Does being a missional church require deacons to be peacemakers or peacekeepers?  As I consider missional deacons it seems that being missional entails focus, intentionality and clear purpose for spiritual leaders like pastor/staff and deacons.  Scripture is clear that deacons are to have a role in keeping the church on mission and being the role models and spiritual leaders to spearhead the mission for the congregation (I Timothy 3 and Acts 6). Scripture also seems clear that the people of God are called to be peacemakers, not necessarily peacekeepers. 

Passage Matthew 5:9:
   9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Far too often I find deacons and pastors/staff  that live more out of being peacekeepers, particularly during time of change and challenge, than being peacemakers.  Peacekeepers try to keep the conflict down and keep people happy so they will not leave or quit giving money or depart from leadership roles.  Peacemakers on the other hand are a different function and call.  Peacemakers focus on making peace amidst the new rather than just keeping others happy.  Peacemakers focus more on the mission and building community and teams to accomplish the mission based on the call each has, rather than keeping peace by letting people pretty much do what they want when they want.  Peacemakers are about achieving peace while achieving the biblical mission.  Notice that James is clear that peace makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness! How cool is that! But oh…the challenge. Unfortunately many deacon meeting’s agendas are filled with issues and strategies for peacekeeping rather than peacemaking strategies.  What drives your deacon agenda/leadership and meeting agendas?

How many peacemakers does your deacon body/church have? How many peacekeepers? What is their influence and impact now?
(Check out new study on religion in America at http://pewforum.org/  - my observations in April deacon newsletter)

Deacon Training Opportunities 2008 for North Carolina Baptists
Option 1: Dr. Jim Henry, Interim Pastor at Biltmore Baptist Church, Arden, NC will be leading a Deacon Seminar, May 9-10, 2008 at Pleasant Hill in Elkin Friday,May 9 meeting starting at 7PM; Saturday,May 10 with a Continental Breakfast at 8:30AM,and the meeting to end at 11:30AM. No lunch.
Contact Elkin Association for further information and registration 336-835-8433.

Option 2: Discipleship and Church Leadership Week at Ridgecrest offers a track for deacon training during that week.  June 30-July 4, 2008.  Registration and program information can be found at  http://www.lifeway.com/ev/files/evF_NDEC_2008_brochure.pdf or call Ridgecrest at 800-588-7222.

Option 3: Associational Deacon Training by Eddie Hammett in Greater Gaston Association, Gastonia, Mar. 31; May 2 – Truitt Association; Aug. 16 – Raleigh Baptist Association; Oct 24-25 - Atlantic Association, Havlock. Contact respective associations for registration and details.

Option 4: On Demand Online Learning Opportunities for Deacons and Church Leaders –-  http://www.ncbaptist.org/index.php?id=234  Free newsletters, webinars, teleclasses, links and resourcing for variety of deacon ministry models.

Option 5: Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60 seminars by Eddie Hammett – designed for deacons, pastors and key church leaders. Regional seminars – visit for registration and places and dates for 15 seminars around our state.  http://www.ncbaptist.org/index.php?id=146

Option 6: FREE DVD’s, Video resources to use in your home or in your deacon meeting.  See complete listing for deacons at  or call  Rosanna at 1800-395-5102, ext 5538 http://www.ncbaptist.org/fileadmin/groups/cong_services/teams/CHURCH_HEALTH_TEAM/Deacon_Ministry/Deacon_Ministry_DVD-Video_Broc.pdf
Option 7: Trained Deacon Consultants are available to assist you in your local church or associational deacon training event. Call Eddie Hammett to schedule – 1800-578-9730
Option 8: CARE training at Mudcreek Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC April 24, 2008 ; 2pm-7pm Registration info at http://www.caringwithyou.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=20844&PID=34531
©Eddie Hammett – www.transformingsolutions.org and www.ncbaptist.org