Deaconess Board
Introduction
Praise God for the perfecting of the saints for His Purpose!
God has called members of His body to specific duties in the church based on skills, talents, resources and abilities. The Power of Purpose in any such position can only be realized through the celebration of the disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting and studying the Word of God. When we follow God's plan for our lives, He empowers us to use our spiritual gifts and influence, and thus gain true fulfillment as we work in unity in the church.
The ministry of Deaconess calls for a lifestyle of obedience, faith, spiritual preparation and Christian service to the Body of Christ. To Walk in the Power of Purpose and become an instrument God can use, we must daily make a decision to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to serve the Lord Jesus, and Him only. It is a sacred privilege to be chosen by God, and Deaconess must totally submit and allow God to do His perfect work in preparation for this holy mission.
As the holy women of the church, Deaconess are called to be set apart to serve and to be a servant in the local church and for the general interest of the church. Working closely with the Pastor, Deaconess must have a passion for God people, His Word, His Kingdom and to strengthen Christ’s body, the church. As Deaconess accept the call to engage in good works and to be a servant of righteousness and obedience, they are empowered to Walk in the Power of Purpose and God enables them to accomplish all that he has ordained for them to do by His grace.
In Luke 24:49, Jesus cautioned His disciples. “And see, I am sending upon you what My Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” It was only after promising to send the Holy Spirit that Jesus talked to His disciples about bearing fruit. Remember: Through our union with Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who instills in us the spiritual nourishment that makes it possible for us to produce abundant fruit.
By: Beverly W. Hunt
Duties of Deaconess
The A. M. E. Zion Church Book of Discipline defines the duties of Deaconess as follows:
- Prepare elements for Holy Communion
- Assist and prepare candidates for Baptism
- Go about doing good
- Encourage, foster and improve the general interest of the church
- Promote the comfort and solicit the friendship and sympathy of the general church
- Minister to the wants and suffering, sorrowing sin-laden world
- Minister to the poor
- Visit the sick
- Pray with the dying
- Care for the orphans
- Seek the wandering
- Comfort the sorrowing
- Save the sinning
- Be ever ready to take up any duties for which willing hands cannot otherwise be found
