The Order of Diaconal Ministries encompasses those designated for service in a broad range of ministry including Christian education, pastoral care and social ministries.
Who We Are
Statement of Diaconal Ministries
(adopted by the 124th General Assembly, 1998)
Diaconal Ministers are called to be servants of Jesus Christ. We believe in a ministry that is spiritual, dynamic, creative and a practical enactment of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We work collegially in leadership, open to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to equip and enrich others for Christian life and service. We envision a ministry rooted in the life and worship of the whole people of God which emphasizes Christian Education, Pastoral Care and Social Services.
From the Bottom Up – A Story of Collegial Leadership
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has been setting people apart to do diaconal ministry for over 100 years. Joyce Davis, the author of the book, tells the inspiring stories of those called by God to diaconal ministry. Through the weaving of historical detail and personal stories the reader is invited to reflect on the past, and to consider the road ahead, and the call to serve Christ’s Church through diaconal ministry.
Order a copy of From the Bottom Up – A Story of Collegial Leadership through our online order form or send an email.
Diaconal Council
Purpose
(adopted by the 124th General Assembly, 1998)
- To provide opportunities for mutual support and spiritual enrichment for all members in accordance with the Statement of Diaconal Ministries.
- To formulate and express the collective views of the members of the Order and concerns for ministry and make recommendations to the General Assembly through the Ministry and Church Vocations of the Life and Mission Agency or other appropriate bodies.
2015 Meeting
The Order gathered at Crieff Hills Community from April 19 to 21, 2015, for a biennial council meeting. The theme was “The Uniqueness of Christian Community—What Does it Mean to Be the Church Today?” with speaker Dorothy Henderson.
Nita DeVenne receiving a certificate recognizing the 25th anniversary of her designation. Pictured left to right: Joyce Davis, Nita DeVenne and Lynda Reid. Photo taken at the 2015 biennial council meeting.
International
The Order of Diaconal Ministries is a member of two international groups:
- DOTAC (Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean)
- DIAKONIA World Federation
Grants for Theological Students
The Order of Diaconal Ministries, through a grant from the Ewart Endowment for Theological Education, is able to offer funding for certified theological students of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to attend conferences and/or events related to the practice of ministry. It is the hope of the Order that by having such funding available, certified students will be able to participate in an opportunity that will enrich their present studies for ministry and be introduced to a resource for ongoing professional support and education.
These conferences and/or events must be sponsored by professional organizations and are to be related to areas of ministry traditionally served by Diaconal Ministries: Christian Education, Pastoral Care and Social Ministry.
Please contact the administrator for the application form
Resources
Anyone considering Diaconal Ministry should familiarize themselves with the following documents:
- The Candidacy Process of Preparation and Discernment
- Educational Pathways for Ministry Candidates
- Book of Forms, section on the Order of Diaconal Ministries
Our Heritage
- A Brief History
- The Training Homes and Schools
- Women’s Perspective Newsletter (January and February 2009 )
Contact
For more information, contact the administrator , 1-613-657-3803