Meet Our Parkway Church Deacon Leaders!
In pursuit of our mission to “Love: God. Others. Mission.”, Parkway Church has developed an intentional Deacon Ministry in the last six years. At the helm of this ministry are Parkway’s Deacon Coordinators, Dan and Sharon Stanfield.
The Parkway Exclusive had a chance to talk with the Stanfields to get a peek into what the Deacon Ministry is at Parkway, and what it looks like.
What is a Church Deacon?
In the book of Acts in the New Testament, the role of a “deacon” first makes an appearance in the construction of the first church. In Acts 6:3, the Apostles asked for “seven men of honest report and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” to help in taking care of the needs of the new church. They served in ways that filled in gaps that the Apostles couldn’t fill without taking away from their calling — praying, preaching, and the ministry of the word.
The Apostle Paul later outlined qualifications for deacons including being well respected, having integrity, committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed, living with a clear conscience, and closely examined (1 Timothy 3:8-10 NLT).
Deacons are not only examples of what walking with Jesus looks like but are also an important role in the church that expands ministry and allows the “hands and feet” of Jesus to go further.
The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word "diakonos” which means "servant" or "minister”, and according to Dan and Sharon, a “servant's heart” is what makes this ministry effective.
Inside Parkway’s Deacon Ministry
In a church that is as large as Parkway (over 1800 members recorded and maintaining around 700 people per Sunday morning service), it would be difficult for the leader to do everything. That’s why the main purpose of the Deacon ministry is to assist Pastor Tim in various ministerial responsibilities and in pastoral care of both the church family and guests. There simply isn’t enough time for one pastor to connect and minister to all the members of the church body, so deacons step in to expand the capacity of the pastor.
For example, if someone in the congregation is going through medical treatment, a deacon is assigned to that person to follow up, pray and assist that person with their needs.
“We want everyone to feel loved. It's easy for someone to slip through the crack and be in the background,” said Dan and Sharon. “We try to make contact with people and see if there are needs and then help with those needs. We are Pastor’s emissaries.”
5 Areas of Parkway Deacon Responsibilities
Parkway deacons oversee five crucial operations in the church:
Deacon Contacts: Deacons reach out to church members and guests and look for needs in the church so that they can try to help meet those needs.
Communion: During Communion services, deacons help organize and hand out communion elements so that the large church congregation can take communion together in an effective manner.
Altar Work: Deacons lead the congregation at Altar Call time as well as help pray for individuals during Altar Call.
Baptismal & New Convert Care: Deacons assist those who decide to get baptized by helping them prepare — both physically and spiritually. They physically assist them with whatever they need in the baptismal rooms and, after their baptism, deacons will follow up to help with the next step on that person’s new journey in faith. That may be a Bible study, a small group, First Steps class, etc.
Hospital/Home Visitation: Deacons are, in a sense, “first responders” when Parkway family members or visitors find themselves in a medical situation. Deacons visit, pray for healing, bring a hot meal, and do whatever is necessary to care for the person in need.
“This is the best ministry in the church because we get to connect with so many people from our amazing Parkway family—even Pastor wants to be a deacon! ”
Supporting Our Leadership
Parkway deacons serve the church in those five ways, but they also support Pastor Tim and Melissa. They pray and encourage our leaders and are “in their corner” as they navigate both challenges and victories in the Parkway Church community.
“Deacons are the ones who are holding up their arms like Aaron and Hur did for Moses in Exodus. It’s a privilege and honor to serve our Pastor in this way.”
Show Some Appreciation to Our Deacons!
“For all the deacons, this isn’t a job or role. This is who we are. We are all called to serve the body. The Bible says to make for harmony among the members, so that all members care for each other. Deacons are serving the body in an intentional and organized way to fulfill this Biblical instruction. ”
Parkway deacons are passionate about making sure the church body is healthy and that people feel both love and belonging. Dan’s personal slogan is “I'm here to help,” so the Deacon Coordinator role is a natural fit for the way he and Sharon enjoy loving people.
Be sure to thank a deacon this week and let them know we appreciate all of their behind-the-scenes work for the kingdom of God!