Diaconate

What is the Diaconate?

The Diaconate, a group of men and women nominated and elected into the office by the Redeemer members, exists to express in practical ways Christ's command to all believers to love our neighbor as ourselves. We offer help to those in crisis or challenging situations by assessing their needs and working together to find solutions. Unlike elders, who are responsible for teaching the Gospel, administering healing prayer, and overseeing the church, the officers of the Diaconate (deacons) focus on extending mercy and compassion. Our purpose is to show God's love to those in difficult circumstances by working together with them to resolve their struggles. We aim to be facilitators of the work God is doing in their lives. Depending on the circumstances, we may provide social, emotional and physical, as well as financial support. We also strive to link individuals to the broader Christian community within Redeemer, in the hopes that they will feel Christ's love long beyond their experience with the Diaconate (Deuteronomy 15:7-11; James 2:12-16; Acts 2:44,45).

What are the Responsibilities of the Diaconate?

Practically assist and encourage Redeemer members and regular attendees in challenging circumstances.
Pray, answer questions and give counsel after the Redeemer services.
Various other administrative and operational tasks and roles.

How does the Diaconate help?

People can receive help in many ways--listed below are a few examples:

financial assistance with bills (rent, utility, medical, etc.)

aid in finding temporary and long-term housing

assistance with personal budgeting

prayer, spiritual guidance and accountability

food gift certificates

networking assistance with other support services and organizations

We are focused on helping those undergoing hardship. We acknowledge that the only one we can truly lean on in order to accomplish this is Jesus Christ, and that we are unable to effectively help anyone without Him—spiritually or otherwise. We offer practical help in a number of ways, including helping people connect with available resources, assisting with counseling, helping with budgeting, providing emotional and spiritual support, and extending financial aid. This work is temporary in nature; that is, our goal is to see a congregant's situation change over time until he/she no longer requires this type of assistance. Deacons generally work toward this end by guiding people to manage their budgets responsibly, plan for the future, seek employment, resolve conflicts, mend relationships, seek God's community, and know and obey God in all areas of their lives. We trust that as we all grow closer to the Lord, we find the strength, wisdom and grace to experience deeply changed lives.

The Diaconate is funded entirely by the donations of individuals at Redeemer. We are therefore accountable to the congregation to be wise stewards of the resources God has given us through His people. When congregants seek financial assistance, we first ask to go over their budget. Requests are considered based on basic living needs. Each request for financial assistance goes through a review process sometimes involving several people. Congregants requesting assistance may be asked to consider letting go of non-essential living expenses before assistance is approved. Financial assistance may continue over time, but always with the intent of reducing and eventually discontinuing financial assistance when appropriate.

The Diaconate occasionally provides long-term financial assistance but does not provide loans under any circumstances; nor does it compensate for individual business risks. Please understand that financial assistance is not guaranteed. At present, The Diaconate serves those in crisis or challenging situations within Redeemer / New Deal congregations only.

How do I get in touch with the Diaconate?

If you are in need of practical help please call Redeemer Presbyterian Church (238-5487), and the deacon on call will return your call within 24 hours. Please keep in mind, due to limited resources, the Diaconate cannot take on all requests for assistance.

Will my request be kept confidential?

Because it is very likely that we will become quite involved with the specifics of your life and circumstances, confidentiality is very important to our ministry. We will keep all information you share with us confidential to the best of our ability and within reason.

Counseling

Redeemer hopes to provide professional counseling for individuals, couples, and families in the near future. In the interim, please call the Redeemer office (238-5487) for prompt and trusted referrals.

Ministry Partnerships

Jireh Sports

Redeemer supports Jireh Sports. Jireh Sports' mission is to meet the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs of urban youth in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood and adjacent communities through significant relationships with mentoring adults developed around unique sports, recreation, and educational opportunities. Jireh Sports target clients are those living in and around the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. Over 50% of the children in Martindale-Brightwood are being raised in poverty. Like many urban neighborhoods around the city of Indianapolis, overwhelming majorities of children are raised in single-parent homes, and are considered to be "at risk".

The Oaks Academy

Redeemer supports the Oaks Academy, a Christ-centered school providing a classical education to children of diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, preparing them to succeed in a secondary educational program and to demonstrate spiritual, social, and emotional maturity. The school is located at 2301 N. Park Ave.

Hope and New Life Ministries

Redeemer supports Hope and New Life Ministries which seeks to educate and equip churches to provide healing for the sexually broken and support for families and friends. Brad Grammer is the Executive Director and may be reached at 971-2641.