The Diaconate


Deacons in the Diocese of Fredericton



Deacons in the Diocese of Fredericton

Since early Christian times, there have been different types of ministry within the Church. Since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministries have been known in the Church – bishops, priests, and deacons. Each order has its specifc duties, but all work together. Somehow, over time, the ministry of deacon […]

Deacon Competencies



Deacon Competencies

Potential deacons and priests in the Diocese of Fredericton both enter into a discernment process that helps to clarify if they are being called to ordained ministry. Discernment leading to the diaconate Discernment leading to priesthood While the roles of deacons and priests are different, the qualities required for ordination are similar. The Diocese seeks […]

The Diaconate of All Believers



The Diaconate of All Believers

by Craig L. Nessan Diaconia belongs to all the baptized as “a dimension integral to the nature and mission of the church” (World Council of Churches and ACT Alliance 2022, p. 10). Called to Transformation gives new ecumenical attention to “the diaconate of all believers, based on the view that God’s spirit graciously empowers and […]

On the Ministry of Deacon



On the Ministry of Deacon

The Order of Deacon is of New Testament and apostolic origin. The Book of Acts contains what has traditionally been seen as the institution of the diaconate in the selection and appointment of “the seven” through prayer and the laying on of hands for service and distribution of food among widows in the community. The […]

The ministry of deacon: servant ministry of the whole church



The ministry of deacon: servant ministry of the whole church

The Anglican Church officially recognizes three orders of ministry: bishop, priest and deacon. These “ordered” ministries each have their own function and character. Bishops are called to be the “overseer” in the diocese. Priests are called to “sacramental, preaching and teaching” ministries. Deacons are called to personify the servant church in the secular world. Perhaps […]