Here I Am Lord, Send Me
My Call As a Deacon
What is a Deacon? In the ELCA Deacons advocate in prophetic service (diakonia), which invites us to ministries of accompaniment, that equip all baptized Christians for ministry in God's mission. It was in 1999 that I felt the nudge of God calling me into ministry. I can’t really explain it other than I have a heart for serving and proclaiming the good news of God’s love and grace. I also know that growing up going to Bible Camp and working as a Counselor helped in my discernment.
I did my candidacy through the Nebraska Synod but took my first and second call in Arizona. I am on my third call. I was commissioned as an Associate in Ministry in 2003 at Mountain View Lutheran Church, Phoenix but am now an ordained Deacon. In 2016 the ELCA voted to combine all diaconal titles into one.
I am humbled each time I serve others, especially those on the margins. Serving to me is not just helping people or doing things for people, it is also being engaged in their lives, having conversations, praying with them, and listening to their stories. Being present in holy moments. I was just at a Deacon Ordination in Houston where I was reminded that God calls people into the life of the ordinary and through God, can experience the extraordinary. God’s ways are always extraordinary.
Two of my favorite hymns that remind me of my calling are “Here I Am Lord” and “Lord Whose Love In Humbler Service”.
I had put this together for a devotion one time for a Deacon Candidate’s internship committee meeting.
Thank you Darcy. My favorite song is "Here I am" and your other song is close beside. Thank you for explaining your role as "deacon" in the ELCA church. It's an important role....especially for our people today. Thank you for serving.