November 2024
By Elaine Simpson
Elaine Simpson at her allotment.
At the recent Deacons’ online Conference, entitled ‘Last Orders?’, Bishop Pete Wilcox, Episcopal Champion for those who are called to be Distinctive Deacons (ie don’t go on to priesthood) and others spoke about the importance of the Diaconal role, which is much more than a transitional role on the route to becoming a priest.
Deacons are recognised and ordained in the Church of England. In the Bible, Acts Chapter 6 is considered to be the first description of a particular servant role, when seven people were chosen to minister to those who had been forgotten – in this case widows – in a different way to the twelve apostles. The qualities of deacons are described further in 1 Timothy Chapter 3.
I am particularly excited to have my calling as a Distinctive Deacon affirmed because Deacons are called to be the living icons of Christ the servant between the church and the world – though not passive servants, like ‘doormats’! Deacons must be prepared to seek out and accompany people in need, with prayerful listening. They bring the world’s needs to the church and Christ to the world, turning the tables of injustice where needed. Deacons usually spend more time ‘in the community’, particularly at the margins, rather than inside the church.
Much of the role is about building appropriate relationships as well as teaching, nurturing and enabling. There’s an overlap with pastoral work and aspects of pioneering. Although I don’t yet know what my main roles will be once I’m ordained, so far I have worked outside the church in after-school clubs, care homes, a community coffee shop and I have run youth groups, eco events and discussion groups. In church, I have read the gospel, and I preach and assist with the distribution of Holy Communion.
My training and study is alongside the rest of the Ordinands and Readers, but is tailored for the Distinctive Diaconate by working to develop the specific formation qualities identified. Modules are relevant, including Mission and Evangelism, and placements are chosen carefully. I have also carried out an alternative placement shadowing chaplains in a hospital setting.
See below for a summary of characteristics as found on the cofedeacons.org website. The website also has a FAQ page.
If anyone would like to speak more about being a Distinctive Deacon, I would be very happy help. If I can’t answer your questions, I hope I can at least point you to someone who might be able to help!
Elaine Simpson is a Distinctive Deacon Ordinand in the Centre for Formation in Ministry. Earlier this month she attended the annual Distinctive Deacons Conference entitled “Last Orders? Restoring the priority of the Diaconate”. She is studying on a two-year programme to complete her Diploma of Higher Education. Elaine Simpson (simpel@sarum.ac.uk)
More about the Centre for Formation in Ministry
A ‘distinctive’ (or ‘vocational’) deacon is someone who has some of these characteristics:
- a longing to be out and about in the community rather than based inside the church building
- a desire to meet the needs of others
- a heart and passion for sharing Christ with others
- a commitment to helping the church look outwards to their neighbourhood and to the world
- an interest in peace or justice issues
- a desire to focus mainly on opportunities for mission and service
- a creative and/or practical approach
- enjoyment in working collaboratively
- the courage to take risks wisely
Leave a Reply