Abstract

There are now two orders of ministry in the Methodist Church, the Order of Presbyters and the Order of Deacons. The latter developed out of the previously existing Deaconess Order but now enjoys the same status and privileges as the former. A study of the Order of Presbyters was completed in 2007, but it was thought that a similar study of the Order of Deacons would be of value in shedding light on the present task they are asked to do, their work experience in the circuits, and the various stresses and demands to which they are subject. The data for this survey was collected by a questionnaire put to the 119 deacons of the Order then active in the circuits. Evidence from analysis showed that their congregations did not fully understand the nature of a deacons ministry, complicated by the fact that, unfortunately, deacons were often employed to ease a shortage of presbyters in the circuits.