A Deacon's Heart is a significant gift not only to The United Methodist Church but also to the larger ecumenical community. The diaconate is growing at a tremendous pace in many denominations around the world. In all communions that have chosen to establish a permanent diaconate, emphasis has been exerted in interpreting the meaning and influence of the new orders and offices to the total ministry of the Church. This book will take its place as an interpretive resource on the new deacon in The United Methodist Church. It will assist in understanding not only the vision of the deacon, but how the very nature of the diaconate can lead the Church in renewal.