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DEACON ORGANIZATION: EXTENSION OF PASTORIAL CARE
The office of deacon was established by the early Christians as a response to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As the church grew in numbers and complexity, those who proclaimed the Word were no longer able to fulfill the needs of the church. As a result, church leaders established the role of deacon to minister to the needs of the people.
According to Acts 7, one of the first people to serve Christ as a deacon, Stephen, accepted his own martyrdom with the compassionate prayer for the people: Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
Presbyterians recognize three ordained officers: ministers of word and sacrament (pastors), elders and deacons. All have Biblical basis for existence; all take similar vows. The Board of Deacons leads by providing for the ministries of compassion and care.
Election and ordination into church office represent the call of God and the Church, as well as the acceptance of that call and its responsibility. Presbyterians who accept ordination and the responsibility of church office are responding to the discerned call of God with an affirmative: "Here I am Lord, send me.”
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©2010 Webster Presbyterian Church • 201 West NASA Parkway • Webster, TX 77598 • Phone 281.332.1251 • Fax 281.557.9552
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