The Diaconate (Board of Deacons)

The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ (G-6.0400).

The citation above is from the Book of Order, the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  It describes the diaconate as a ministry of sympathy, witness and service.  That describes well the role of Deacons at First Presbyterian Church.  The diaconate is organized into a board of 15 members made up of three classes of five members each.  A new class is elected each year with a term of three years.  Their mission and ministry is to be the first line of witness and service to our members.

While the Elders are charged with providing for the care and nurture of the flock, it is the diaconate that often serves on the front-lines of caring for members.  When members are sick, in the hospital or otherwise in need, it is the deacons who respond first with visits, cards, care and support.  Individually and collectively, the Deacons of First Presbyterian seek to express the love of Jesus Christ for all our members.  To facilitate that ministry, each deacon has a flock of from 18 to 25 members for which s/he is responsible.  Of particular concern to the diaconate are shut-ins, nursing home residents and members with limited mobility or special needs.  Deacons also serve on a number of Standing Committees in the church, working closely with members of Session (Board of Elders) and the congregation at large.

Copyright 2005 First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, Arkansas

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