Jack Speaks at Deacons Conference at Westminster Seminary
Presbyterian Guardian, February, 1976, Page 18-19, Volume 45, No. 2.
Deacons Conference: “Love your Neighbor; How can I?”
On Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November I, 1975, a conference on the work of the deacon was held at Westminster Seminary. It was sponsored by the Committee on Diaconal Ministries of the Presbytery of Philadelphia of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The Rev. James C. Petty, as chairman of the committee, was the moving force behind the conference. . . .
Deacons train churches
Dr. C. John Miller, professor in practical theology at Westminster Seminary, spoke on "How Deacons Can Train and Lead Their Congregations in the Ministry of Mercy." Dr. Miller is also pastor of the New Life Church in Jenkintown, which has an active diaconal ministry. In his talk, Dr. Miller stressed that deacons are to show the Master's love for God's people, to show love to our neighbors and even our enemies. The deacons, in addition to their own ministry of love and mercy, are to lead their people to care for the poor, showing mercy and compassion. The deacons must be an example to the other members of the congregation.
Dr. Miller urged that the congregation's prayer meeting should be a main source of information to the deacon about those in need. The prayer meeting should hear not only of local needs, but of needs among missionaries and Christians in other places.
Deacons should consider such relief of suffering and grief as helping a widow to visit friends and relatives. They should counsel parents about the need for a will that would guard their children's interests. The deacon should always be prepared to use the Bible during visits.
Location: Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia