Who We Are & What We Do
The Deacons Coordinating Center and its Board of Directors is comprised of RCA deacons who desire to assist other deacons to fulfill their commission of service to the Lord Jesus Christ and His church. According to the RCA Book of Church Order this responsibility includes the following:
The board of deacons shall serve those in distress and need. The deacons shall minister to the sick, the poor, the hurt, and the helpless; shall aid the victims of the world’s abuse; and shall express the social concerns of the church. They shall oversee and carry out their work as those concerned with the redemption of humankind. Their focus is turned toward service and ministry both to the world and in the church.
The Deacons Coordinating Center of North and South Grand Rapids Classes began at the initiative of The Reformed Church in America General Synod Mission Services Staff, together with local pastors and deacons. Both the General Synod Staff and Grand Rapids area deacons sought to broaden the role of deacon and expand diaconate responsibilities to congregational leadership in ministries of mercy, service, and outreach. Local deacons desired to help those experiencing a need within their congregations, communities, and abroad in greater ways.
Forty six churches from two large classes combined their interests and resources and established a center that would serve to equip, undergird, and support deacons in their call to service. The Center is a service to the servant. A Board of Directors was established in August of 1997 by local deacons interested in providing the leadership to this initiative. The Board represents deacons from 12 RCA congregations, General Synod Mission's Staff, and Regional Synod of the Great Lake's Staff. A Mission Statement was written by the Board and a Director, Karen Navis, was hired in March of 1998, The initial goals for the Center were established through discussions with and surveys of pastors, deacons, board members, the director, and targeted laity within the two Classes the Center was intended to serve. The following goals for the Center were established and are considered top priority within local diaconal ministry development.
1. Deacon Education and Leadership Development
2. Be The Bridge Between Human Need and Church Response
3. Foster Collaboration Between the Local RCA Diaconates on Service Projects and Outreach Ministries
4. Link the Diaconates to Christ Centered Ministries Serving Populations At Risk Within theCommunity and Globally
5. Establish Urban/Suburban Church Partnerships and Cross Cultural Ministries
6. Encourage Cultural Diversity Awareness and Increased Cultural Competence.
Each day at the Center, through our deacons and their leadership, we strive to link the Body of Christ to those who are in need. Our response can vary from person to person and according to the needs presented. Please see our Website's Deacon Outreach and Ministry page for a depiction of our responses.
