An ordained clergyperson who is called to serve all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and the oppressed, and to equip and lead the laity in ministries of compassion, justice and service in the world. In this capacity, he or she leads the church in relating the gathered community to their ministries in the world, thus connecting the church's worship with its service in the world. A deacon has the authority to teach and proclaim God's Word, to lead in worship, to assist elders in administering the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, to preside at the celebration of the sacraments when contextually appropriate, to perform the marriage ceremony where the laws of the state permit, and to bury the dead.
Source: Ask The UMC
Updated, 2024
