Through baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ and enter into a covenant with God to continue in the ministry of the apostles through worship, evangelism, and serving Christ in all persons. God is infinitely creative in expressing God’s mission through individuals’ lives and work, therefore the breadth of ministry available is as wide as God’s imagination.

We are all Christian practitioners of the good news, and our churches are communities of practice where we all attempt to live and learn into the shape of Jesus’s life and teachings together.

We are Living and Learning Communities of faith practice, which we express both inside and outside of the church walls.

I am discerning the Diaconate…

Derived from the Greek word diakonos, with a clear connotation of “servanthood.”

The ministry of a deacon is characterized by a commitment to serve Christ and his people as a missionary servant leader; a bridging link between the Church and the world in both word and deed (see also: The Ordination of a Deacon, BCP, 537).

As you continue to discern, be curious and honest with yourself. Does this sound like a role you would like to embody?

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Please take some time to reflect on these questions below to help you as you continue the discernment process. Reflect carefully on these questions. We recommend writing your responses to them in a journal so you can share your answers with others when you discern with them.

How am I claiming and living out my Episcopal identity?

How is the Episcopal community important in my life?

What are some of the practices I’ve found helpful in growing my faith?

What or where are the ministries I have said “yes” to in my church?

What ways have I found to connect my life in my faith community with engagement in the larger neighborhood and beyond?

In what ways have I mentored others in their faith?

How do I understand my leadership in my local church?

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You may also recognize yourself or your calling in the examples below, or these may spark your imagination about something unique to you.

Responsibilities	Liturgical	Ministry Settings (non-stipendiary)
– Serve directly under and accountable to the Bishop	– Proclaiming the Gospel	– Church administration
– Provide pastoral care	– Setting the table at the Eucharist	– Parishes and missions
– Represent Christ’s servant ministry to the poor, outcast and needy	– Giving the dismissal	– Chaplaincy (hospital, prison, school, etc.)
– Community organizer – within and outside church walls	– Preaching	– Missional community leader
– Development of leaders		– Church planter

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