Deacons (Ministry of
Mercy)
The Deacons
is a special calling like that of the Elders, an ordained office of those who are specially set
apart for the purpose of assisting the elders in ministering to Christ's sheep.
Generally, the deacon
is called to assist the ruling elders in their tasks, so that the elders may more efficiently attend
to the ministry of the Word and prayer.
In particular, deacons
provide help for those in need or who have suffered loss through calamity, poverty, unemployment,
illness or handicap.
It is responsible for
meeting financial needs, housing needs, family needs.
The deacons are also
called and equipped to minister to the spiritual and emotional suffering that accompanies need and
loss.
The deacoons will set up
congregational programs and work with the presbytery and denomination diaconal ministries as well as
other Christian organizations in the community, promoting the compassion of Christ to the prisoner,
the sick, the jobless and the shut-in.
