The Diaconate administers care for those who find themselves in disadvantaged and difficult situations. They ensure that the practical and physical needs of persons in challenging circumstances are addressed in a compassionate and thoughtful manner.
What Is the Diaconate?
The Diaconate is a group of men (deacons) and women (deaconesses) who have been appointed to oversee a particular ministry of mercy at Grace Bible Church. The Diaconate cares for those who find themselves in disadvantaged and difficult situations, and they ensure that the practical and physical needs of persons in challenging circumstances are addressed in a compassionate and thoughtful manner.
The principal duties of this biblical office are demonstrated in Acts 6. Our deacons are men full of wisdom specially chosen from the congregation to minister in this watchful and loving manner.
The Dual Focus of the Ministry!
Inward Reach
Those who are members or attendants of Grace Bible Church will find help and assistance in crisis situations. Care and attention (mercy care) may come in many forms: physical support, practical advice/counsel and financial support.
“Mercy” opportunities are identified, evaluated, and then addressed with the goal of providing the most practical and specific assistance to those in our church community. Assistance is most often facilitated through other members of the church who are aware of the situation and are closely connected to the individual(s) in need. Financial needs are met through a specially designated Benevolent Fund.
External Reach
Those who are not members or those who do not attend Grace Bible Church can also find help and assistance. GBC is aware of the needs of the community at large and has committed itself to supporting many agencies and ministries providing specific kinds of aid, and the Diaconate will often partner with individuals to find assistance from these agencies/ministries specific to the needs in question. Mercy assistance and help directly from the church is evaluated on an individual and case basis.
How Do We Actually Help?
People can receive help in many ways. Here are some examples:
• Financial assistance with bills (rent, utilities, medical, etc.)
• Financial counseling
• Food and gift certificates
• Job counseling and employment assessment
• Meals and in-home care
• Medical transportation
• Connections with support and assistance with specific agencies and ministries
• Prayer and spiritual encouragement
We attempt to meet as soon as possible with those who request our assistance. The first conversations involve acquiring an understanding of the facts related to the stated request. This is done to obtain a clear assessment of the situation leading to the best measure of help.
We understand the difficulties of undergoing hardships and the resulting stress they bring to people’s lives. We believe the ultimate relief from the stress of life is a turning to Jesus Christ in repentance from sins. He is the only one who has made it possible for mankind to have true joy in difficult situations.
We understand an offer of relief would not be complete unless we share this truth with all who seek help. Our assistance is temporary in nature. Our goal is to see people work towards addressing the underlying problems leading to the present difficulties. Working in the context of long term solutions is not a function of the Diaconate.
Why Extend Mercy?
• As Christians, we are commanded to love our neighbor (Luke 10:25-37). We see all men and women as our neighbors.
• Because of God’s great mercy to us, we offer mercy to our brothers and sisters (Matthew 5:7; Timothy 1:12-14; James 2:12-18; Micah 6:8).
Our Current Deacons
Jim Castel
Hassan Hall
Gordon Judd
Jeff Lancaster
Josiah Patterson
Andy Senft
Rafe Shellooe
Vince Vega
Our Current Deaconesses
Bonnie Allen
Debra Lynch
C.G. Senft
Roshanah Thomas
Shelly Werner