How’s Deaconing going?

This was a question I was asked recently when I was catching up with an old friend.

The phrase of the question hit me, as most people in my every day life refer to my ‘curacy’ or being a ‘vicar’, or ask me how church is going. The word ‘deaconing’ isn’t mentioned quite so much. But- this is exactly what I was ordained as in June this year. A deacon. And- just before I was asked this question, I had been mulling and thinking over this call to be a deacon.

This word originates from the Greek term ‘diákonos’ meaning servant.

(Doula is another word coming from the Greek: doulos- meaning ‘slave’, or servant – and if anyone is reading this who doesn’t know me- I am also a doula!).

The role of a deacon is to serve those in the church as well as to provide bridges for those outside the church in the community. They are to equip the church to live out the gospel in the world, to pray for people’s needs in and outside of the church, and to walk alongside people, wherever they may be on their journey.

All Priests and Bishops are first of all ordained as a deacon. As time goes on, usually after one year of serving as a deacon, they will be ordained as priest. The deacon role is there forever: a priest or bishop never stops being a deacon. It is like the foundational role for all other possible clerical ministry roles beyond.

[The Ordination Liturgy read by the Bishop:

Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests with whom they serve as heralds of Christ’s kingdom. They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God’s purposes of love. They are to serve the community in which they are set, bringing to the Church the needs and hopes of all the people. They are to work with their fellow members in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world, that the love of God may be made visible.

Deacons share in the pastoral ministry of the Church and in leading God’s people in worship. They preach the word7 and bring the needs of the world before the Church in intercession. They accompany those searching for faith and bring them to baptism. They assist in administering the sacraments; they distribute communion and minister to the sick and housebound.

Deacons are to seek nourishment from the Scriptures; they are to study them with God’s people, that the whole Church may be equipped8 to live out the gospel in the world. They are to be faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God’s presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us.9]

3 months after my ordination, I had the privilege of attending another deacon ordination in the cathedral of a friend in my cohort who’s ordination was delayed. It was a wonderful experience to sit through the service and reflect on what I had experienced 3 months earlier, and how I was feeling about my own settling into the role. Without the adrenaline pumping and all my friends and family around me, it was easier to reflect, and read the words of the ordination slowly and meaningfully. I had an overwhelming sense of peace that I had been obedient to God, and had followed the call to ordination he had given me. I knew I was where I should be.

A number of things happened in a very short period all to do with this deacon role- one of which being the second ordination service, and another being a curacy training day I attended, on being a deacon! We were back at the cathedral for this day, and we looked at scripture references, and the liturgical role of deacon at the Eucharist. There was also some mention of the role of ‘Distinctive Deacons’ in the Church of England.

Distinctive Deacons are called to stay as deacons permanently. They do not feel that God is calling them to become priests, but that they can fulfill their call to serve the church and the world in this capacity.

Distinctive Deacons in the Church of England are deeply-rooted in the church, while the focus and range of our ministry takes place outside the church in the community, and on the margins of church and society.’ (The CofE network of Distinctive Deacons)

This link is a very helpful article by Rebecca Swyer which describes this ministry more fully- if you are interested- please read it!

Discerning vocation to the distinctive diaconate — St Mary Magdalen School of Theology

The more I explored this, researched and read about it, the more excited I became. I had heard about the distinctive deacon role during my training, and we had a very inspiring talk by DD Jessica Foster, but it was not discussed with me as an option to consider during my discernment process or training, and I had not particularly reflected on the possibility that this could be my trajectory. It is more of an unusual pathway- there are in fact currently no distinctive deacons serving in the diocese of Bristol (although there are quite a few in other dioceses).

I also read Gill Kimber’s book ‘Deacon by Design’ which I resonated with hugely and found very helpful.

I then began to consider the thought of not being priested next July, which is what my diocese, my cohort and my Training incumbent expect to happen, as that is the ‘norm’, and of course- I had been accepted by the Bishop’s advisory panel, for training to become a priest! The more I thought about it, the more it felt right to me. I began discussions with my DDO and again, it was very helpful to talk it through with someone who had been on the journey with me since the start.

Anyway, after more prayer and continued discussion with others, we have discerned the decision to NOT be ordained as priest next summer. I feel certain that I need to embody the role of deacon for longer than one year, and I want to explore more fully what it looks like to do this in my context of church and community; certainly for a few years, and possibly permanently. I feel this remains true to my calling by God to ordination- which now I see as ordination to Deacon, not necessarily, ordination to Priest! I feel like I have come out of a slightly confused fog in a forest, to an open clearing where I can breathe, look up at the clear sky and BE. Be myself, be free to explore and discover in the ways that God has set out for me. And- take my time.

So, as ever this strange journey had brought about more twists and turns, but I know that God has got me where he wants me to be, at least for now, until the next inevitable twist…

I realise this may have included way too much detail for some of my family and friends’ curiosity, but for others will no doubt raise more questions- please get in touch I would love to hear your thoughts and replies!

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers, (particularly those who helped me process these thoughts) I am so grateful.

Much love

Helena     22.11.24