dee-ak-on-ee'-ah: the measure of church success
Diakonia is the greek word for minister. It is a noun. It is a term that seems to have been lost in Corporate America...where success is based on the devaluing of what is sacred and the defacing of those in need. Yes, I said it. I know that you have often thought it. You have read the news. Another company bases its decision to lay off hundreds on the bottom line - profits. Hmmm? Success is based only on profit sharing! For Corporate America, it is an easy decision. All you have to do is devalue individuals and look the other way. After life, if it doesn't look good, feel good or make me happy, we avoid it!Now there are certainly extremes and many companies have to make tough decisions in order to stay in business. Where I object is when the CEO bases their decision on only profit sharing and we reward CEOs who lay off hundreds of hard-working people by giving them a bonus. They saved the company! Or did they? They may have saved the bottom line but sold have they sold the soul of the company or even their own?
I am not opposed that a company make money. I think that this acceptable. But how much profit is enough!
Well, I can't change American greed but I can certainly speak to the church. After eighteen years of service to the Church, I wonder, has the corporate church made similar choices. Saving the bottom line grief church leaders ease this tension through campaigns that raise dollars but not efforts in prayer. They raise significant building projects without raising the passion for ministry!
Yet, the scripture seems to hold our "feet to the fire." Mark 10:43 says, (the works of Christ) "Greatest among you must be the servant." This is diakonia. Jesus speaks of himself; "For the son of man did not come to be served. But to serve and give His life as a ransom for many." this is diakonia.
Diakonia is the transforming measure of church success! It is not about success in numbers, while I think that people are drawn to it! It is not financial gain, yet I think that God will resource the church quite reasonably! It is not saving the bottom line as Corporate America defines. It is being the servant, attendant, domestic care-giver, minister to the poor and sick.
Not sure? Look read Isaiah 61:1 and Matthew 25 for starters. Jesus lived his life and was the diakonia - the great shepherd. I am not suggesting that the minister have a martyr complex but I am suggesting that the minister have a heart of compassion for those who are hurting, in crisis, and looking for something genuine and authentically consistent with the Bible. If we preach it we out to live it!
St Augustine once wrote:
"This is what love looks like: it has hands to help others; it has feet to hasten to the sick and needy; it has eyes to see suffering and want; and it has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men, women and children."
I like that! It is time for the body of Christ to be who were are called to be.
Let me suggest a little more reading:
"The Church of irresistible Influence" - Lewis, Zondervan Publishing
posted by Rev. Rick Carder '87 / ' 03 @ 8:41 AM
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