Discerning a Call to the Diaconate

Did you ever think you might be called to “a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop,” to serve “all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely,” to “show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself”?

These are the words of the Book of Common Prayer describing the ministry of a deacon!

Have you had stirrings that you might be led in this direction? Here are some steps you can take to begin exploring your vocation:

Pray, alone or with others, holding up your life to God

Learn more about deacons and ordained ministry, from the prayer book and resources that include those on the diocesan website and that of the Association for Episcopal Deacons

Talk to your parish priest, others in your congregation, and deacons in this diocese If this leads you to explore further, consider the ordination process, which helps you and the church discern the best role for you in its ministry.

The ordination process consists of:

Discernment

• Meeting with your priest and a parish discernment committee
• Meeting with the Commission on Ministry of the diocese, and the Bishop
• Internship in another parish

Formation (for those admitted to postulancy by the Bishop)

• Preparation in scripture, theology and church history (in consultation with the diocesan examining chaplains)
• A one-year formation program in the context of clinical pastoral education, designed to serve those who may have ongoing secular employment and family responsibilities

Ordination (after approval by the Bishop and Standing Committee)

Assignment to a congregation and a servant ministry in the world

Still exploring? There are many resources available:

Deacon's Manual

Association for Episcopal Deacons

Your parish clergy and deacons throughout the diocese:

Archdeacon Jan Lamb | 919-824-2803

Deacon Beth McKee-Huger, Northwest Regional Deacon | 336-202-4411

The Rev. Stephanie Yancy, Chair of the COM-D