Workshop at ACT Alliance assembly focuses on “diakonia”

(At the WCC Assembly in South Korea in 2013, I attended an elective on diakonia, and found that its use in the WCC relates more closely to inter-church social aid, and relief and development by church organisations. In 1967 the WCC established a diakonia desk for research and action attached to the WCC’s interchurch aid unit. In 1971, a restructure in WCC made it more difficult for members of diaconates to contribute to international ecumenical discussions about diakonia. More reading here).

(source: WCC)
“When we talk about assets-based ‘diakonia’, we mean building and strengthening fellowship among churches and their ecumenical partners,” said the Rev. Dr Dongsung Kim, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme executive for diakonia and ecumenical solidarity, in a workshop at the 2nd General Assembly of the ACT Alliance, held from 20 to 24 October in the Dominican Republic.

WCC programme executive Dongsung Kim at the ACT Alliance assembly in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic

Diakonia is the Greek term used in the New Testament to describe Christian ministries of care and service, mission and support. It is the source of the English words “deacon” and “diaconal”.
“An assets-based diakonia would work as a crucial tool of welcoming the different gifts, skills and contributions from all levels in the ecumenical cooperation, including from the members of the congregations around the world,” said Kim.
“Exploring assets we have as ecumenical partners in diakonia is actually questioning how we can contribute to more robust ecumenical relationships,” Kim said.
The objective behind this activity was to stress the need for strong relationships between churches and specialized ministries. The workshop was coordinated by Kim and Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, WCC associate general secretary, reflecting on diakonia as a key element in church relations.
The ACT Alliance, a partner organization of the WCC, has some 140 churches and affiliated organizations working in 140 countries to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalized people through humanitarian and development projects.
The workshop focused on the “assets-based approach to diakonia” as part of the discussions held at the assembly titled “join hands sessions”. The dialogue among participants focused on opportunities to share, learn and study new ideas while working for concerns significant for churches and societies. The participants included representatives of communities, groups and networks of ecumenical bodies.
In his remarks, Kim went on to say that “diakonia is an essential part of being a church and mission of the church.” He explained, “The concept of ecumenical diakonia of the WCC is not simply of service, but of taking on a transformative role. We are called to transform society.”
Through an assets-based approach to diakonia at the congregational level, it is possible to turn communities into agents of change and transformation, he said.
While the workshop was meant to suggest ways of making the ACT Alliance an even more robust body, it also discussed issues related to humanitarian work, advocacy and development.

Speech at the conference by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC General Secretary here. 

Deacons show Christ to hurting world (UMC)

Just loved reading this article about the diversity of ministry of Deacons in the United Methodist Church. (Original article by Polly House in Interpreter Magazine here).

Rev Nick Nicholas is a deacon from Philadelphia, and serves as coordinator of United Methodist church with Volunteers in Mission (VIM). His secondary appointment is as a deacon for missional service at Arch Street United Methodist Church, where he reads Scripture, assists with Communion "and whatever else they need a deacon to do in either community or leadership," he says.

Rev Nick Nicholas

"As coordinator of VIM, I work with volunteer mission groups from churches. Through my jurisdiction, they can find out what mission sites are available nationally and internationally – anything from rebuilding on the East Coast after Hurricane Sandy, to cleaning up following the recent floods in the Midwest, to helping in Alaska with the Yukon River cleanup. We are still needed and helping in Louisiana from Hurricane Katrina."

Rev Margaret Crain

The Rev. Margaret Ann Crain, is a deacon and Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at Garrett. As a seminary professor, Crain has watched students as they discern their call to ministry.  
The Board of Higher Education and Ministry says, "Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, nurture others in their relationship to God and lead church people to respond to the needs of the most needy, neglected and marginalized of the world."
Outside the walls of the church, deacons share the good news in word and in their advocacy for the poor, neglected, oppressed and discouraged; provide ministries of mercy; and invite Christians into these ministries.
Some deacons also serve as chaplains, denominational staff or administrators, among other roles.

Children's ministry, with Rev Cindy Yanchury

The Rev. Cindy Yanchury is a deacon at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan, Minn. She has served on the church staff as minister of faith formation for 14 years, and was ordained a deacon in 1998. She oversees the ministries with children from birth through fifth grade, plus ministry to the children's families. "We help people grow in their faith, touching the heart as well as the head. We don't only educate our people; we also move them to step outside and get involved in loving and helping people."

Go to Global Board to discover more about deacons in The United Methodist Church.