434. The Order of Deacon--A deacon is an ordained minister who has been received by an annual conference either as a probationary member or as an associate member and has been ordained deacon. Deacons have authority to conduct divine worship, to preach the Word, to perform the marriage ceremony where the laws of the state or province permit, and to bury the dead. When invited to do so by an elder, they may assist in the administration of the Sacraments. When serving as regularly appointed pastors of charges, they shall be granted authority to administer the Sacraments on the charges to which they are appointed. Persons of the following classes are eligible for the order of deacon:
1. Local pastors who have been received into associate membership after having met the requirements of 420.
2. Theological students who have been received into probationary membership after having met the requirements of 414.
3. A deacon shall be ordained by a bishop, employing the Order of Service for the Ordination of Deacons.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 434
1996 United Methodist General Conference