Who We Are and What We Do

The Diaconate, a group of men nominated, trained, elected, and appointed by WECC elders and members, exists to contribute to the building of a repentant and rejoicing community through loving, truth-telling relationships where practical, visible needs are being met while hearts are being changed through encounters with Jesus and one another. We express in practical ways Christ's command to all believers to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The Diaconate is a ministry of mercy that reaches out to people in WECC's congregation who are in crisis or in challenging circumstances and offers help in 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 deacons focus on extending mercy and compassion. God's mercy moves Him to relieve suffering and misery. 'Mercy' is the impulse that makes us sensitive to hurts and lacks in others and makes us desire to alleviate them. Our purpose is to show God's love and mercy by trying to help people out of difficult circumstances and to be facilitators of the work God is doing in their lives.

What Do Deacons Do?

• Practically assist and encourage WECC members and regular attendees in challenging circumstances
  
  
• Various other administrative and operational tasks and roles

What is Our Vision and Mission?

Vision:
To be a diaconate that mobilizes every member at WECC as a minister and a missionary

Mission:
To be alert, creative, and devoted to modeling Christ’s servant leadership and engaging the Church body to minister to the needy within the Church and our neighboring communities.

What Are Our Core Values and Beliefs?

Gospel

• As Christians, we are commanded to love our neighbors (Luke 10:25-37).
• Because of God's great mercy to us, we offer mercy to our brothers and sisters (Matthew 5:7; 1 Timothy 1:12-14; James 2:12-18; Micah 6:8).

Community

• We are to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction (Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:15-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 4:12-13).

Changed People

• If there are any poor among the body, we are to respond generously with grace, mercy and truth to meet their needs (Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Acts 2:44-45; 1 Thes. 4:11-12; 2 Thes. 3:6-10; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 1:3-11).

How Do We Help?

Church members and regular attendees can receive help in many ways. Below are a few examples:

• Financial assistance with bills (rent, utilities, medical, etc.)
• Assistance with personal budgeting
• Prayer, spiritual guidance, and accountability
• Food gift certificates
• Links to support services throughout Nashville. Click HERE to serve alongside us.
  
  -  Click HERE If you are in need (counseling, financial, physical, other).
  
  -  Click HERE If a friend is in need.
  
  

How Do I Get In Touch With the Diaconate?

Email deacon@westendcc.org

Meet the Members of the Diaconate: