While the world is gripped by fear and panic, Christians are called to meet such hours of crisis with a world-confounding sense of peace, which can only come through the residence of the Holy Spirit with whom Christ has endowed us in His ascended victory over sin and death (2 Tim. 1:7). Armed with that peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7), and the sobriety of those who are constantly to live with an eye toward the end of all things (1 Pet. 4:7), the church is called to face this crisis with the realization that it is, in many important ways, an opportunity to bear witness to the world of the hope of the gospel and the joy of the Lord. In particular, the deacons of the local church have a unique opportunity to lead the church in areas of service.

The PCA’s Book of Church provides this sound biblical framework for the perpetual office of the deacon:

9-1. The office of deacon is set forth in the Scriptures as ordinary and perpetual in the Church. The office is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need.

9-2. It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed…

The deacons have a wonderful opportunity to rise to the occasion during this crisis and lead God’s people in deeds of mercy, sympathy, and service.

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