For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
~Gospel of Mark 10:45
If you heard me preach this past Sunday, you heard me mention that I am currently a postulant to become a deacon in the Episcopal Church. Several people asked me what it is that a deacon does, so I thought I would briefly explain in this week’s Clergy Letter.
A deacon is an ordained member of the clergy called primarily to a ministry of service, acting as a “bridge” between the church and the world. Rooted in the Gospel call to serve “the least of these,” at ordination a deacon vows to “interpret to the church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world” and to “serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.” The diaconate exists to remind the church that its mission extends beyond its walls and into the lives of those most in need, bringing the church into the world and bringing the needs of the world back to the church.
Liturgically, deacons have distinctive roles. They proclaim the Gospel, lead the Prayers of the People, prepare the altar, dismiss the congregation into the world, and may preach. Deacons also assist parish leadership in identifying ministries of outreach and encouraging the baptized to live out their call to serve Christ.
The discernment and formation process is intentionally prayerful, communal, and rigorous. Currently, I am in my fifth year as a postulant. Below outlines the process to becoming a deacon.
- Initial Discernment
The process begins at the parish level. A person senses a call to the diaconate and enters a period of prayerful discernment with their rector. This includes reflection on gifts for service, community involvement, and the nature of diaconal ministry. - Parish Discernment Committee
The parish forms a discernment committee to listen carefully to the individual’s sense of call and to assess whether the diaconate, rather than priesthood or lay ministry, is appropriate. If affirmed, the parish formally recommends the individual to the diocese. - Postulancy
With parish support, the individual applies to become a postulant. This stage marks formal diocesan recognition of a potential call. Postulants undergo interviews with diocesan bodies, background checks, psychological and medical evaluations, and meet with the bishop who must grant approval. Acceptance as a postulant allows the individual to begin formal formation. - Candidacy
After a period of formation and continued discernment, a postulant may be approved for candidacy. Candidacy signifies the diocese’s deeper commitment to the individual’s call and readiness for ordination, contingent on continued growth and evaluation. - Formation and Education
Deacon formation generally lasts three or more years and includes theological education, spiritual direction, supervised fieldwork in ministries of service, and regular evaluations. Formation is designed to integrate prayer, study, and hands-on service. - Ordination
Upon successful completion of formation and final approval by the bishop, the candidate is ordained a deacon. At ordination, the deacon promises to “be faithful in prayer, and in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures,” committing to a lifelong ministry of service in Christ’s name.
Through this process, the diocese forms deacons who embody Christ’s servant ministry and call the church to faithful, outward-looking service. If you have any questions about the diaconate, I would be happy to discuss them with you!
Peace,
Jonesy Lerch
Pastoral Assistant
Published on January 8, 2026.