Deacons

Deacons are United Methodist clergy who lead the church in relating Christians to their ministries in the world through worship leadership, preaching, teaching, nurturing spiritual vitality and leading ministries of service, love, and justice. They may work primarily in congregations or they may work primarily in settings like hospitals, social-service agencies, mission agencies, schools, counseling centers, denominational agencies, and more. Learn more about how deacons serve and lead.

Watch this video to get an overview of the ministry of deacons in The United Methodist Church.

Gathering of the Chairs of the Orders: August 2014, Miami, Fla. Watch for information as preparations advance.

Provisional Deacon Formation Event: Tentatively scheduled for Oct. 27-29, 2014, Columbus, Ohio. Watch for information as preparations advance.

Download the ordination and commissioning ordinal--with updates (including those related to those entering the diaconate) from 2012 General Conference.

Deacons are clergy leaders who are called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion, and justice to the congregation and community in ministry that connects the two. If you think God might be calling you to this set-apart ministry, read how to start the process toward deacon's orders.

Because deacons have specialized areas of ministry that connect the people of God to the needs of the world, there are a few different routes toward completing the educational requirements. Visit this page to determine which one might work best for you.

Deacons seeking employment may search the UMC.org job listings board. Or check our Deacon Facebook Group page, where positions specifically for deacons are posted.

Meet a deacon who helps people in hospice find caring homes for their pets.