Filled with the voices from the last thirty-five-plus years, this is the fullest, spirited account of the birth of the diaconate in The Episcopal Church as servant, prophet, vanguard, and sacrament of Christ's ministry given in baptism. For the sake of the church, this is a book for all, which should be engaged in congregations and dioceses and should be required for all who may be ordained and who are already ordained.
-Timothy F. Sedgwick, The Clinton S. Quin Professor of Christian Ethics, Virginia Theological Seminary
This well-researched book invites us into a rich exploration of the diaconate, as it has re-emerged and steadily gained strength in The Episcopal Church. Unexpected Consequences also charts the story of the church's movement from establishment to mission, and from mere self-perpetuation to risk-taking service in the world. Epting clearly shows how deacons have led this charge, and in so doing, provides persuasive evidence of the Spirit's movement in our midst.
-Thomas Breidenthal, Diocese of Southern Ohio
In this astonishing and comprehensive work, Susanne Watson Epting views the diaconate through her prophetic lens, and helps us understand why articulating diaconal theology has been, and is likely to remain, so challenging. Reading it made me feel like the Samaritan woman at the well: Susanne has 'told me everything I have ever done' in my twenty-seven-year diaconate. Unexpected Consequencesis essential reading for deacons, priests and bishops as deacons create their place in the reimagined Episcopal Church.
-Deacon Lori Mills-Curran, St. Andrew's, Framingham, Massachusetts (St. Andrew's), Executive Director, Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED)
Praise for this much-needed book on the Diaconate! Epting writes passionately and clearly about the continual process of living into what it means to be a deacon and the ways in which deacons continue to claim their role as interpreters for both the church and the world as they minister to all as servant, teacher, and prophetic leader.
-The Rev. Shannon Kelly, Acting Missioner for Campus and Young Adult Ministries, The Episcopal Church Center
