Deacons Cross National, Denominational Lines to Celebrate Servanthood
About 400 deacons and deaconesses from across 31 countries and 10 denominations celebrated their servant ministry during the 19th World Assembly of DIAKONIA World Federation in Durham, England.
"Diaconal ministry is about the church itself being on the margins, looking at what it might mean to be a marginalized church, instead of seeking out people to work on the margins on behalf of the church," said the Rev. Sharon Rubey, director of candidacy and conference relations at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
"I think it is a challenge that we as deacons are called to communicate to the whole church," Rubey told the United Methodist News Service.
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The landmark gathering, which was held from July 20-27, showed the strength of the diaconal ministers, who overcame financial and language barriers to find the common thread of unity in their work. They also prayed together for the victims of the London terrorist bombings as they adopted the theme of the meeting, “Diakonia at the Margins – Challenge and Hope.”
Servant leadership in the church is often overlooked, and according to the Rev. Anita Wood, a director of professional ministry development, deacons often feel they are working alone. The assembly is meant to give a sense of unity, recognition and support for those serving in this field.
"There's a great contrast in the type of diaconal workers," said Wood. "For instance, you have deaconesses in Germany who still dress in habits, almost like a nun, and they pledge to be celibate. That's one end of the spectrum. At the other end are deacons who work outside the church, like an Australian who drives an all-terrain vehicle around to visit people in the bush country of the outback."
Another difference is the financial disparity between deacons serving in developed worlds and those serving developing nations.
Deaconess Louise Williams, the president of the World Assembly, set several priorities for the group before they meet again for their next assembly in 2009, including addressing the “uneven financial status” of the deacons.
Another priority for the church is to capture the spirit of diaconal ministry and recognizing the grass-roots connections among those who serve in this capacity.
