A deacon is a baptized person called and empowered by God and the Church to be a model of Christ’s servant ministry for all people. As agents of God’s compassion and reconciling grace, deacons are missionaries to the world and messengers to the Church of the world’s needs, hopes, and concerns. In the Church, deacons call forth, empower, and inspire the baptized to respond to these needs.  The role of the deacon in liturgy mirrors this role of the deacon in the Church and world. Deacons are living symbols of Christ’s presence as they embody Christ’s servant ministry and point to the presence of Christ in those they serve.”

— Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED)

Deacons are ordained to empower the servant or service ministry of the Church, seeking to strengthen the link between the world and the Church. Deacons, even those ministering within a secular institution, have a regular parish connection where they function on Sundays. Unassigned deacons remain in close communication with the bishop. Deacons regularly attend the annual diocesan convention.