What it means to live out this call here and now

What it means to live out this call here and now

• To explore the Theology of the Diaconate

• The Scriptural context for the Diaconate

• Historical Roles of the Deacon

• Developing expectations for Diaconal Ministry in the Diocese of Edmonton in a changing church

The Diaconate and God

Scriptural Context of Diaconal Roles

Acts 6-7 Question• what makes you uncomfortable/comfortable about the

model of the first deacon

Mark 10: 35-45Question• why do you wish to be ordained a deacon

John 13:1-11Question• how does this reading speak to you about the role of the

deacon

Service and Servitude

Service is:• work done by one person or group that

benefits another

Servitude is:• a condition in which one lacks liberty

especially to determine one's course of action or way of life.

Servitude and “Orders”• Ordination means that one is ‘under orders’

• Church believes God’s will and the resulting ‘orders’ are discerned in Christian community

• The Bishop is ‘in charge’ of the local church (Diocese)

• Bishop shares her authority with the local Rector and others to be accountable for work of the church- Deacon is usually accountable to same

THE WORLD

DEACONPRIEST

BISHOP

7

Ministering as a Deacon 1

Where does the ministry fit in your Theology?

• Is this ministry congruent within your own life?•What are the social justice/ health/

gender identity/workplace issues• How do these issues match / differ from

your own views and beliefs

Ministering as a Deacon 2

What are the opportunities and issues for Christian mission in your life context now?

Think about one to which you feel called nowThink about one to which you feel called nowPartner as assigned and talk about this to each Partner as assigned and talk about this to each

other. other.

You have 5 minutes total so steward to your time

Ministering as a Deacon 3

• Articulating what you feel called to

• Where is Christ in your work right now ?

• Where would you like Christ to be in your work in the future ?

Ministering as a Deacon 4

The Making of a DeaconThe Process

• Discernment, selection, calling and sending • ‘Examining Chaplains’ • Formal status as a communicant of the

Anglican Communion (3 yrs)• Parish participation for at least one year• Recommendation -committee of the parish• Non stipendiary

– Educational preparation to be covered separately

What Prep and Cont. Ed. h