United Methodist deacons serve as bridges connecting The United Methodist Church to the world outside the church.

Deacons are ordained to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion, and justice. They are called to serve both within the church and beyond its walls, helping the church engage with the world in meaningful ways.

Some deacons serve in local congregations in specialized ministry roles, while others serve in extension ministries such as chaplaincy, social services, education, and nonprofit leadership.

The word “deacon” means servant and messenger, reflecting a ministry rooted in action, advocacy, and care.

This year, The United Methodist Church marks the 30th anniversary of General Conference establishing deacons as a distinct, permanent order of ministry rather than a transitional step toward becoming an elder.

To learn more about the ministry of an ordained deacon, click here

Click here to read, “Deacons Take God’s Work Beyond the Church,” from United Methodist News Service, which includes the work of West Ohio Conference Ordained Deacon, The Rev. Emily Kvalheim, a member of the Task Force on United Methodist Immigration Ministries of Ohio.