One of the core convictions behind our resource Growing as a Community of Deacons is that deacons don’t just do ministry together; they are also called to be (and model) a community being formed by God. Deacon meetings are not only for tasks and decisions, but for listening: listening to God’s Word, listening to one another, and listening for the Spirit’s leading.
Recently, one of our Diaconal Coaches shared a devotion practice with a church’s diaconate that beautifully embodies this vision. It’s a practice that is accessible, relational, and deeply formative; helping deacons grow in faith while strengthening their shared ministry.
A New Way to Gather Around Scripture
The practice begins simply:
Choose a passage of Scripture: Any passage. Any length. What matters most is that the Word of God is placed at the centre of the gathering.
Reflect on it together: After reading the passage together, the group reflects and shares using these prompts:
- What word or phrase stood out to you?
- What in this passage challenges you—or gives you comfort or hope?
- What do you wonder about, or feel unsure about?
- Is there something you feel called to do or commit to based on this conversation?
This can also be framed even more simply:
- What is God saying to you in this passage?
- What are you going to do about it?
The time closes with prayer: praying for one another and for the ways God is calling the group to respond.
Why This Matters for Deacons
This approach aligns closely with what Diaconal Ministries would describe as a healthy diaconate: a place where we “practice” ministering and receiving ministry. By inviting each person to speak, wonder, and listen, deacons grow in unity, trust, and spiritual attentiveness.
Rather than rushing to “the right answer,” this practice creates space for:
- Communal listening to the living Word of God
- Honest reflection, where questions are welcomed
- Spiritual formation, not just information
- Concrete obedience, as reflection leads to action
It also helps develop a shared language of faith, something essential for deacons as they encourage, discern, and lead with compassion and justice.
As deacons listen together, the Spirit often reveals small, faithful next steps—acts of care, advocacy, generosity, or reconciliation—that flow directly from God’s Word into the life of the church and community.
From Scripture to Action
One of the most powerful parts of this practice is the final question: What are you going to do about it?
This prompt bridges the gap between reflection and diaconal calling. As deacons listen together, the Spirit often reveals small, faithful next steps—acts of care, advocacy, generosity, or reconciliation—that flow directly from God’s Word into the life of the church and community.
Growing, One Meeting at a Time
Practices like this remind us that God uses our regular gatherings—imperfect, ordinary, and sometimes messy—to form us into a faithful “new community.” As we listen to Scripture and to one another, we grow in love, clarity, and courage for the work God has entrusted to us.
It is our prayer that every church and diaconate will be a place where God’s Word is heard, lives are shaped, and communities are transformed in Jesus’ name!
Ready to Go Deeper?
Diaconal Ministries Canada offers Leadership Development resources designed specifically for deacons who want to grow in their calling and cultivate healthier, more cohesive diaconates. From practical tools to coaching and guided learning, these resources can help your team deepen its spiritual life, strengthen relationships, and lead with greater confidence and clarity.
Visit our Leadership Development page to explore how we can support you as you grow together as deacons and create a diaconate where ministry and spiritual formation go hand in hand.
Featured Image: Photo by Brett Jordan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/page-of-book-24304477/
