Section II. The Nature of Diaconal Ministry
302. The words deacon, deaconess, diaconate, and diaconal all spring from a common Greek root--diakonia, or "service." Very early in its history the church instituted an order of ordained ministers to personify or focus the servanthood to which all Christians are called. These people were named deacons.
Those who are called to this representative ministry of service in the church and world may be set apart to the office of diaconal minister. This ministry exemplifies the servanthood every Christian is called to live in both church and world. Participating with the elder in the leadership of worship, working in a serving-profession in the church, and serving the needs of the poor, the sick, or oppressed, the diaconal minister embodies the unity of the congregation's worship with its life in the world.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 302
1996 United Methodist General Conference