Deacon Certificate
Interested in Exploring the Ministry of a Deacon?
This certificate coursework prepares those who are in discernment for diaconal vocations. Through a 2-year course plan, those who complete the work will have a foundation in theology, ethics, church history, practical ministry, and liturgy. The diaconate is a unique call, “a special ministry of servanthood” directly under the deacon’s bishop, serving all people and especially those in need (Book of Common Prayer, p. 543). As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants. The formation of deacons at Stevenson will prepare those in the ordination process for a lifetime of ministry and lifelong learning.
The discernment process for a deacon is run through the student’s home diocese and is separate from the formation opportunity found at SSFM. Fulfilling all the requirements of the Stevenson School for a certificate does not guarantee your ordination. Your Bishop and your Commission on Ministry will make final determinations. However, our curriculum leading to a certificate is an ideal way to prepare you for this ministry.
APPLY FOR THE DIACONATE CERTIFICATION
Please send email ssfm@diocesecpa.org indicating your interest. We will then send you an electronic application to be completed and returned to us.
What is the Ministry of a Deacon in the Episcopal Church?
Deacon Certificate
Scripture:
2 required
1 elective
*Introduction to Old Testament
*Introduction to New Testament
Scripture Elective
Church History:
1 required
*Church History II
Ethics:
1 required
*Ethics 1
Theology:
1 required
*Theology 1
Worship:
1 required
*Prayer Book Studies
Practical Ministry:
4 required
1 elective
*Anglican Approaches to Ministry
*Homiletics 1
*Deacon’s Path
*Message of Mission
*Ministry Elective
Spirituality:
1 required
*Spiritual Practices for Today
Optional Training Workshops:
*Canon Law
Other Trainings / Requirements Before Ordination
The canons (III.6.5.f and III.8.5.g) require that preparation for ordination in all orders shall include training regarding:
+ prevention of sexual misconduct
+ civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to
evidence of abuse
+ the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV thereof
+ the Church’s teaching on racism
Learning Weekends
Five Learning Weekends are required for those in a vocational or lay discernment program. Learning Weekends are guided explorations on topics that are relevant to bringing ministry into context. Over a Friday evening and Saturday morning sessions, the SSFM learning community comes together to reflect on their discernment and call while encountering the intersection of academic and practical formation. Co-planned and co-facilitated by the deans and the director spiritual formation, these weekends are critical to building community and expanding the SSFM learnings to relevant and timely subjects.