Become a Deacon in the Episcopal Church

A deacon is an ordained minister of the Episcopal Church called to lead church members in service to the poor, needy and oppressed. The deacon has specific ceremonial and leadership responsibilities which differ from those of a priest, and might be responsible for caring for a parish's congregation. However, most Episcopal deacons do not have major pastoral responsibilities for parishes, but are called to lead the people into the world in service. In the Episcopal Church, unlike in many Protestant traditions, but similar to the Roman Catholic tradition, becoming a deacon requires going through an ordination process, in which the candidate is screened and educated before being initiated into the diaconate. Specific requirements vary by diocese, but in each case there are a number of steps a would-be deacon should take to first decide if they are called to be a deacon, followed by administrative requirements that prepare them for church ministry.

Steps

Prior to Applying for the Ministry

  1. Become heavily involved in a parish located in the diocese in which you wish to be ordained. Get to know all members of the church leadership, as well as a significant portion of the congregation.
  2. Assist in church ministry programs that reach beyond church services, such as feeding the poor, ministering to homeless, and caring for children. These will be the types of activities in which you will be most heavily involved after becoming a deacon.
  3. Attain familiarity with the rites, liturgy, organization, and history of the Episcopal Church.
  4. Reflect on your desire and suitability to be a deacon. Parish and diocese leaders reviewing your application will want to see substantial evidence of serious thought and planning before the ordination process can begin.

Administrative Process

  1. Begin by discussing your desire to be a deacon with the parish rector or head priest. Explain the reasons why you want to become an ordained minister. All Christians are called to deaconal work, so it is important to reflect on what ordination will add to a ministry of caring and service which should already be well-established. Indicate how your experiences so far at your parish have prepared you for the diaconate.
  2. Meet with a committee of lay members of the congregation over several months, during which time you will discuss your calling and your suitability to serve as a deacon.
  3. Ask your parish rector or head priest to send a letter endorsing your candidacy to the bishop of the diocese. This will alert the diocese of your desire and inaugurate any administrative processes that have to be completed at that level (requirements vary by diocese).
  4. Complete any educational requirements required by your diocese for becoming a deacon. This may vary from a series of readings to a formal educational program (often the Education for Ministry program) that lasts 3-4 years.
  5. Fill out all forms, sit for all interviews, and attend all meetings stipulated by your diocese. This process, in conjunction with your education program, will begin to familiarize you with the responsibilities of a deacon, and will allow church leaders to evaluate your suitability. Reflect deeply on whether some of the unique characteristics of the diaconate will be impediments to your ability to fulfill the role well.
  1. Apply for admission to your diocese deacon formation program. The program will usually last two years, during which time you may be assigned to a parish for an internship.
  2. Complete all final administrative requirements and schedule a date for your ordination by the bishop.

Tips

  • Steps 7 to 11 are often called the "discernment process," designed to help a candidate discern a calling to the ministry. Although requirements vary, every diocese will stipulate that a deacon take a substantial time to reflect on their calling, with the assistance of others, before the ordination process can begin.
  • For those planning on becoming Episcopal priests, the requirements for becoming a "transitional deacon" (before ordination as a priest) differ. Consult your rector or bishop for further information.
  • Both men and women may be ordained deacons (and priests) in the Episcopal Church.

Things You'll Need

  • Calling to the Episcopal ministry
  • At least 2 years

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