109. Diaconal Ministry--The diaconal ministers are called to specialized ministries of service, justice, and love within local congregations and in the wider world. Servant ministry must always involve a concern for justice as well as a love for persons. Diaconal ministers focus their service through a variety of ministries, such as, administration, education, evangelism, music, health ministries, and community development--to the local congregation and the wider community. Christ's service to humankind and the church's responsibility for continuing that service in the world are both symbolized and enabled especially, but not exclusively, in diaconal ministry. Diaconal ministry exists to intensify and make more effective the self-understanding of the whole people of God as servants in Christ's name.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 109
1996 United Methodist General Conference