Exploring the Ordained Ministry of Distinctive Deacons
“Within the very essence of the Church of England is our commitment to people in every community whatever their faith or experience. As a Diocese one of our three core values is serving the people of Devon with joy. Distinctive Deacons embody this as they seek to be there for people who are not part of church or on the margins of church life. More than ever churches need to be serving and caring for all people in our communities.” – Rt Revd James Grier, Bishop of Plymouth
The Rev Phil Wales (on the left) at his ordination as a Distinctive Deacon by the Bishop of Exeter
What is a Distinctive Deacon?
The Church of England recognises three orders of ordained ministry: bishop, priest and deacon. Those called to priesthood spend an initial period of time in ordained ministry as deacons before becoming priests. Others are called most strongly to remain as deacons. Distinctive Deacons in Exeter belong to the College of St Philip the Deacon. For an introduction to the College of St Philip the Deacon please click here.
In the video below Rev Karl Freeman and Rev Bev Cree from Emmanuel Church, Plymouth share what it means to be a Distinctive Deacon, and why the role is so important.
What does a Distinctive Deacon do?
Distinctive Deacons have a strong call to an outward-looking and community-minded ministry. They prefer to be out and about, making contacts, building relationships, identifying and meeting needs, creating stepping-stones between God and the world. They often have a particular concern for issues of poverty and justice and many minister to those on the margins of church and society.
Does a Distinctive Deacon receive a salary?
A distinctive deacon is a self-supporting minister, and many deacons continue in secular employment.
Who do I contact to find out more about becoming a Distinctive Deacon?
If you would like to explore this vocation further, please email Rev Hannah Mears, Vocations Development Officer. Deacons undertake the same selection process and training as those preparing for any type of ordained ministry. Please see Exploring Ordained Ministry page for more details.
Distinctive Deacons Toolkit
Please also see our Deacon Vocation leaflet and Tool Kit. The Tool Kit is a resource for distinctive deacons with contributions from deacon practitioners, focusing on practical aspects of diaconal ministry. New tools are added from time to time.
Deacon’s Tool Kit
- Preparing for mission: 4 session course for parishes
- Distinctive Deacons: Deacon in the public square
- Deacon in the workplace
- A potted history of the Diaconate
- Deacons in an interfaith context
- Why have a deacon?
- Ministry Reflections for deacon curates
- Deacons and Weddings
- Deacons at end of curacy
- Deacon’s role in Eucharist
- Formation Framework for Diaconal Ministry: Qualities and Evidence
- Sermon for Patronal Eucharist, College of St Philip the Deacon, Oct ’21: Philip and the Ethiopian
College of Deacons
The Prayer of the College of St Philip the Deacon
Living God,
We give you thanks that
You have called us from all walks of life to serve as Deacons
in our churches, our communities, and our world.
Use our hands to reach out to those on the margins
Use our feet to walk with those who are vulnerable
Use our ears to listen to those who feel unheard
Use our minds to challenge that which is unjust
Use our hearts to embrace those who are suffering
Use our voices to speak words of hope
Use our lives to draw others closer to you
As we follow in the footsteps of St Philip and all who have
served you in this distinctive way,
use our ministries, to bless, to nurture, and to heal.
In Jesus name we pray
Amen
Warden of Deacons: Rev’d Phil Wales
Email Phil
Rev Deacon Beverley Cree
Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Plymouth Emmanuel, Saint Paul Efford, and Saint Augustine/Plymouth Emmanuel Mission Community
Rev Deacon David Rogers (PTO)
St Luke’s Church, Milber, Newton Abbot
Rev Deacon Gill Kimber
St Boniface and St John’s, Paignton
Rev Deacon Ildikó Varadi
Torridge Coastal Mission Community
Rev Deacon Julia Halpin
Two Rivers Mission Community
Rev Deacon Lynne Chitty (PTO) Member of Mill House Retreats Community
Mill House Retreats Devon, EX16 7ES Tel: 01884 829000
Rev Deacon Peter Burren
Haldon Mission Community with Shaldon Parish
Rev Deacon Rita Bullworthy
Sampford Courtenay, Whiddon Mission Community
Rev Deacon Sandra Collier
Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Crediton, Shobrooke and Sandford with Upton Hellions
Further Information
If you would like further information about becoming a deacon email Phil Wales.
Follow this link to find out more about the Network of Distinctive Deacons in the Church of England.
