Q&A for How to Become a Deacon in the Episcopal Church

Certainly! The diaconate and priesthood are open to all who have discerned a calling. You are correct. The illustrations should include women as well.

Yes. Ordained people in the Episcopal Church - whether deacon, priest or bishop - may be married or not, to someone of any gender.

A Christian's life, specifically one who has be baptized or is in a leading role in a church such as an elder or a deacon, should be a reflection of Jesus Christ's life. Ephesians 5:1 says this: 'Therefore be imitators of God.' Jesus is our example, and we are being transformed into His likeness.

It takes 3-5 years to become a deacon and it's a voluntary position.

Yes, a deacon can eventually become a priest in the Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran Churches.

This thread is unfortunately very limited in its scope and implies a consistency in the Episcopal diaconate that does not exist. Many deacons are, in fact, paid.

There is no age limit. You can become a deacon at any age, as long as you are attending church services on Sundays.

Yes. A deacon is considered an ordained minister and can officiate weddings and funerals.

They do not get paid a salary.

The Diaconate is a volunteer position, though appointed, so it shouldn't cost anything. Your best bet is to talk privately with your local vicar or rector about any financial concerns you have.

Yes to both! I was a divorced woman while going through the process of discernment and education, and then remarried (shortly after ordination) with the bishop's permission. Any divorced person needs the bishop's permission to be married again, and the reason is pastoral - to ensure that the former spouse and any children from that union are cared for pastorally.

No. That typically must be done by a priest.

You need to have a bachelor's degree to pursue ordination as a deacon.

It typically involves a four-year program covering academic, spiritual, and pastoral education.

Most of the time, deacons do not receive health benefits or a full-time salary. Many serve without pay and have other jobs.

Yes, but not all deacons eventually become priests. The diaconate was restored as a permanent order, not just a step towards becoming a priest. However, men desiring a vocation in the priesthood are often ordained as deacons first.

You might need to complete additional education, such as earning a Master of Divinity degree, to become a deacon.

There isn't a strict age limit, but there are some guidelines. Generally, as long as you're an adult, age doesn't matter much.

Yes, deacons can preach sermons, though it is usually done by a higher-ranking pastor.

No, God's call to ministry is not dependent on age, race, or economic background. However, you should check with your local Bishop regarding the Diocese's policy on ordinations to see if there is an age limit. Generally, the only restriction is that you should be over 19, but Diocesan policies may vary.

Ministry in the Episcopal or Anglican Church is open to anyone who feels called by God. Please speak to your local bishop for guidance and instructions.

In the permanent diaconate, you can marry and have a family, but you will not become a priest. In the transitional diaconate, it is part of the formation process for priesthood, which requires celibacy, so you may not marry. An interesting aspect of the permanent diaconate is that you can baptize your own children.

It depends on the type of ministry. In Episcopalianism and Anglicanism, there are two types of ministers: SM (Stipendiary Ministers, who receive a salary from the Church) and NSM (Non-Stipendiary Ministers, who do not). SM priests and deacons are generally not allowed to have secular jobs, except in teaching and psychiatry, as they are paid by the Church. NSM priests and deacons are not paid by the Church, so they can have any job, as long as it does not bring the Church into disrepute, like being a bartender or a betting manager.

There is generally no age limit, but you should check with your parish for specific requirements. A high school diploma or higher education may be needed, but age should not be a barrier.

A college degree is not required to become a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. The focus is on spiritual qualifications and a commitment to serving the church. While a degree can be beneficial, it is not mandatory.

If you are a Roman Catholic, you would have to become an Episopicalian. If you are committed to being a Catholic, you could always be a Catholic deacon.

No Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Tim 3:2 give qualifications. Look to the scripture and your church's bylaws for further instructions.

It truly depends on what denomination one was ordained in. A fully ordained Lutheran, Catholic, or Methodist, for example, may require none of the formal education requirements as those are already met. Other than that, the entire process remains virtually the same. It also depends on the diocese, as each of the 110 dioceses have their own requirements, some more restrictive, some less. In some dioceses, the entire process is presenting your ordination documents to your bishop and then having an ordination service. In others, it will require formal education on Episcopal theology and practices, and in others it may require the entire course of study.

Much like all other ordination processes, this will vary depending on the requirements of the diocese. Each of the 110 diocese of the Episcopal Church has their own requirements. The process could last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.

No! The Holy Eucharist is reserved only for bishops and priests, and under no circumstances can a deacon preside at a Holy Eucharist. A deacon can, however, at the discretion of the bishop, administer "Holy Communion from the reserved sacrament a 'Deacon's Mass'."