Church Society - An English Prayer Book

An English Prayer Book

The Making of Deacons

1	After MORNING PRAYER a SERMON is preached on the duty, office and character of deacons.

2	The archdeacon (or his deputy) presents to the bishop those who are to be made deacons, saying:
	Reverend father in God, I present to you these persons to be admitted as deacons.

	The bishop says:
	Have you made sure that the persons you present are suited by their knowledge of Scripture and godly way of life to exercise their ministry to the glory of God and the good of his church?

	The archdeacon:
	I have enquired of them; they have been examined; and I believe them fit for this office.

The bishop addresses the people:

Brothers and sisters, if any of you knows a reason why any of these persons should not be made a deacon, come forward in the name of God and make known that reason.

If any objection is alleged against a candidate, the bishop shall postpone that candidate's ordination until he has satisfied himself that the objection alleged is without substance or may be properly disregarded.

The bishop leads in PRAYER. The Litany is read and then the Holy Communion with this collect:

Almighty God, by your divine providence you have appointed various orders of ministry in your church. Look in mercy on these your servants called to this office and responsibility, fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life so that by word and example they may faithfully serve you in this office to the glory of your name and upbuilding of your church through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit now and for ever. Amen.

5	This SCRIPTURE READING from the epistles is read:
	1 Timothy 3.8-13 (RSV) Deacons likewise, must be serious, not double- tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for gain; they must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them serve as deacons. The women likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husband of one wife, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

	As an alternative Acts 6.2-7 may be used.

6	The bishop examines, before the people, those to be ordained:
	Do you believe that you are led by the Holy Spirit to under-take this office and ministry, to serve God, for the promoting of his glory and the nurturing of his people?
Answer	I believe so.

	Do you think that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the ministry of the church?
Answer	I think so.

	Do you sincerely believe all the canonical scriptures of the Old and New Testament?
	I do believe them.

	Will you diligently read them to the people assembled in the church where you are appointed to serve?
Answer	I will.

	The duties of deacons in the churches where they are appointed to serve are to assist presbyters in divine worship, especially at the administration of Holy Communion, to read the holy Scriptures, to instruct young people in the Christian faith as summarised in the catechism, to baptize when required to do so and, if licensed by the bishop, to preach. In addition they are called to work with the members of Christ's church in caring for the sick and needy of the parish. Will you gladly and willingly do this?
Answer	I will, with God's help.

	Will you strive to live according to the teaching of Christ and teach your family to do the same so that you are good examples to the flock of Christ?
Answer	I will, with God's help.

	Will you reverently obey the ministers set over you in the church, gladly and joyfully following their godly advice?
Answer	I will, with God's help.

7	The bishop, laying his hands on each candidate, says:
	Take authority to carry out the office of a deacon in the church of God, now committed to you, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

	The bishop, giving to each candidate a New Testament, says:
	Take authority to read the Gospel in the church of God, and, if licensed by the bishop, to preach the same.

This SCRIPTURE READING from the Gospels is read by one of them:

Luke 12.35-38

Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.

9	The bishop proceeds with the HOLY COMMUNION

After the last collect, and immediately before the blessing, these PRAYERS are said:

Almighty God, giver of all good things, in your goodness you have been pleased to accept these your servants into the office of deacons in your church. Make them, we pray, O Lord, modest, humble and faithful in their ministry, and ready to observe every spiritual discipline. May they always have the testimony of a clear conscience and enable them to remain stable and strong in your Son Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and honour now and for ever. Amen.

Go before us, O Lord, with your most gracious favour and further us with your continual help so that in all our works begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name and at the end by your mercy obtain eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11	The bishop says this BLESSING:
	The peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and mind in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.