“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” — 1 Timothy 3:8–9 (BSB)
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — Matthew 20:26–28 (BSB)
“If it is serving, let him serve… if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” — Romans 12:7–8 (BSB)
The origin of the diaconate is found in Acts 6, where the apostles appointed seven men to oversee the Church’s charitable work so that the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. This practical service was deeply spiritual, rooted in wisdom, compassion, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The deacon stands where Christ stood—among the poor, the broken, and the overlooked. His ministry does not compete with preaching or teaching—it completes it by embodying love in action.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “The deacon is the Church’s hands and feet in the world. Wherever there is suffering, confusion, or need, the deacon brings the Gospel in word and deed.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer Ordinal describes the deacon’s work as “to assist the priest in Divine Service, especially in the distribution of the Holy Communion, to instruct the youth, and to search for the sick, the poor, and the lonely, that they may be comforted and relieved.”
J.C. Ryle, while emphasizing preaching, honored the servant office: “The strength of the Church is not only in its pulpits, but in its mercy. When deacons serve with humility, they preach a sermon more powerful than many words.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The diaconate is not a step up, but a step down—a call to serve like Jesus, who washed feet and bore burdens. Deacons remind the Church that greatness lies in service.”
The ministry of deacons glorifies Christ by reflecting His humility, extending His mercy, and bringing His Gospel to the margins of the world.
St. Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69–155 AD): “Let deacons be blameless before God and men, humble and faithful, guarding the truth and ministering to those in need.” — Letter to the Philippians, 5
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “The deacon ministers not only at the altar but in the streets. He carries Christ’s compassion to those no one sees.” — Homily on Philippians, 1
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The deacon’s hands are full not with power, but with mercy. He is the Gospel in motion.” — Sermon 220
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
