Many Servants: An Introduction to Deacons

by Ormonde Plater

In this newly updated and revised introduction to the permanent diaconate, Plater includes a history of deacons in the early church, a survey of deacons from the Reformation to the present, stories of modern diaconal ministries, including first-hand accounts, and a discussion of the formation, training, and deployment of deacons. This book is a basic, essential text for discernment committees and commissions on ministry, and a comprehensive look at a vital ministry in the church today.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2004

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a discernment process in my diocese. It is a good book on the subject of the permanent diaconate in the Episcopal Church; however, even though this is a revised edition, I still found it to be dated and would have liked more up-to-date information, as well as more recent deacon profiles and examples of churches successfully employing deacons. That being said, there is still much of value in this book, given that the diaconate is a continuously evolving ministry within the church. I would recommend this book to seekers like myself as well as parish priests and vestry members.

[Emily Rozmus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful look at the history and current role of deacons in the Episcopal church. It confirms the call I hear and want to follow.

[James Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good history and description of the diaconate. The book went a little off the rails for me in its second-half by being a bit too meandering.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another read on the road to discernment for the diaconate. Deacons provided a vital ministry in the early church, but faded away in history. There is now a resurgence in the Episcopal Church. I continue to say that my goal is to someday be an ordained deacon. If that is so, I need to reflect on why this goal and not another. This book helps me answer the question as to why I see myself doing this. Deacons have two major ministries: care and justice. As I wade through, and sometimes get lost, in the intricacies of theology, doctrine, and the dos and don'ts of liturgy, let me always remember this clear charge. My mission is to bring care and justice to the world.

This book includes a wonderful overview, including the role of deacons and deaconesses in church history. Much wonderful and obscure history woven in with first person stories about vital ministries. From shelters, to the altar, to prisons, to schools— deacons bring the church to the world and brings the world back to the awareness of the church.

There are many worthy passages here. This is one of my favorites:

"Deacons are to be lights of ministry at the center of the church. One distinctive role of deacons is to hold up mercy and justice, just as they hold up the paschal candle in the midst of all the smaller, hand- held candles of the Easter Vigil, so that the people, led and encouraged by an example of radiance, will go into a world of darkness with candles of Christ."

[Harry Allagree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable and useful book for learning about the rich history and development of the order of deacon in the Church, particularly the Episcopal Church. I came away with a better understanding, after almost 50 years of priesthood (!), and important clarifications which I wish I'd known about years ago. I was especially struck by Ormonde Plater's wonderful Appendix B: Calendar of Deacons Saints. I had no idea that there were so many...which says something about how inattentive I've been all these years to the importance of deacons in the Church. Unfortunately, I doubt that I'm alone, and this book is a real contribution to education others about this essential ministry.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the position of Deacon in the Episcopal Church. While a Deacon is ordained, it is positioned half way between the people in the pews, and the priest and bishop. This book covers the history and theology of the position of Deacon, and the last chapter has a collection of stories from Deacons across the country who are serving the Church in different ways. Very inspiring!

[L.C. Fiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written, providing a complete history of the deaconate; a clear-eyed take on the current landscape; and moving testimonials from many deacons serving the church today.