The Deacons of WHPC seek to be love and become love as they minister in the love of Christ by the power of the Spirit.  In the Christian Scriptures, the command of God to love one’s neighbor rings out with a compelling call. However, Jesus unites the love of God with love of neighbor (Matthew 22.36-40), reclaiming service to others as an ethical imperative on par with loving God.

It is Jesus’ teaching which uniquely stamps the Christian identity and culture of serving. Indeed, Jesus seems to make service the mark of those who would wish to be his disciples (Luke 9.23). The term Deacon literally means “to serve”  or “servant. While service is not limited to deacons, it is the special duty of deacons to serve with the love of Christ. The office of deacon  is clearly identified and delineated from other offices of leadership such as elders in 1 Timothy 3.8 – 12:

“Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve a deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” 

At WHPC deacons serve the community on Sunday  mornings and throughout the week. They help greet worshipers, usher, clean the sanctuary, pray with individuals after worship, offer hospitality during parlor fellowship, and provide liturgical leadership in worship services. During the week, deacons serve the community by visiting the sick and home bound, writing notes to church visitors, praying and supporting those in crisis with food or counsel. Deacons serve with the love of Christ.

While Reformed ecclesiology emphasizes the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2.9), and while Jesus urged that deeds of mercy are imperative for all Christians (Matthew 25.35-36), some individuals are uniquely called and equipped for the ministry of mercy or compassion that constitutes the primary function of the office of deacon. It is these individuals who are recognized within the church to be “ordained” or “set apart” for the deaconate ministry of love and compassion. The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A succinctly casts a vision for the functions of the Office of Deacon:

 

 

If you would like to grow in your experience of service in love, please pray about becoming a deacon at WHPC. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Pastor Peter Haas at peterh@whpc.org.