|
Guidelines
Guidelines,
as the word suggests,
provide current evolving
ideas on developing the
ministry of your diaconate.
They are helpful to gain
a deeper understanding
of the work as well as
provide proven workable
suggestions for newer
deacons.
Guidelines
for Benevolence
In
the charge to the deacons,
it 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, this document
provides some very useful
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 people in the ministry
of mercy. It also addresses
attitudes and behaviors
that are needed to help
deacons relate to people
in need.
Guidelines
for Preparing an Offering
Schedule
The
offering in church is
much more than a “collection.”
It is an act of worship!
When deacons are “weighing
the needs of causes, and
being discerning about
resources” they
are thinking about how
to help people excel in
the grace of giving. These
guidelines will provide
some biblical direction
on giving, how best to
promote the offering,
and guidelines for preparing
the offering schedule.
Offering
as Part of Worship
Giving
is an essential act of
worship, integral to the
very message of the gospel
– the gift of God,
His Son’s life,
to His people. In this
respect, the offering
time becomes most meaningful
when it is an integrated
part of the worship service.
An inspiring, informed
introduction, which may
include a verse or two
from Scripture, can highlight
this activity as one that
represents and enhances
our relationship with
God. Note the suggested
Scriptures related to
themes of Christian living.
Offerings,
as tangible expressions
of trust in God, may also
be accompanied by prayer.
Guidelines and samples
of different offertory
prayers are available.
Growing
a Community of Deacons
Diaconal
ministry is primarily
about growing in love
for God, and growing in
our relationships with
others. Deacons’
meetings can be the place
where we “practice”
what it means to minister
to others as well as being
ministered to ourselves!
The diaconate can develop
its ‘meeting’
to becoming a community,
or a small group. These
guidelines will be helpful
to develop new practices
and an enhanced agenda
that will result in better
relationships in your
group.
Devotions
in Your Diaconate
Do
you wish devotions were
more than a dutiful exercise
at the beginning of a
meeting? Here are some
suggestions on how to
build sharing time and
discernment for the ways
in which God is working
in and through your diaconate’s
meetings. Prayer for one
another, sharing and a
devotional reading will
help the deacons “reach
in” to the Word
before they reach out
to others.
Guidelines
for Caring with Compassion
These guidelines will
help you set the practical
framework for any visit.
They provide you with
relevant Scripture for
many different circumstances,
open-ended questions to
intitiate meaningful conversations
and creative suggestions
to show others your caring.
Guidelines for Leading an Effective Deacons Meeting
Skills to provide leadership in your diaconate's meetings may be developed by these guidelines. Discover how to shape an agenda, involve others and serve by example as your diaconate sets priorities and goals for their ministry. Note the practical tips to lead an effective meeting which includes a sample agenda, guidelines for a secretary and how to work successfully with different people. These guidelines assist deacons in their meetings to: develop community; develop awareness and skills in diaconal ministry; meet goals in ministry; intercede in prayer for others; and develop ongoing encouragement and accountability.
|
