The Sacred Calling of the Deaconess: Service, Strength, and Silent Power

In the A.M.E. Zion Church, the office of the Deaconess is not decorative. It is not ceremonial. It is sacred labor wrapped in humility, discipline, and deep spiritual responsibility. The Deaconess does not stand in front of the pulpit to be seen, she stands beside it to protect what flows from it.

Historically, Deaconesses in the A.M.E. Zion tradition were the backbone of worship, compassion, and order. They prepared the sanctuary, tended to the communion table, clothed the altar, visited the sick, comforted the grieving, instructed new believers, and ensured that worship was carried out with dignity and reverence. Long before titles were recognized publicly, Deaconesses were already carrying the weight of ministry privately.

Scripture reminds us:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

That order has always rested in the faithful hands of Deaconesses.

At Jonahville A.M.E. Zion Church, that legacy continues.

The Deaconess Board does not simply serve, it shepherds. Under the leadership of President Edith Graham, the Board reflects wisdom, steadiness, and grace. Her leadership embodies Proverbs 31:26:

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Alongside her, Minister Dearest and the Deaconess sisters work not for recognition, but for righteousness. Together, they strive to support Pastor Mark A. Evans not only in public ministry, but in the unseen spaces where leadership is heavy, prayer is necessary, and encouragement is essential. They understand that when a pastor is covered, the church is strengthened.

The Deaconess stands at the intersection of worship and care. She is present at the altar and present in the hospital room. She is prepared in scripture and prepared in compassion. She is trained in discipline and fluent in mercy.

James 1:27 teaches us:

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

That is the Deaconess.

At Jonahville, the Deaconess Board serves those who are shut in, grieving, struggling, and forgotten. They carry communion to those who cannot come. They carry prayer to those who cannot speak. They carry hope into rooms where faith feels tired. They do not ask who deserves it, they simply serve.

They also serve Pastor Evans by maintaining spiritual covering, reverence for leadership, and unity within the house. They understand that leadership is not lifted by applause, but by prayer.

“Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands.” — Exodus 17:12

That is what Deaconesses do.

They hold up the ministry.

They hold up the worship.

They hold up the people.

And they hold up the heart of the church.

The Deaconess is not loud but she is powerful.

Not visible but essential.

Not celebrated but anointed.

And at Jonahville A.M.E. Zion Church, that anointing continues through every visit, every prayer, every prepared table, every tear wiped, every quiet act of obedience.

May we never forget the women who keep the house of God standing.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21