The Ministry of the Deacon

Deacons are an integral part of the three folds of ministry: Bishops, priests and deacons. Their role in the church is traced back to biblical times when the Disciples realized they needed assistance with their ministry. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that seven deacons were ordained for such duty. Stephen is the most widely known deacon as he was the first martyr recognized by the church. As the church grew in the second and third centuries we find the addition of bishops and presbyters.

What does it mean to serve the church today as a Deacon? In this day and age the role of the deacon and the priest have become somewhat blurred. Often people view the deacon either as some sort of “Jr. Priest,” or as a step towards the priesthood. This is theologically incorrect and needs to be revisited to form some clarity around the role of the deacon.

First of all the deacon is ordained by the Bishop alone. The reason for this is that all deacons serve directly under the bishop’s authority. This goes back to the tradition of the ancient Church. While the deacon serves in a church under the supervision of the priest, ultimately it is the bishop they serve.

A deacon is ordained to a special ministry, mainly focusing on service to the world and surrounding community. They are often referred to as a bridge between the church and the world. The majority of the deacon’s ministry takes place outside the church. They have a specific ministry, usually to poor, the destitute and the social out casts. This is the area their ministry has the largest impact. But before they begin their ministry they are to work with the bishop in order to define their ministry.

In the church the deacon serves in the liturgy along with the priest, and certified laity. During the Sunday service they proclaim the Gospel, introduce the Creed and Prayers of the People, as well as the General Confession. The Deacon is responsible for the ablutions left on the table after the service of Holy Eucharist. The deacon is allowed to preach as well as teach. They are allowed to administer either a chalice or paten during the Holy Eucharist. The deacon also visits the sick, but not as a substitute for the priest.

While this seems clear, unfortunately through the years the role of the deacon has become confused with that of the priest. The deacon is not allowed to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, not even from the Reserve Sacrament. Of course if there is an emergency with the priest and no supply priest can be found due to time restraint, the deacon is allowed to serve communion to the people from the Reserve Sacrament. The deacon is not allowed to bless or administer the oil of healing. Only a priest or bishop is allowed to administer unction to the sick.

Once again I stress that the main function of the deacon is carrying Christ into the world through the service of a specific ministry outside the church. Deacons are a important ministry to the church, and their service and ministry to the world is deeply valued.