Deacons are ordained 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.

Diaconal ministers are United Methodist laypeople who lead in service ministries. The United Methodist Church no longer consecrates new diaconal ministers. However, many diaconal ministers are still in active service. If you are a diaconal minister, visit this section of the Board of Ordained Ministry Handbook for information on how you relate to the annual conference.

If you feel called by God to be a layperson in a ministry of love and justice, check out the office of home missioners & deaconesses.

United Methodist Deacons’ Gathering
September 27-29, 2019

“Serving with Holy Boldness” 
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

Join deacons from across the United Methodist connection for a weekend of open-space conversations, support, networking, fellowship and worship. Learn from a rich diversity of deacon presenters. In this current season of The United Methodist Church--full of ministry challenges, social-media chatter and an uncertain future--it is vital for UMC deacons to remember our roots and core values, celebrate our diversity and callings to ministry and examine the direction of the 21st century expression of the diaconate. Register here.

For information, contact Roger Dowdy.