A distinctive ministry

The renewal of the diaconate on a more permanent basis has seen a careful examination of what is distinctive in all ordained ministries within the context of a ministry belonging to all baptised believers.

The Diaconate is part of the threefold order of ordained ministry and deacons are authorised by the bishop to assist the bishop to focus the church and the world alike on issues of justice, mercy and compassion.

Deacons take part in the liturgy of the church as well as serving in ministries at the intersection of church and world. Deacons ordained in the Diocese of Melbourne may be found in many areas of ministry including the following:

Chaplain

Some deacons have roles in aspects of chaplaincy, sharing in the pastoral ministry of the church to bring compassionate concern and practical help to people and communities, in schools, nursing homes, aged care facilities, hospitals or prisons. They may be licensed to these ministries or be based in a home Church where they equip others for ministry at the margins of society, away from the gathered church. They care for the young, poor, the sick, the lonely, the outcast, and the marginalised and bring their concerns to the attention of the church.

Deacon in the Parish

Deacons are licensed to a local parish as part of their ministry responsibility, assisting and sharing in the leading of God’s people in worship and representing the church scattered, bringing the hurts of the world to the attention of the church. They may also have a specific ministry to special groups within the parish.

Deacon in Mission

There are Deacons who work in mission outside Australia in areas of education and compassionate concern.

Diocesan Deacon

Several of the deacons operate at the diocesan level employed by Diocesan agencies.

The church needs deacons in ministry leadership, in education, in parish ministry and growth and in prophetic and advocacy work. If you feel called to this ministry you may contact the Director of Theological Education for more information.