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.

You would need to attend seminary and complete your course of education there. Conversely, some dioceses have a "School of Ministry" which allow you to complete a course of education there, if you wish to become a Deacon. Be aware that while a seminary education is usually transferable from one diocese to another, this is not often true with a School of Ministry education.

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'."

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.

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.

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

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.