Training Future Deacons

The Son of Man did not come to be deaconed but to be a deacon and give his life for a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

The key to Peru Mission’s long-term goals is attaining godly, male, indigenous leadership in our parish communities. Jesus Christ himself serves as our model for healthy church leaders. Everywhere he went Jesus preached and portrayed the good news, loving sinners both in word and in deed. Following this divine example, it is our hope that the kingdom of God will expand as we preach and portray the gospel in our communities. It is noteworthy that the New Testament has preserved the importance of words and deeds in the offices of elder and deacon. Jesus is our deacon (Romans 15:8) and chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Both offices are rooted in the person of Jesus, and both offices are essential for the life and mission of the church.

We have been praying for many years that God would raise up a new generation of Peruvian leaders, and we are beginning to see the answer to our prayers at the Larco Church. There are literally dozens of young, capable men waiting to be trained. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the leadership at Larco Church launched a ten-week deacons’ course last month. At our first meeting we had thirteen eager men ready to learn what it means to be a deacon.

God has also been adding new members to the Larco congregation. With this new growth come new challenges. Pastor Jaime and the elders are spending most of their time in diaconal work such as administration, mercy ministry, and building upkeep. The elders simply cannot keep up with all the needs of the congregation, let alone the surrounding neighborhood. Our hope is that the Larco Church will soon have an army of deacons ready to help the elders lead the church through service to others.

Please pray that God would continue to raise up godly, humble, capable leaders in all branches of the church and mission.