From the Bishop

From the Bishop

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, IX Bishop of Western Massachusetts

Deacons are very popular in our diocese. Here’s how I know: every time I’m about to ordain one, I get at least a dozen requests for the new deacon to be assigned to their church.

Why are they so popular? Let’s consider a few of the many reasons. As part of the ordination of a deacon, the bishop gives this instruction: “In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.”

Who wouldn’t want someone to lead in doing that? I intentionally write “lead” because all Christians are called to that work by our baptisms. Churches without deacons do this, but deacons embody that service and intentionally invite others to that service. Deacons explicitly call us all, as our Presiding Bishop says, “to change the world from the nightmare it is for so many into the dream God has for us.” Deacons bring the world to the church and the church to the world. In other words, they bring the needs of a hurting world to the church, and bring the Good News of Jesus back into that world.

Deacons are popular because they have been called by the Holy Spirit, working through our Loving The Questions discernment process and our Commission on Ministry. The call to be a deacon (or a priest) is not a private revelation, but a discernment in community.

Deacons are popular because they enter a rigorous and holy formation program sponsored by the dioceses of New England. It is two years (part-time) of studying scripture, theology, preaching, and developing skills in leadership and pastoral care.

Deacons are popular because they are committed to living into this prayer the bishop says for them immediately after the words of ordination: “Make her/him, O Lord, modest and humble, strong and constant, to observe the discipline of Christ. Let her/his life and teaching so reflect your commandments, that through her/him many may come to know you and love you. As your Son came not to be served but to serve, may this deacon share in Christ’s service, and come to the unending glory of him who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God forever and ever. Amen.”

And deacons are popular because they end our worship with an inspiring prayer for all of us. There are a variety of ways that they dismiss us. One that touches my soul is when they say: ”Go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia!” They send us into the world “rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.” In our troubled times we need that reminder to rejoice. Yes, it is very challenging out there. And our God whom we meet in Jesus equips us with the Spirit to meet every challenge. Rejoice in that. Thank you, deacons. I know why you are so popular. And I know why your work is holy. ♦

+Doug