A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

B. churches present a somewhat different pattern. Here more than one-half of the congregations responding (thirty-four out of sixty-four) still elect their deacons for life. The survey also reveals that most of the thirty congregations that have changed to the new policy in electing deacons belong either to the younger churches or mission churches, where a historical tradition is less likely to have influenced the decision. Since a number of churches have not answered this question, it can be assumed that the whole issue is in a state of flux. The general trend in the election of deacons is toward a definite term of service. Trends with Regard to the Role of Deacons The survey indicates a trend toward widening the role and function of deacons in Mennonite Brethren churches. This trend is most noticeable in community evangelism and in the visitation ministry. In the Southern District ten congregations report a greater involvement of deacons in community outreach, and eighteen report a greater participation in visitation work. In the Central District two congregations indicate a wider role for deacons in evangelism, and six a larger ministry in visitation. In the responses from the Pacific District, thirteen churches state their deacons are becoming more involved in community evangelism, and twenty-four report a larger role in visitation work. In Canada the trend toward a wider role and function of deacons is also clearly evident. Twenty-one congregations reported that their deacons are involved in community evangelism, and fifty reported increased participation in visitation. Other functions mentioned (in both Canada and the United States) include teaching and counseling, spiritual oversight of church members, involvement in the exercise of church discipline, and general assistance in the pastoral ministry. In the light of scriptural teaching and also in the light of the historic role of deacons it is rather strange that modern deacons (at least in M.B. churches) play a minor role in the administra- tion of church finances. It appears that this function is assigned more and more to brethren who are businessmen. Whether the limitation of the term of service is related to this phenomenon has not been es- tablished. Whereas the ministry of preachers and pastors can be readily observed and evaluated because it is performed in public, the work done by deacons is largely behind the scenes. According to the statistical SERVING WITH VARIOUS GIFTS 315 report presented at the Centennial Conference, 450 deacons were serving in Mennonite Brethren churches in North America at that time. 28 The spiritual impact of such a large and dedicated "task force" in the life and growth of the church can hardly be overestimated. III. The Ministry of Evangelism The prominent part that evangelism has played in the founding and early growth of the Mennonite Brethren Church, both in Russia and in America, has bee