WHAT IS A DEACON?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes three different church offices into which individuals are ordained:

1. Teaching Elder (ministers of Word and Sacrament).
2. Ruling Elder (elders who serve on the Session of the church).
3. Deacon (under the authority of the Session, deacons serve on a Board of Deacons, collectively called the Diaconate, and are commissioned into particular forms of ministry).

Deacons at Roswell Presbyterian Church are commissioned into a ministry of congregational care. Deacons are sent out to serve members who are no longer able to attend worship due to injury, illness, infirmity, or age. This ministry includes At-Home Communion, personal visits, cards, and the creation and sharing of prayer quilts, prayer shawls, and flowers. 

As with elders, deacons are nominated, trained, elected, ordained, and installed into a term of service lasting three years. As with elders, ordination into the Diaconate is a lifelong calling. Former elders may serve as deacons, and former deacons may serve as elders, but not at the same time.

WHAT ARE THE
QUALIFICATIONS
OF A DEACON?

• Only a member on the Active Roll of RPC may be elected to the office of deacon. Nominees should normally have active membership for at least two years, be regular financial contributors, and attend worship regularly.
• Those called as deacons are dedicated, faithful, and prayerful members who possess gifts of leadership, service, compassion, empathy, creativity, and care. 
• Deacons possess natural gifts in the formation and maintenance of relationships. These relationships are vital in keeping members connected to the church body, no matter their condition or ability.
• Deacons may also serve among those who sew quilts, knit blankets, arrange flowers, write cards, and organize the volunteers who are sent out in the service of others.
• While deacons share similar gifts with Stephen Ministers, Stephen Ministry is a unique and separate way of service, given that further training and expertise are required.  

HOW DO I NOMINATE SOMEONE?

QUESTIONS?

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Rev. Ryan Jensen by email ryan@roswellpres.org or call 770-649-4507.