In Methodist, Episcopal and Lutheran traditions the deacon is a specific ministry in the church. Their ministry is different than pastors, focused more on acts of service whereas pastors are focused more on preaching and the sacraments. The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos which means “service.” This understanding of the role of a deacon which adheres more to the original understanding found in the book of Acts and in the early church is not always easily understood by people in the pew who might wonder when deacons are going to be pastors. I talk to Deacon Nina Joygaard about the importance of deacons in the local church, what led her to her call as a deacon, the struggles deacons face and the future of the diaconate in the church. Nina the Deacon for Adult Ministry at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN. 

Show Notes:

DOTAC -(Diakonia of the Americas & Caribbean)  https://dotac.diakonia-world.org/

Deaconess Community of the ELCA - https://deaconesscommunity.org/

Lutheran Diaconal Association - https://thelda.org/

Diakonia World Federation - https://diakonia-world.org/

churchandmain.org