A Deacon's Heart: Word

This month, I began a new appointment as a part-time pastor of a small, rural congregation. As a way of helping the congregation get to know me better, I decided to begin my time with them doing a sermon series on what it means for me to be an ordained United Methodist deacon.

In the opening sermon last week, I reflected on my personal scriptural foundation for ministry. The Great Commandment informs my approach to ministry. It speaks to mission, discipleship, even spiritual formation.

The remaining sermons in this series will touch on the areas of responsibility to which deacons are ordained in The United Methodist Church -- Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Today we take a look at Word, and the lectionary was kind enough to give me Psalm 119:105-112 to work with.

A Deacon's Heart: The Great Commandment

On July 1, I began a new appointment. For most of my appointive ministry, I had been appointed beyond the local church. That changed in 2019 when I took a local church position as Minister of Spiritual Formation. This year things shifted even more when I accepted a part-time position as a pastor of a small congregation.

From the beginning of my journey into ministry, I have identified with the office of deacon in The United Methodist Church. For this reason, I honestly never considered the possibility of becoming a pastor of a congregation. Being on a church staff? Yes. Being a solo or lead pastor? Never. 

And yet, as I was told about this congregation and as I have learned more about them, I see that this is exactly the right place for me. And part of the reason for that is precisely because I am a deacon.

That being said, even in churches that have had deacons, there is still a bit of confusion not only about the role of deacons in the life of the church, but also how deacons are distinct from elders. And so, I am choosing to start my time with this new congregation by reflecting on what it means for me to be a deacon and, further, what it means for me to be a deacon in ministry with them.

Over the next several weeks, I am reflecting first on my personal grounding for ministry as a deacon. What is my scriptural touchstone for ministry and what does that have to do with being a deacon. Then, each successive sermon will take on the areas of responsibility that deacons have in the life of the church. In the UMC, the orders of ministry have general areas of responsibility. These areas overlap and reinforce one another, but are also distinctive in the different orders of ministry. More on that next time.

Today, we take a look at the Great Commandment (see Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34, and Luke 10:25-37). What does it meant for me and for my understanding of myself as a deacon? What does this story have to do with the ministry of the church?

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Communion

Today we explore the concept of Communion. Communion is about more than our celebrations at the table, it is about the body of Christ gathered together. How can we remember our connection not only to Christ but to one another in times like this when it is less safe to physically gather in the same space? 

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Study

In today’s post, we will look at maintaining the discipline of Study. Even in times of isolation, it is important to continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God, faith, and one another. We will also consider the importance of studying with others and ways we can continue to do this even as we maintain physical separation.

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Music

For many people in the church, if you ask them when they most feel God’s presence in worship, they will say something about the music. Religious music, worship music, no matter the genre, is meant on some level to foster an experience of God’s presence. How many people have shed tears of joy during a particularly well done organ piece or choral anthem? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, how many have felt themselves pulled out of a time of worship by a discordant piece that does not seem to fit the moment?

Music has the ability to instill in us a sense of divine presence and majesty. And when we join together in song, we are given the opportunity to respond to God’s work in our lives. This is why many of the classic masterpieces we appreciate were originally written as religious pieces. It is why those of us who are Methodists are called “a singing people.” It is why we get teary when we hear voices that bring to mind angels. Music is an integral part of our faith.