The Ministry of Deacon is an ordained ministry within the Uniting Church, alongside the Minister of the Word. These are mutually complimentary ministries.

Diaconal ministry takes Christ as the model: the humble servant who washes feet, the one who preaches good news to the poor, proclaims freedom to the prisoners, sight for the blind, releases the oppressed and proclaims the year of the Lord's favour (John 13, Luke 4).

Deacons serve the Uniting Church in many roles and settings - chaplaincy in prisons, with people with disabilities and mental illness, as youth and community workers, in congregational leadership, in community service agencies, schools, and many other places.

Training pathways for the Ministry of Deacon are similar to the pathways for a Minister of the Word, with some distinctive elements.

Download a brochure here.

 Ministry of Deacon Brochure (219.75 kB)

People considering ministry are asked to undertake a Period of Discernment under the supervision of the Period of Discernment Team (PoDT).

At the conclusion of this time, they meet with the PoDT to reflect on their call and journey.

A person may seek to become a candidate for ordained ministry and participates in a selection process which is overseen by the Leadership Development Council.

The Presbytery has adopted a new approach to the education and training of ministers within the educational requirements expected by the Uniting Church Assembly.

Candidates for the ministry of the Word or ministry of Deacon undertake an education process comprised of roughly equal parts of:

• Ministry Practice
• Formation for Ministry
• Theological Study

This course is two to four years in duration, depending on the candidate's relevant prior learning and capacity for ministry.

Ministry Placements

Candidates are in ministry placements throughout the core phase of their preparation for ministry. This placement is the primary context for their learning. This placement will be in an assigned congregation, faith community or agency appropriate the person's call to ministry, with responsibilities appropriate to his or her current capacity for ministry and leadership. A personal Coach will be appointed for each candidate, and the candidate is assigned to an appropriate Coaching Group.

Formation

The candidate will meet with a Formation Panel of 5-7 experienced, effective missional leaders regularly through their core phase of training. 

Theological Study

Candidates undertake foundational studies through the College,  consisting of 36-72 units, and continue their studies in the next phase as part of their continuing education for ministry.

For more information about exploring the call to ministry, call the College on 8416 8420.