convictions and practices concerning the diaconate and

PartTwo:TheDiaconateandOrdinationintheDCHJuly2017

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PartTwo:ConvictionsandPracticesConcerningtheDiaconateandOrdination

DioceseofChristourHope,AnglicanChurchinNorthAmerica

IntroductionIntheFoundationspaper,westatetheconvictionandpracticeofourDioceseconcerning“everymemberministry”ineverylocalchurch:theHolySpiritcallsandempowersallChristianstotheworkofministry.DiscussionsofordinationandtheofficesoftheclergyonlymakesenseinthecontextofthelocalchurchwhereeverymemberofthebodycontributestoChurch’sministryandmission(Eph4:11-16).TheFoundationpaperalsostatesthat,withinthecontextoftheChurch,GodcallsandgiftssomeChristianstoserveinofficesofleadership.ThispaperthusexpandsourbeliefsandpracticesregardingtheofficesofleadershipandordinationintheChurchwithaspecificfocusontheministryofdeacons.OurAnglicantraditionsetsapartpeopleforthreeoffices–deacon,priest,andbishop.Sowhylimitthisconversationtoordainedministryfordeacons?BecausethediaconateisthedefiningministryforallleadershipintheChurch,bothlayandordained.Therolesofpriestandbishopwillbementionedasnecessary,butourprimaryaimistosetoutaclearfoundationforChristianleadershipandordination.Inthatregard,thediaconateplaysapivotalrole.Saidmoredirectly,theministryofdeaconsinformsandshapesordainedministryasunderstoodandpracticedinourDiocese.WewillthereforenaturallyseektoaffirmandpromotethediaconateasessentialtothelifeandministryoftheHouseholdofGod.Sadly,inmostofourAnglicanworld,thediaconateisundervaluedandunderrepresentedincomparisontothepriesthood.AsweseektofulfillourmissionasaDiocese,weareintentonrecoveringarobustministryofdeacons.Wehopeandpraythisshortpaperwillcontributetothatrecovery.

SettingtheStageforChrist-ShapedLeadership

Beforedivingintotheparticularsofordainedministry,wemustfirstestablishourbasicunderstandingofthenatureandcharacterofleadershipforChristiansingeneral,andwithintheBodyofChrist,morespecifically.First,itisimportanttoseethatleadershipisaGod-givenpartofallhumaninstitutionsandsocialrelationships.Thisisnotsimplyanobservationofreality:leadershipandauthoritywerepartofthealtogether-goodandorderedworldGodcreated.Specifically,Godcreatedhumanityalonetobearhisimageandlikeness.Hedelegatedtheresponsibility,andthecommensurateauthority,to“befruitful,multiply,andfilltheearth”andto“subdueitandhavedominionoverthefishoftheseaandoverthebirds


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oftheheavensandovereverylivingthingthatmovesontheearth”tohumanity(Gen1:28-29).Therefore,leadershipandauthorityare“intheimageofGod”andarenecessarytoeffectivelyaccomplishGod’spurposesforhumanity.However,thissamegiftofhumanleadershipandauthoritywasprofoundlydistortedandcorruptedbytheFall.ThatdistortionbeganwhenwerejectedGod’sauthorityoverus.MovingoutfromunderGod’sauthorityeffectivelyalteredourauthority:wewerecutofffromthesource.Asaresult,humanleaders,evenwhenwell-motivated,aresometimesabusive,destructive,self-serving,greedy,orsimplyineffective.Second,webelievethatJesusChristcametoredeemeveryaspectofhumanlife,includingleadership.Hebothembodiedandtaughtarenewedvisionforleadershipaswasintendedfromthebeginningofcreation.Hisdiscipleswererequiredtosetasideself-promotionandarrogance.Intheirplace,theywerecalledtoimitatehiminsacrificialservanthood(Matt20:25-28;Phil2:5-8).Jesusthusinstructedeachofhisfollowers,whethertheheadofafamily,amemberofachurchvestry,apastor,acollegeprofessor,theCEOofacorporation,orapoliticalleaderwithlegislativepower,tosacrificiallyservethoseunderhis/herresponsibility.ThisrenewalissoradicalthatmanyChristianshavebeeninclinedtoreplacetheword“leader”with“servant”or“servant-leader.”Regardlessofone’sconvictionsconcerningwhatwordtouse,thisisclear:weneedChristianleadersintheChurchandinsocietywholeadbytakinginitiativeandresponsibility,andwhoareservantsforthesakeofothers.Suchservant-leadersfostertransformativeknowledgeofGod,humanflourishing,justiceandpeace,theeffectivecareofcreation,andthriving,moral,andethicalcommunities(CfJohn10:10).Third,Christ’sredemptionofleadershipoffersthepossibilityofwhatmightbephrased“theoperationoftruespiritualauthority1through,andfor,people.”Christiansserving

1 ThephrasespiritualauthorityisnotfounddirectlyinScripture.TheBibledeclaresthat“thereisnoauthorityapartfromGod”(Rom13:1),soonecanmakeacaseforsimplyusingthewordauthority.Matthew7:28-29offersapowerfulcommentaryonJesus’teachingincontrasttothatofthescribesthatwouldsupportthisapproach.Thescribeswereexpertsinthelaw(i.e.,theywerewell-educatedandintelligent),andtheyhadpositionsofinfluenceandleadership.ButJesus(whocertainlyhadintelligence,learning,andpositionasLordofall),had(i.e.,possessed)authoritywithinhimself.Itwassomethingdifferent,somethingbeyondtheskillsofthescribes.Itwasrecognizablebyitsoperationsandeffects.ThecenturionwhosoughtJesus’healingofhisservantinMatthew8intuitivelyrecognizedthisauthorityinJesus.Hisauthoritywas,inthatsense,self-evident,anditconvincedthecenturionthatJesushadthepowertogivehealthandlife,evenfromadistance.

However,thisdistinction(havingauthoritywithinoneselfincontrasttotheauthorityorpowerthatcomesfromskillsandposition)isdifficulttomaintaininourminds.Therefore,weareusingthephrasespiritualauthoritytoemphasizeaninternalauthoritythatenablesleaderstoserveasGodintends,forthegenuinebenefitandblessingofothers.Weintendtocommunicateaconceptofauthoritythatisdifferentfrom(morethan)powerbasedonskillorintelligence,orthepowerthatcomeswithanofficeorposition.Someoneinapositionof


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asleaders(inanyrealmofhumanendeavor)mustacknowledgethatleadershiphasbeentragicallytwistedbysin.InChrist,wearecalledtoexhibittransformativemodelsofChrist-likeleadershipthatoperatewithgenuinespiritualauthorityaswellasgreathumanskill.Followingareseveralimportantobservationsaboutspiritualauthority(asweareusingthisterm).1. SpiritualauthoritycomesfromGodhimself.Spiritualauthoritymaybemediated

throughhumanservant-leaders,butitultimatelyflowsfromGodhimself.God’sauthorityisalwaysandfully,spiritualauthority(1Cor15:20-28).

2. Regardlessofone’sviewsoftherelationsbetweenthemembersoftheGodhead,spiritualauthorityismanifestwithintheTrinity.Therefore,itisaneternallygood,essentialaspectofhumanityintheimageofGod,reflectinghisglory.(John5:19-24).

3. JesusChrist,GodtheSon,servesamonguswithtruespiritualauthority.Jesus’authoritywasgivenbyanointingfromtheFather(Matt3:17;Luke9:7)andlearnedthroughhislifelongobedience,trust,andsubmissiontotheFather(Luke2:40,52;22:39-42).Jesus’ministrycamewithspiritualauthority,andbroughtlife,wisdom,blessing,andjoy.

4. Throughhisredemption,Christopensupthewaytoliveunder,andtoservewith,spiritualauthorityfromthethroneofGod.(Matt16:17-20;28:18-20).Spiritualauthorityisgiventousaswepursuelivesofpersonalgodliness,submittingtoGoddirectlybyfaith,obedience,andworship,orindirectlybysubmittingtotheauthoritiesGodhasplacedoverusinlife(1Pet2:13-17).Inotherwords,theonlywayahumanbeingcanhavespiritualauthorityistobeunderspiritualauthority.AllChristianswhohavethecallingtoleadthereforemustseektoliveconsistentlyundertheauthorityofGodintheirlives.

5. Christemphaticallycallspeoplewholeadinthehome(Eph5:22-33)andintheChurch(Heb13:7,17)toleadwithspiritualauthority.Weseetheoperationsoftruespiritualauthoritybyitsfruit–thingssuchaspeace,love,joy,patience,etc.(SeeGal5:22-23);empowerment,protection,care,guidance,andnurturingofothers;andcommunitiescharacterizedbycompassion,righteousness,justice,andfreedom.

6. Therejectionofspiritualauthorityinhumanrelationsleadstoadistortionofpower,throughcoercion,manipulation,self-promotion,andabusivecontrol.ThegivingoftheHolySpiritatPentecostinterruptsthiscyclebyanointingchurchleaderstocarryouttheirworkinthelifeandpoweroftheresurrection.

7. Genuinespiritualauthorityiscounter-culturalandrunsinthefaceofhumanprideandselfishness.Therefore,itisoftenmisunderstood(andevenopposed)bypeople

leadershipcanaccomplishmuchthroughskill,wisdom,andintelligence.Butspiritualauthority(asweareusingit)isastepbeyondpowertoeffectchange.Itisanauthoritythatexhibitswisdomandtruthinthewaysitoperates.Itisthekindofauthority,possessedandgivenbyJesusChrist,thatleadstotransformation,healing,illumination,andabundantlife.LeadershipthatoperateswithspiritualauthorityisespeciallycentraltothefamilyandtheChurch(theHouseholdofGod).


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untiltheyarewonoverthroughtheexperienceofconsistentgodlyspiritualauthorityandtheworkoftheHolySpirit.

8. Evenwhenmisunderstoodandopposed,godlyspiritualauthorityisanapologeticforthebeautyandgoodnessofJesusasLordandtheKingdomofGodhebringstousinthislife(andineternity).

9. Toexpandtheconversation,spiritualauthoritywithintheChristiancommunityisdevelopedovertimethroughtheactivepursuitofatleastfivespecificself-understandingsandpractices.

a. Sanctification:UnderstandingourselvesaschildrenofGod,calledtolivesofgrowingsanctificationaswepursuealifeofpersonalholiness.

b. Stewardship:SeeingourselvesasanswerabletoGodandplacedinpositionsofinfluenceandcareforthewellbeingandflourishingofothers.

c. Submission:SubmittingtoGodbyobedience,reverence,worship,andfaith.d. Servanthood:Practicallyservingothersinourdailylivesandactivities.e. Sacrifice:UltimatelyunderstandingthatthecalltofollowChrist(andserve

hispeople)isacallto“takeupyourcrossdaily”anddietoself.SpiritualauthorityintheChurchalwaysconstitutesacalltosacrificialservanthoodandtheauthoritythatonlycomesthroughpersonalandcorporatesubmissiontoGod.

ItisourprayerandaspirationthatspiritualauthoritywillparticularlyoperateinthelivesofallordainedministersintheDioceseofChristourHope.Webelievethatrecapturingarobustdiaconalministrywillaidusinfulfillingthathope.Pleasecontinuereadingtolearnmoreaboutourvisionforvibrantdiaconalserviceinourchurches.


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AVisionfortheMinistryofDeaconsTheordersofthechurchareoftengraphicallyillustratedbyapyramidofhierarchy:bishop,priest,deacon,laity.ThatimagecommunicatesoneimportanttruthaboutAnglicanChurchorder,theflowofspiritualauthority.Butitfallsshortofcommunicatingotherfundamentaltruthsaboutordainedministryregardingthedefinitionandnatureoftheministryoftheclergy.Insteadofapyramid,visualizethreeconcentriccircles.

Thissimplegraphiccommunicatesacriticaltruth:theministryofadeaconistheheartofallordainedministryintheAnglicanChurch.Apriestisalwaysadeacon.Abishopisalwaysapriest,andevenmoretothepoint,heisalwaysadeacon.Ifabishoporpriestforgetsthattheessenceofhiscallingisdiaconal,hecannotfulfillhiscallingtobeabishoporpriest.Thediaconateisthedefining,centeringministryofAnglicanclericalorders.Evenmorebroadly,itisthedefiningministryforallChristianleadership.Therefore,theprinciplesthatdescribeanddefinetheministryofdeaconformthefoundationsofallleadership,andespeciallyordainedleadership,inourDiocese.AlltrulyChristianleadershipis“deacon-shapedleadership.”

Bishop

Priest

Deacon


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PrinciplesandPracticesofDiaconalMinistryThefollowingwordsandphraseshelpfleshoutourvisionfordiaconalministryintheDioceseofChristourHope.Servanthood:Theword“deacon”isatransliterationoftheGreekword,DIAKONOS,whichissometimestranslatedas“servant”or“minister.”Theverbformofthisword,DIAKONEO,isarichtermwithfivecolorfulusesinancientGreek:

1. Tofunctionasanintermediary2. Toperformobligations,services,andduties,torenderassistance,ortowaitat

table3. Tomeetimmediateneeds,ortohelp4. Tocarryoutofficialduties5. Tocarefor,ortakecareof,others

Clearlythiswordcommunicatesabroadmeaningforthediaconateasservanthood.Leadership-as-servanthoodisfixedintheNewTestamentinJesus’example.Jesus’ownservant-ministryispowerfullycommunicatedinpassagessuchasJohn13,Matthew20:20-28,andPhilippians2:1-11.TogetherthesepassagesportrayarenewedvisionofGod’sintentionforhumanleaders:Jesus,Godintheflesh,laidasidepersonalglory,tookonhumanfleshintheformofaservant,andservedtothepointofashameful,ignominiousdeathontheCross.Theofficeofdeaconisthereforetheofficeofservant.ThisofficeisattheheartofallChristianleadershipandordainedministry,anditservesasapowerfulaidtokeepChristianleadersandfollowersgroundedintheessentialunderstandingofJesus-shapedministry.ConsideringthateveryChristianhastheopportunitytoinfluenceothersthroughouthis/herlife,deaconsremindustodothatasservants,forthesakeofothers.PracticalServanthood:Therefore,welearnthattheveryword“deacon”isnotjustthetitleforanoffice.DeaconsarecalledtoservicewithintheChurchandundertheauthorityofthelocalrectororbishop.Thatinvolvesopennesstomeetingimmenselypracticalneeds.Adeaconiscalledtobealertatalltimestowaysinwhichhe/shecanhelppracticallytomeetneeds,alleviatepressure,anddirectlycareforothers.Notaskoftrueserviceisbeneaththedeacon.Regardlessofwhateverothergiftsorministriesadeaconmayoffer,alldeaconsshouldleadthechurchinfollowingJesus’exampleandcommandto“takeupthetowelandwashthefeetofothers.”Thisbroadcalltransformsany“menialservice”into“Christianministryandgoodworks,untotheLord.”(See1Cor15:58.)


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InAnglicantradition,thispracticalservicealsoinvolvesliturgicalministryinthelocalchurchalongsidethepriest.DeaconsreadtheGospellessonatpublicservices.TheysetthetableinpreparationfortheEucharist.Theychargethecongregationtoembraceitsmission,sendingthechurchbackintotheworldweekafterweektoloveandservetheLord.Atthepriest’srequest,theyserveinwhateverpracticalwaysareneededfromSundaytoSunday–frompreachingtoprayingtopickingupbulletinsaftertheservice.FromWithin:IfweconsidertheuniversalcallingtoservanthoodgiventoallChristians,whyhavedeaconsinthefirstplace?Aren’tweallcalledtoserveaccordingtothegiftsandcallingeachofushasreceived?Aren’tweallsupposedtobedeacons,i.e.,servants?Yes,weareallcalledtoserve.ButthatdoesnotprecludethefactthatGodraisesupleaderswithinhispeople–peoplesetasideandcalledtoexerciseinfluenceandspiritualauthorityforthesakeofthewhole.Life-givingleadership,influence,andauthorityhavealwaysbeenpartofGod’splanforhispeople.Considerthejudges,kings,andprophetsofancientIsrael.ConsiderhowGodcalledthemtoaccountforthespiritualconditionofthenation.RemembertheLeviticalpriesthoodandGod’sintentionforthecareandinstructionofhispeople.ConsiderhowGodalsocalledthemtoaccountforthespiritual,political,andsocialconditionofthenation.FastforwardtotheChurch:JesusdesignatedtwelveapostlesandgavethemauthoritytoestablishtheChurchthroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.RemembertheuniversalpresenceofrecognizedlocalleadershipeverywhereintheNewTestament.(SeeHeb13:7,17.)LeadershipisnormativeandexpectedforGod’swholecreatedorder,andcertainlythereforehisChurch.Inaparticularway,deaconsareraisedupasleadersfromwithinthelocalchurch.Theirserviceisdeeplyconnectedwiththeintimatelifeofthelocalcommunity.FollowingtheexampleofEpaphroditisinPhilippians3andthefirstdeaconsinActs6,welearnthatadeacon’sinfluenceismeanttobeinfectious,shapingthelocalchurchinitsessentialChristianlifeandministry,fromwithin.Theleadershipofadeaconis“asoneoftheflock,”asheepwhoneverthelessisexemplaryinlifestyleandservice.ItishelpfultodrawthecontrastofthisemphasiswiththeroleofpriestlyministryintheAnglicancontext.Thepriest(rector)oftheflockservesastheshepherdoftheflockundertheauthorityoftheGreatShepherd,Jesus.Inthiscalling,heisshapedbytherichbiblicalimageryof“theshepherdofthesheep.”ThetheologyoftheshepherdflowsfromthecreationmandateinGenesis1-3–tolovinglyserve,carefor,andtendthewholeworld.ItisrepeatedinthecallofleadersforthenationofIsrael(Ex3-4;19;Deut17-18).Tragically,theshepherdsofIsraelprovedtobegenerallycorrupt(Ezek34),andthepeoplesufferedbecauseofneglectandabuse.GodpromisesintheprophetsIsaiah,Jeremiah,andEzekiel,toraiseupanewServant-Shepherdwhowillgenuinelycareforhispeople.ThatGreatShepherdturnsouttobeJesus,Godincarnate–whodied,wasburied,andwasraisedtoauthorityatGod’srighthandonhigh(John10).


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AfterheestablishedtheChurch,Jesus’shepherdingcareforhissheepwasmediatedthrougheldersoftheChurchasunder-shepherdsofChrist(SeeActs20:17-32;1Pet5:2).InAnglicanpolity,theseelders(presbyters,theGreekwordtranslated“elder”)arecalledpriests.AnAnglicanpriestisordainedasapresbyter.Therichmetaphorofashepherdingministryremindsprieststostandapartfromandalongsidetheflockinordertodirect,guide,lead,guard,andprotectit.Theymustdiligentlywatchtheflockanddeterminehowtokeepitsafeandunitedthroughcrisisanddanger.Theymustdecidewheretofindfood,water,andshelter,howtocareforandbindupthebroken,andhowtorecoverthelost.Whiletheflockmusthavethatshepherdingministry,itisincalculablyhelpfultoalsohave“sheepwithintheflock”whoparticularlysenseandfollowtheleadershipoftheshepherd.Fromwithin,deaconsembodywhattheLordcallsthechurchtodoandtobe.Suchpeople–deacons–havelastinghealthfulinfluenceontheministryandmissionofthelocalchurchfromwithin.Influencebyexample,transformationbyinfectiousinfluence,aretheparticularblessingsGodgiveshischurchthroughdeacons.Mission:InAnglicantradition,deaconsleadthewayinpersonalevangelismandincompassionministriestothepoorandneedy.ThebiblicalstorycontinuallyreorientsGod’speopletocarefortheweak,marginalized,poor,andalieninsociety.Thebiblicallawsofcommunitylife(Ex22:21-24;Deut24:10-22)aswellasthelawsforliturgicalseason(Lev23:33-55;Deut15:1-18;16:9-17)consistentlyorientIsraeltocareforthoseinneed.ThePsalmscelebrateGod’sowncompassionforthehelpless(Pss10:14;68:5-6;146:9).AndthechiefchargeoftheprophetsagainstthepoliticalandspiritualleadersofIsraelistheirfailuretocareforthepoor,widows,orphans,andsojourners(Isa1:17,23;58:6-14;Jer5:28;7:6;22:3;Ezek34:1-6;Amos2:7;4:1;5:11).“Lowlytasksforlowlypeople”isabywordforthepeopleofGod.AsthosewhoknowourownpovertybeforeGod(Matt5:3),ChristiansacceptthecalltobethehandsandfeetbywhichGodministerstotheneedy.Notallpeopleareneedyandpoorphysicallyormaterially,buteveryoneislostapartfromthegraceofGodthroughChristJesus.Jesuscametoseekandsavethelost.ThecentralmissionofhislifewastheCross.FollowingChrist’sascension,theuniversalmissionofthechurchisto“Gointoalltheworldandmakedisciplesofallnations”(Matt28:18-20).Intheirordination,deaconsarecalledandcommissionedtoleadthelocalchurchinitsevangelisticministriesandmissionefforts.WhileallChristiansarecalledtomission,Godalsocallsandspeciallygiftssometothisministry(Eph4:11-12).TheChurchshouldbeespeciallyalerttothefactthatGodcanunitediaconalcallingwithpowerfulspiritualgiftsofevangelismandprophetic,apologeticpreachingorteaching.Withthesegifts,andministering“fromwithin,”deaconsexerciseaformativeinfluenceontheentirechurchtowardourcommoncalling


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tomission.(SeeActs6-7.AswellasmaintainingwiseservicetoneedypeoplewithintheChurch,twoofthefirstdeacons,StephenandPhilip,werehighlygiftedevangelistic,apologeticpreachers.)Tosumup,deaconsleadinbothministriesofoutreach–incompassionforthepoorandneedy,andinzealousGospelproclamationtothosewhoaredisconnectedfromGod(richorpoor).Therefore,bycalling,deaconsconnectthelocalchurchwiththeunreachedcommunity,settingtheexampleforthewholeChurchinitscallingtobringChristtotheworldthroughwordanddeed.AccordingtoGiftsandCalling:Asnoted,Anglicandeaconsareexpectedtoofferspecifickindsofministry,liturgicalservice,missionalleadership,andintenselypractical“nutsandbolts”service.However,thosenormativediaconalministriesarealwaysfilteredthroughtheparticularspiritualgiftsandpersonalitiesofeachindividualdeacon.Adeaconcanbeagiftedpreacherorteacher.Adeaconcanbeawisestrategicleaderandadministrator.Adeaconcanbeagifted,apostolicmissionary,calledbyGodtobreakintonewterritoryopenfortheGospel.Adeaconcanbepartofachurchplantingteam.Adeaconcanbeagiftedmusicianandworshipleader.Adeaconcanhavegiftsandministriesofcounsel,encouragement,wisdom,andpastoralcare.WhateverthespecificspiritualgiftsandministriesGodhasgiventoaparticulardeacon,heorshemustbegivenfullopportunitytoexpressthosegiftsforthesakeofthelocalchurchandtheworkoftheKingdom.Tosumup,asaDiocese,weareprayingandworkingtorecapturearobustdiaconateforthehealthandwellbeingofourlocalchurchesandourcollectivemission.MenandWomen:WebelievethatScripture,andthetraditionoftheChurch,unitetoteachthatbothmenandwomenarecalledtolifeandserviceasdeacons.ThedetailsofthefaithandpracticeoftheDioceseofChristourHopeareexplainedinthenextpaper,TheMinistryofWomenintheChurchandtheOrdinationofWomenasDeaconsintheDioceseofChristourHope.

WhatHappensatOrdination?

ThoughAnglicanshaveavarietyofviewsonthesacraments,weallagreethattwofoundationalsacramentsaredirectlycommandedbyourLord,baptismandcommunion.AnglicansalsobelieveinabroadsacramentalworldinwhichheavenandeartharebeingreconciledthroughChrist,headedtowardtheconsummationwhen“earthandheavenareone.”Inthispresentworld,ChristiansarebeingfullyredeemedandreconciledtoGod.WeshouldexpectalloflifetobeinfusedwiththepresenceandworkofGod.“Inhimweliveandmoveandhaveourverybeing”(Acts17:28).(SeeRomans8:1-17,John14:1-27,andActs2:1-21forafullerexplanationoftheactivepresenceofGodtheHolySpiritinthelivesofGod’schildren.)


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Eventhoughalloflifeismeanttobe“aweddingofheavenandearth”forthefollowersofJesus,thereareparticularcallings,notrequiredorexpectedofallChristians,inwhichGodsetsapartpeopleforspecialidentity-levelrelationshipsandservice.ThesecallingsarehistoricallysignifiedandadministeredbytheChurch.The“sacramentalcallings”commonlyunderstoodandpracticedbyAnglicansaremarriage,confirmation,andordination.ThesearemomentswhenGodtheSpiritmeetsaresponseoffaithandcommitmenttohisgraciouscallinginourliveswithblessing,strength,renewal,andgifts.ConfirmationisunderstoodbymanyAnglicansas“theordinationofthesaintsfortheworkofministry.”Itistheclimaxofaseasonofcatechesis(discipleship/formation)inwhichparticipantscometoamatureknowledgeoftheChristianfaithandamaturecommitmenttoalifeofdiscipleshipandservice.Inthatcontext,thosebeingconfirmedcomebeforethelocalchurchandreceiveprayerandanointingbythebishop.ThebishoppraysforafreshoutpouringoftheHolySpiritinorderthateachconfirmedbelieverwillreceivestrength,gifts,andgracesfromtheHolySpirittoliveandserveasafaithful,lifelongdiscipleofChrist.Ordinationsharessimilaritieswithconfirmation.Itistheresultofanin-depthprocessbywhichthelocalchurchrecognizesanddiscernsthatGodhasraisedupanindividualforleadershipwithintheChurch.ThatlocaldiscernmentisconfirmedbyaprocessofexaminationthatincludesotherChristianleadersandthebishopofthediocese.Onceapersonhasbeendiscernedasalikelycandidateforordainedleadership,thereisaseason,normativelyayearormore,ofin-depthspiritualformationandpracticaltrainingforministry.Theculminationofthisprocessisordination,aliturgicalserviceinwhichtheindividualischargedwithhis/herministry,exercisedthroughvows.Dedicatoryprayerisofferedbythecongregation,clergy,andbishop.Itisaservice“thickwiththeHolySpirit”whentheLordgreatlyblesseshisChurchwithanewservant-leader.Theclimacticmomentofprayerandanointingwithoilsealsthenewlyordainedwiththespiritualgiftsandgracesneededforhis/hernewlifeintheserviceofChristandhisChurch.SomeAnglicansbelievethatordinationisan“ontologicalchange,”atransformationoftheperson’scoreidentity.WhilethatisnottheteachingandpracticeoftheDioceseofChristourHope,webelievethatordinationisapowerfulsacramentalmomentwhichestablishesanewshapeforthelifeandworkoftheordainedperson.Howshouldthelocalchurchrespondtotheordainedperson?Aboveall,withgratitudetoGodforafellowChristianwhohasbeenraisedupforparticularservice.Fromthisflowshonorandrespect,attentiontohis/herleadership,andsubmissionasappropriatetothedirectionandlifeofthelocalchurchanditsministries(or,inthecaseofabishop,totheoveralldirectionandministryoftheDiocese).


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Howdoestheordainedpersonrespond?Accordingtothevowstaken,theonebeingordainedsubmitstoacallingtoalifeofradicaldiscipleship,sacrifice,andservice,ofthorough-goingholinessandspiritualdiscipline,ofhumilityandprayerfuldependenceonGod.

ImplicationsfortheLifeoftheChurchWebelievethatwearecalledtoarticulateaclearvisionforthediaconate,toprayforGodtoraiseupeffectivedeacons,andtoseektostrengthenandexpandtheministryofdeaconswithintheDioceseofChristourHope.Throughthis,weprayforanumberofimportantresultsaswelookahead:

1. AgreatervalueattachedtohumbleservicewithinthelifeoftheChurchthatwillencouragejoyinministeringtooneanotherthroughsimpleactsofserviceandkindness.

2. Agreatervalueattachedtotheministryofdeaconsthatwillbringbalanceandhealthtoourlocalchurches.

3. Areleaseofspiritualgiftsandcreativeministriesinourlocalchurches.Peoplewillbeencouragedtooperatewithintheirgifts,andleaderswillbeencouragedtoequip,serve,andreleasepeopletooperatewithintheirgifts.

4. Aclearpictureofservantleadershiptoshapeourlifetogether.5. Morewomenservingasdeaconsinlocalchurches.6. AnincreaseinpracticalGospelmission,bothinevangelismandministriesof

compassioninourchurchesandlocalcommunities.Insum,ahealthydiaconalministrywillbringforththelife,beautyandeffectivenessoftheentireBodyofChristintheworld.

convictions and practices concerning the diaconate and

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