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ORDER OF DEACONS
About the Order
 Call of the deacon: “It is the deacons, in both person and function, whose distinctive ministry is to embody, articulate, and lead the whole people of God in its servant ministry. From the earliest days of the church, deacons were called and set apart for the ministry of love, justice, and service; of connecting the church with the most needy, neglected, and marginalized among the children of God. The ministry grows out of the Wesleyan passion for social holiness and ministry among the poor.”
- 328 Discipline
"If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other people's sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
[Excerpt from Isaiah 58:9-11 as paraphrased in The Message]
The Purpose of the Order Defined by the Book of Discipline
The specific and limited function of the order is to:
- Provide for regular gatherings of ordained deacons for continuing formation in relationship to Jesus Christ through such experiences as Bible study, study of issues facing the church and society; and theological exploration in vocational identity and leadership;
- Assist in plans for individual study and retreat experiences;
- Develop a bond of unity and common commitment to the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church and the annual conference;
- Enable the creation of relationships that allow mutual support and trust; and
Hold accountable all members of the order in the fulfilling of these purposes. All of the functions of the order shall be fulfilled in cooperation and coordination with the Board of Ordained Ministry and do not replace the normal supervisory processes, the processes of evaluation for ordained ministers, or the responsibilities of the Board of Ordained Ministry, the cabinet, or the clergy session. ¶ 307 Discipline |
Contact Us: Rev. Dr. Hazel Partington | Phone: 440-585-9462 | Fax: 440-516-0851 | Email
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