The Diaconate - a group of men (ordained deacons) who are nominated, trained, elected and appointed by CFC elders and members - serve in building a Gospel-Centered Church by removing potential obstacles to faith & unity by meeting human needs, as well as leading/equipping the church in mercy ministry.

WHAT WE DO

The Diaconate is a ministry of mercy that cares for those 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 Diaconate focuses on deed ministry by 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.

OUR CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS

REST.  Gospel Transformation.

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).

REMIND.  Authentic 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).

REFLECT.  Loving our Neighbors.

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 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 1:3-11).

HOW WE HELP

People can receive help in many ways.  Below are a few examples:

• Practical help for physical, emotional, and/or social needs
• Financial assistance for basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, medical, etc.)
• Subsidies for Counseling Services
• Care groups for difficult life events such as tragedy, divorce and aging
• Peacemaking assistance to restore broken or hostile relationships
• Prayer, spiritual guidance and accountability
• Prepared meals for congregants with special circumstances
• Biblical stewardship and budgeting guidance
• Links to support services throughout the city

From the moment we first meet our clients (we call them clients but they are our sisters and brothers in Christ), we are focused on helping someone who is undergoing hardship. We acknowledge that the only one we truly lean on in order to accomplish this is Jesus Christ and that we are unable to effectively help anyone spiritually or otherwise without him. We offer practical help in a number of ways, including helping the client get connected with available resources, assisting with counseling, helping with budgeting, providing emotional and spiritual support, and extending financial aid.

Our client work is temporary and short-term in nature; that is, our goal is to see a client’s situation change over time until the client no longer requires our assistance. Deacons generally work towards this end by guiding clients to manage their budgets responsibly, plan for the future, seek employment, resolve conflicts, mend relationships, seek God’s community, and know and obey God in all areas of their lives. We hope that as clients grow closer to the Lord, they will find the strength, wisdom, and grace to experience deeply changed lives.

The Diaconate is funded entirely by the donations of individuals at CFC. We are, therefore, accountable to the congregation to be wise stewards of the resources God has given us through his people. Because our funding is limited, we direct financial support to the neediest.

GET IN TOUCH

The Diaconate serves those in crisis or in challenging situations within the Tucson community only.

If you are in need of practical help, please call the Diaconate Helpline listed below, and the deacon on call will return your call within 36 hours. You will be asked some basic questions that we ask everyone who calls for assistance so that we can assess how to best help. The information you share with us will be kept confidential. Please keep in mind, due to limited resources, the Diaconate cannot take on all requests for assistance.

Diaconate Helpline: 520.599.8861

For more information on how to get started, click here.