History & Theology of the Diaconate

This course is designed to explore the ministry of the vocational diaconate and how it has grown and shifted (or in some cases failed to shift) to meet the needs of the church through the ages.  The course will examine the biblical perspective on servant-hood; trace the development of the diaconate throughout the history of the church, explore the writings and lives of a few notable deacons, and examine the emerging role of the diaconate in the contemporary church.  This course will explore the broad range of diaconal ministries and encourage students to think theologically about holy orders and how the threefold orders of the church relate to one another and reflect the ministry of Christ.

Taught by the Rev. Dr. Tara Jernigan