Deacon Reflection: Servant Leaders

By The Rev. Bonnie Duckworth

Deacons are called to serve the church and the world in a variety of ways. As servant leaders, we offer our own talents and gifts to help heal the broken and troubled world in which we live. We invite others to join us in a dance of relationships, where the gifts of all are encouraged so that together we can dream and build the kingdom of God.

One part I play is in the role of listener. I hear many stories in my work as the director of an Arts Academy, as the facilitator of small group work in the church, and in my vocation as a composer. These various roles offer me an opportunity to be a midwife to the awakening of the soul and the birthing of the Spirit. I have the privilege of helping others connect to the Divine
spark within and express the love they find there in their experiences of life in the world.

Theologian and pastor, Frederick Buechner, once said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Those places can change as we go through different seasons of our life. Some of those calls take place in families, some at work. Some are specialized, and some are recognized. Some are very visible, and others happen in a quiet way. All are needed. All of us have a role to play.

Deacons can help support and nurture us in our various roles and seasons of life. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry once said years ago at our diocesan convention, “Deacons are not here to serve us. They are here to help us serve the world.” How is it that you participate in serving the world? What gifts and talents do you bring? Where do you find meaning and purpose?

Hopefully you have been supported by the servant leadership of a deacon. If not, seek out one of us. Share your stories, tell us about your lives, the work you are engaged in, and the work you feel called to do. Help us discover ways that we can vision and work together to make a difference in this world that God dreamed for us.