What are the first steps?

Learn About the Diaconate

1. Read the section of "An Outline of the Faith commonly called the Catechism" on The Ministry. [Book of Common Prayer pp. 855-856]
2. Review your Baptismal Covenant. [Book of Common Prayer pp. 304-305]
3. Read The Examination in the Rite for the Ordination of A Deacon [Book of Common Prayer pp. 543]. Compare and contrast with the examination for Priest [p. 531], and a Bishop [p. 517].
4. Read the new Title III Canons, particularly Number 6, "The Ordination of Deacons" and Number 7, "The Life and Ministry of Deacons." You can most readily get this text from the Episcopal Church web site, www.episcopalchurch.org.
5. Read Dr. Thomas Ferguson's essay, Lifting Up the Servants of God.
6. Talk to two or more deacons. Diaconal ministry has varied enough expressions that you need to hear from several perspectives.