There are about 120 deacons in the Methodist Church, spread from the Shetlands to the Channel Islands. All belong to the Methodist Diaconal Order (MDO) – a mission-focused, pioneering religious community committed to enabling outreach, evangelism and service in God’s world. Membership involves a shared life of prayer, fellowship and mutual support. Most deacons are in full-time circuit appointments working collaboratively alongside lay workers and presbyters. A few are employed outside the Church or in district posts such as Evangelism Easter. All go thorough a candidating and training process equivalent to that of presbyters, and accept the commitment of being stationed wherever most needed by the Connexion. Deacons are ordained for a ministry distinctive yet equal and complementary to that of presbyters. Whatever their particular skills, leadership responsibilities and appointments, deacons are called to model servanthood and to encourage others’ servant ministry. They aim to help congregations respond to mission needs, and then move on once such work is established.

"Occupation madam?.....I take a deep breath and said to the person from the car insurance company "Deacon." A pause and either a vacant look or, "A what?" In Church circles a variation might be "So when are you be going to become a proper minister?" If you too are wondering then may I offer a few word pictures to help.

‘Servant’ is the image that underpins all others. Deacons’ servant ministry is to be shaped by the pattern and model of Christ’s. But this needs unpacking a bit….

Think ‘Angel’ Let me quickly point out that we aren’t angelic (well, not ALL the time!) But this is the symbol in Orthodox traditions because deacons are the herald of the Good News. We do a huge variety of things and that can be confusing for people. But clarity comes from looking beyond to why and how we do them. We are messengers of the Gospel, wherever possible demonstrating God’s love in very clear, tangible ways so that people are called to respond.

Now try ‘Agent of Change’. Being messengers of the Good News automatically means responsibility for reminding everyone of God’s consistent bias toward the poor, oppressed and marginalised. Through words and actions we question injustice as well as help individuals in need. And we remind that it is the Church who needs the prostitute and prisoner…because in serving them we serve God. It is in this spirit we need to visualise a ‘Footwasher’. The scene of Jesus washing feet in John 13 isn’t about servility but rather challenging what we mean by power, authority and leadership. It’s about cleansing and renewal for the whole person (body and soul) and the entire community. It’s about meeting God in the ordinary and dirty activities of daily life. And, because the scene points to the Cross, foot washing reminds us of the costly nature of self-giving service.

‘Bridge builder’ is another important image. Deacons have a special responsibility for connecting Church and World, worship and daily life. This includes helping Christians recognise God in everyday situations, make sense of their work (paid and unpaid) in terms of faith, and live out their discipleship more confidently. It also includes helping the Church be relevant and welcoming, accompanying any who want to join our fellowship. An odd sort of Bouncer who encourages everyone to come in and go out!

‘Nun’ might be a surprising image to Methodist readers, but deacons are members of a religious order and follow a Rule of Life – and I have the "Sister Sue from Salford" T-shirt to prove it! The Rule is a tool for liberating deacons to find a sense of wholeness in the rhythm of life – integrating service and worship, personal and social holiness, individual and communal spiritual life.

Our common calling is to be a sign and means of Christ’s servant ministry, sharing in the Church’s task of witness and mission in God’s world. If you think a deacon might bring a helpful dimension to your Circuit’s ministry team, or if you are interested in knowing more about diaconal ministry, please contact us in Birmingham.

To assist God’s people in worship and prayer

To hold before them the needs and concerns of the world

To minister Christ’s love and compassion

To visit and support the sick and the suffering

To seek out the lost and the lonely

And to help those whom they serve to offer their lives to God.

(Ordination Service)

Information on the nature of diaconal ministry and the Methodist Diaconal Order is available on the website or from the address below:

The Methodist Church’s recent report ‘What is a Deacon?’ is available on the Methodist Church website

(Site ref: MC1208084)

The Warden,

Deacon Sue Jackson

26 St. James Road, Edgbaston,

Birmingham B15 2NX

Tel: 0121 440 2318

e-mail: diaconalorder@uk.uumail.com