The word from which we get "deacon" means servant. In fact, the word was used in the ancient Greek for a waiter or house servant. There is some speculation that the etymology of the term relates to its two parts: "dia" (through) and "konia" (dust). A deacon is one who works through the dust.

Whatever the origin, the term means servant, but this meaning is often lost. In fact, I have occasionally wondered if deacons decided to apply Jesus’ rule early. I mean the rule that in the last days those who serve will become those who rule.

I’m happy to announce that this isn’t the case at KBC. We have a strong (and growing!) tradition of deacons who serve. And they serve through the dust of hospitals, nursing homes and funeral parlors. The retreat this weekend was an energetic and enthusiastic picture of this. Your deacons gathered on Friday to plan how they are going to better serve this "deacon year" (July – June). We heard an excellent speaker (Dr. Heather Entrekin, pastor of Prairie Baptist Church in Kansas City) who challenged us to put action to our love and feet to our prayers.

Let me take this opportunity to remind you that the deacon body is divided into ministry teams. They are all active and have excellent plans for meeting the needs of KBC. The teams are divided into these groups: Hospital (leader, Don Bee),
Ordinances (Steve Miller), Bereavement (Trish Ordelheide), Membership (Bob Starkey), Homebound (Greg Willis), and Senior Adults (Rhonda Pitt).

I want to thank Deb Ellis, Glen Calvin, and Doug Gavin (Deacon Leadership Team) for their help. They were model servants for the serving group of KBC. It was an inspiring time that I pray leads to an expanded ministry at KBC. I’m hoping we kicked up some dust, through which God will lead us to minister!

Scott