation, drawn from and representative of its membership. Congregations
may provide by their own rule for a congregational nominating committee. The rule shall meet the following criteria: (1) the minimum size of the committee as specified in the rule shall be at least three persons; (2) at least one member of the committee shall be an elder currently serving on session; and (3) a majority of those persons on the committee who are eligible to vote shall consist of persons not currently serving on session. The pastor shall serve ex officio and without vote. When elections are held, full opportunity shall always be given to the congregation for nomination from the floor of the congregational meeting by any active member of the congregation. A majority of all the active members present and voting shall be required to elect.
Book of Order (G-2.0202)
"Deacons may be individually commissioned or organized as a board of deacons. In either case, their ministry is under the supervision and authority of the session. Deacons may also be given special assignments in the congregation, such as caring for members in need, handling educational tasks, cultivating liberality in giving, collecting and disbursing monies to specific persons or causes, or overseeing the buildings and property of the congregation. Deacons shall assume other duties as may be delegated to them by the session, including assisting with the Lord’s Supper."
"Deacons may be individually commissioned or organized as a board of deacons. In either case, their ministry is under the supervision and authority of the session. Deacons may also be given special assignments in the congregation, such as caring for members in need, handling educational tasks, cultivating liberality in giving, collecting and disbursing monies to specific persons or causes, or overseeing the buildings and property of the congregation. Deacons shall assume other duties as may be delegated to them by the session, including assisting with the Lord’s Supper."
THE WORD: DEACON
The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word διάκονος (diakonos) which appears twenty-nine times in the New Testament and essentially means “one who renders service to another”— minister, servant, attendant, helper, or deacon. A related word διακονία (diakonia) means "service" or "ministry" and the word διακονέω (diakoneo) means "to serve" or "to wait upon" which helps us understand the ministry of deacons as one of service. Generally being a deacon means service to others, to care for the needs of others.
DEACONS AT COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LOMBARD
Deacons at Community Presbyterian Church of Lombard are called to represent the loving arms and helping hands of the church. They are commissioned primarily to serve within the Care and Connection ministries of our congregation:
Our Matthew 25 initiative is based on the biblical passage in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus calls on his followers to care for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned. This initiative encourages CPC Lombard, other Presbyterian churches and individuals to commit to working towards three key goals: eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and promoting congregational vitality.
Our Matthew 25 initiative is based on the biblical passage in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus calls on his followers to care for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned. This initiative encourages CPC Lombard, other Presbyterian churches and individuals to commit to working towards three key goals: eradicating systemic poverty, dismantling structural racism, and promoting congregational vitality.
