C
CyrilSebastian
Guest
Are the duties of a Deacon the same in each denomination?
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J
jane_doe
Guest
It varies. Some do not have deacons at all. And who is a deacon varies as well.
Speaking for my church, a deacon is an office of the priesthood. Some of their duties include passing the Lord’s Supper and collecting fast offerings.
C
ChurchSoldier
Guest
It depends on the denomination.
Those with lineage traced to the Catholic Church tend to have Diaconal Ministry reflect that of the Catholic Church. Meaning it is a ministry of servanthood with additional liturgical responsibilities. They consider them as part of the clergy.
Those from bible based churches tend to call their parish council the “Board of Deacons” or something similar.
Presbyterian Churches of have deacons that are commissioned to some ministry in the church, but not with liturgical responsibilities. At least that is my understanding.
Those with lineage traced to the Catholic Church tend to have Diaconal Ministry reflect that of the Catholic Church. Meaning it is a ministry of servanthood with additional liturgical responsibilities. They consider them as part of the clergy.
Those from bible based churches tend to call their parish council the “Board of Deacons” or something similar.
Presbyterian Churches of have deacons that are commissioned to some ministry in the church, but not with liturgical responsibilities. At least that is my understanding.
T
Tarquin
Guest
Some churches ordain woman as “deacons” and others ordain them as “deaconesses.”
Some require a theological education before one may be ordained a deacon; others have few requirements other than age and membership in the Church, combined with a calling from either the candidate someone at a higher level, or both (e.g. the New Apostolic Church).
In some churches, deacons directly assist the chief minister; in others they perform rituals for the Church under the leadership of someone other than the chief minister.
Some churches require a deacon to be a man of maturity, others ordain children as deacons.
It’s a great study - studying and comparing the history and function of Christian church offices. But it’s also a bit confusing to me.
Some require a theological education before one may be ordained a deacon; others have few requirements other than age and membership in the Church, combined with a calling from either the candidate someone at a higher level, or both (e.g. the New Apostolic Church).
In some churches, deacons directly assist the chief minister; in others they perform rituals for the Church under the leadership of someone other than the chief minister.
Some churches require a deacon to be a man of maturity, others ordain children as deacons.
It’s a great study - studying and comparing the history and function of Christian church offices. But it’s also a bit confusing to me.
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