Advancing the Mission: The Order of Deacon in The United Methodist Church

by Margaret Crain

Crain contends that the order of deacon clarifies that service and transformation of the world is at the center of the church's purpose and that leaders should be ordained to lead that work. This puts deacons at the leading edge of the church's mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. It also shows how the Church can attract future leaders who have a vocation of ministry but who may not see themselves necessarily ministering in local churches.
Using qualitative research and interviewing key people, Crain candidly addresses issues that are raised by the office of deacon as she recounts the history and "so what" of this office of clergy. She couches her discussion in the broader conversation concerning the failure of Christianity to adequately respond to social injustice and inequality worldwide. The year 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the institution of the order of Deacon by The United Methodist Church. This milestone offers the opportunity for the Church to reflect on the ministry of deacons as the author takes readers behind the curtain to learn how, in 1996, the decision to create the order of deacon came to be-a decision that is still controversial. UM deacons, around the world, still struggle with sexism and patriarchal assumptions that hamper the ministries and security of deacons, and they spend too much energy justifying their existence and explaining who they are and what they do.

182 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2021

Reviews

[Grant Showalter-Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a United Methodist Deacon, I am in awe and Thanksgiving of Margaret Ann Crain for putting together this comprehensive and highly enjoyable historical overview of how the current Deacon order came to be: through persistence, obedience to the Holy Spirit, and strategic planning! This book is a gem and I recommend it to every person who is curious about diaconate ministry!

Also, this quote was one of the most succinct and helpful descriptions of the call to Deacon ministry I have seen to date:
“What is a deacon? A deacon is an extension of the mission of the church, and extension of the Eucharistic table of Grace, wherever she or he is appointed. A deacon is also accountable to the UMC, accountable to uphold the highest standard of ethics to bring the needs of the world to the local church. Deacons are entrepreneurs, seeking out places to respond to the calling that God has placed on their hearts. Deacons are enfleshed representatives of Christ, seeking to contribute to the transformation of the world. Deacons are embodied mission” (Margaret Ann Crain, ‘Advancing the Mission,’ 132).

[Beth Fender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Ann Crain offers a record of the history of the now 25-year-old Order of Deacons in the United Methodist Church and all that happened to help establish the Order. She also offers personal perspective, both her own and that of the many deacons and others whom she interviewed, along with an inspiring vision for the future. This book isn't just for United Methodist deacons like me. Candidates for ordination as deacons will find affirmation and assistance with articulating their call. United Methodists who are not deacons will gain understanding of this Order and its potential to lead the church in connecting with the needs and gifts of our communities. And anyone who just enjoys stories of minority/underdog groups whose voices are eventually heard and heeded will certainly find that here, as well.