Quoted from the back " 'Equipping Deacons as Partners in Ministry will provide deacons with a variety of practical ways to share the work of leading, proclaiming, and caring as partners in ministry. Deacons work as partners with the pastor and other staff in the pastoral ministries progam of the church. Deacons also can encourage and work with existinng church organizations, leaders, and programs. This book assumes that deacons recognize and affirm the spiritual values and gifts of all church members. It will challenge deacons to share ministry and leadership."