What is the difference between a deacon and an elder?
Both deacons and elders are ordained ministers. The deacon focuses on a specialized ministry based on their own talents, interests, and how they discern God calling them. Their specific ministry may include positions such as youth minister, music minister, chaplaincy, counseling, or Christian education. Deacons are not limited to traditional church work. They may be union organizers, school teachers, medical workers, social workers, etc. In all cases the deacon ministry is one that connects the church to the needs of people in the world and leads the church in servant ministry. Deacons may assist elders or local pastors in serving the sacraments; they cannot oversee baptism and communion. They can, however, conduct weddings and funerals. Deacons find a ministry position either on their own or with the assistance of their annual conference. They then ask their bishop to appoint them to serve in a particular ministry setting. Therefore, deacons serve under the appointment of a bishop. Th
