A deacon is a official in the Christian church. The exact definition of this position varies, depending on which branch of Christianity is under discussion. In some cases, this person is a member of the clergy who has undergone religious training and been ordained. In other instances, he or she is a member of the lay public who wishes to assist his or her church. The job descriptions and role vary widely, although the diaconate is generally viewed as a group that assists the church and serves the community.
The word is derived from the Greek diakonos, which means “servant” or “minister.” Deacons have been an important part of Christian tradition since early times. They traveled among the laity to spread the word of the Church, and assisted the Apostles and later priests and other representatives of the Church. In many cases, these early individuals took over the duties of distributing alms to the poor, traveling to homes and offering words of comfort, and other tasks that involved community outreach. In this way, they allowed priests, bishops, and other officials to focus on more Church-oriented tasks.
In the Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions, the position of a deacon is a clerical office. People in this role undergo religious training, and they serve in a church under a priest. Some view their offices as a step on the way to priesthood, while others prefer serving in the slightly more secular realms that they inhabit, and they do not pursue further religious qualifications. Deacons often have more opportunities to directly interact with people, although they also take part in Church ritual.
In other branches of Christianity, a deacon is a member of the laity who may undergo some training. He or she may work part time, helping out a minister or pastor with various church tasks, often with a team of others who work together to distribute their duties. Because this person is not ordained, he or she cannot give sermons or communion, but may offer religious counseling, handle church records, and help organize meetings, events, and church outreach.
The position is one of service to the church and the lay community. This person may be entitled to wear certain vestments and perform various tasks, depending on the branch of Christianity in which he or she serves. Many establish close personal relationships with the people in the communities where they serve, and they also tend to become close with the church officials that they work with.