GRAPEVINE
A weekly spiritual insight, sharing a Bible verse paired with a thoughtful reflection to deepen your connection with God and illuminate His path for your life.
Thought for the week - 2nd July 2025
Called to Service: The Ordination of a Deacon
In the Church of England, the ordination of a deacon is the first stage of ordained public ministry and a sacred commitment to serve God’s Church. This step marks the beginning of a public life devoted to service, pastoral care, and gospel witness, following the example of Jesus Christ, who said, “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). The office of deacon is both ancient and Biblical, with roots in the New Testament, especially in Acts 6, where the apostles appointed deacons to serve the needs of the community and ensure that no one was overlooked.
At the heart of a deacon’s ministry is service - not just within the church building, but in everyday life, reaching out to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the marginalised. A deacon is called to be a bridge between the Church and the world, offering Christ’s love in practical ways and reminding the Church of its mission beyond Sunday worship.
Before ordination, the candidate must make the Declaration of Assent, declaring their belief in the Holy Scriptures as containing all things necessary for salvation and affirming their belief in ‘the faith which is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds and to which the historic formularies of the Church of England bear witness’. They also take an Oath of Allegiance to the Sovereign, and an Oath of Canonical Obedience, pledging obedience to the lawful authority of their bishop and the Church. These are not symbolic gestures, but solemn commitments to serve within the faith, order, and mission of the Church of England.
During the ordination service, the bishop asks the ordinand to make a series of promises: to be faithful in prayer and study, to proclaim the gospel in word and action, and to be a witness to Christ’s love in the world. The deacon also promises to support the priest in the ministry of the Church, to baptise when required, and to assist at the Eucharist and in public worship. The Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship describe the role of a deacon as one who supports others in their ministry, especially priests, and who works to serve those in greatest need.
While some are called to be deacons for life, most will, by God’s grace, be ordained as priests after a year. This next stage involves further vows and responsibilities. A priest is entrusted with celebrating the Eucharist, offering absolution and blessing, and taking on the spiritual care of God’s people - the cure of souls. In priestly ministry, the focus shifts from assisting in worship to leading it, from supporting pastoral work to overseeing it. The priest represents Christ the Good Shepherd, teaching the faith, nurturing the congregation, and presiding over the sacraments at the heart of the Church’s life.
A priest may in time be ordained as a bishop, increasing their role of oversight and responsibility. The path from deacon to priest to bishop is one of deepening service and growing spiritual responsibility, as each minister seeks to follow Christ faithfully and serve Christ’s flock with love, humility and self-sacrifice.
Associate Minister, Revd Steve Turville
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