“Supporting the Body of Christ: A Theological Exploration of Lay Diaconal Ministry in The United Methodist Church” Anne Hillman PhD Candidate Boston University School of Theology 745 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02215
[email protected] Abstract While upholding the ministry of all believers, The United Methodist Church also recognizes certain specific ministries as lifetime callings: elder, deacon, deaconess, and home missioner. Individuals called to these ministries need communities of support and accountability. The creation of orders for these ministries is an extension of Jesus’ focus on peer relationships among his disciples and John Wesley’s creation of classes and bands. Thus, the extension of order to the lay ministries of deaconess and home missioner from the ordained ministries of elder and deacon is a natural and necessary component of supporting the ministry of The United Methodist Church. Multitudes of Ministers United Methodist churches are full of ministers. On any given Sunday, even in the smallest of congregations, one can easily state that the vast majority of those present are ministers. No, there is not a disproportionally small number of lay people within United Methodist churches compared to other denominations. No, there are not scores of secretly ordained individuals hiding in plain sight. United Methodist churches are full of ministers because all baptized Christians are called to be ministers. The United Methodist Church has long upheld the belief that all Christians are called through their baptism to ministries of love, justice, and service. This belief is grounded in the example of Jesus’ ministry on earth and his commission to all those who called themselves his disciples.