The Diaconate in the Diocese of New Jersey: Key Descriptions of Deacons

Frequent Personifications of the Deacon

A bridge between the church as gathered, worshiping community and the pain, needs, and brokenness of the world

An advocate for social justice and compassionate action, calling all the people of God to live into the servant ministry of their Baptismal Covenant

A leader, teacher, and nurturer of the church's social ministry

A person ordained to lead and live out the servant ministry of Jesus Christ in the church and in the world

The Role of the Deacon
Key phrases from the charge in the ordination service for deacons lay out the life of diaconal ministry. Deacons are called to?

A Special Ministry of Servanthood Directly Under the Bishop

Active support for the bishop's vision for social ministry

The willingness and ability to move and go as directed by the bishop

Freedom from parochial limitations

To Serve All People in the Name of Christ, Particularly the Poor, the Weak, the Sick, and the Lonely
Deacons serve the marginalized, the alien, the rejected, ignored, and forgotten. The deacon ensures that ALL God's people have a place at the banquet table; therefore, the diaconate is a ministry that makes concrete the inclusiveness of the Gospel.

Make Christ's Redeeming Love Known to All Among Whom They Live, Work, and Worship
Diaconal ministry is exercised in the faith community AND in the household AND in the workplace - at the same time. In this way, the deacon leads all the baptized by example.

Interpret to the Church the Needs, Hopes, and Concerns of the World
The Deacon is often called a bridge, has one foot in the church and the other in the world. This is so that the gathered community is always mindful of, holds up in prayer, and responds to the pain, brokenness, and hunger of the wider world.

Assist in Public Worship
A Deacon is not primarily a liturgical person, but assists in public worship under the direction of the rector or vicar. Deacons can lead the Prayers of the People, read the Gospel, set and serve at the table, and give the dismissal.