THE MINISTRY OF DEACON - #2

Parishes that successfully call forth the services of a deacon are noted for three things. First, these parish communities have already developed a sense of community, responsibility, and service for the life of their neighborhood. Parish members envision the parish as more than a spiritual gas station that fills up the individual's gas tank. Deacons are not just another layer of sanctuary clerics all dressed up.

Second, these parishes have already engaged a variety of people in all kinds of active ministries. From the sacristy to the soup kitchens, from day care for children and the elderly to dances for the parish, from meals on wheels to baking bread for the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, people with many skills, gifts, and talents throw their two cents into the common pot. Deacons do not replace lay ministers or push them out of the picture.

Third, these parishes work at avoiding gossip and jealousy. Instead of competition, envy, and checking out what others are doing, the members of the parish consciously work at respecting and acknowledging the vital part that everyone plays in the church of Jesus Christ. Deacons do not become celebrities or VIPs at the expense of their wives, families, and friends in the parish.

When a parish calls forth a deacon, it does not do so to maintain clerical control of the church. Sins of clericalism and elitist control are still corporate and institutional sins. Plus, no one wants another layer of bureaucracy. When people get angry that the institutional church has restored the office of deacons, they manifest the hurt that comes when lay ministry is disrespected, disregarded, or underdeveloped.

When a parish calls forth a deacon, it does not do so to diminish the roles of women or to perpetuate the sin of sexism in public ministry. Sexism is still a corporate and institutional sin that diminishes the marvelous gift of gender. Each parish has to face the anger and own up to the anguish that people feel when professionally lay ministry is disrespected, underpaid, or denied its rightful place in the church.

Deacons, whether married or single, are not "lay deacons." Deacons are clerics. But their place in the church must not usurp other professional and volunteer lay ministers. When a parish calls forth a deacon, the parish staff and its members have to figure how deacons will be integrated into the life of the parish. When this is not done, the results are damaging and devastating for everyone. As a consequence, ministry becomes scandal instead of service.

What then is required for successful ministry in the parish?

First, highlight that the church is a communion of equals. Before it is hierarchy, it is a sisterhood and brotherhood in Jesus Christ. No one ministers in her or his own name. Ministry is a divine gift useful for public service in sanctuaries and in streets, in liturgy and in life. Second, highlight that all ministries are relational. We belong to one another through baptism. We are church, not a company of competitors. Third, highlight affirmation. Everyone benefits from a thank you and from gratitude. Everyone wins when acknowledgment and appreciation are the regnant parish style.