Curriculum
“As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God’s Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself. “
Ordination of a Deacon, Book of Common Prayer (p. 543)
Learn, Grow, Serve
Our curriculum is designed to form you intellectually, spiritually, and practically for the work of a deacon. Through a combination of academic coursework, hands-on ministry experiences, and spiritual formation, our students are formed in their identity as “ones who serve” within an intentional Christian community. The program typically spans about two to three years of part-time study. You will delve into Scripture, theology (including the theology of the diaconate), church history, liturgy, ethics, and more – each aspect of study is paired with practical reflections on applying it to diaconal ministry.
Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the program, you will engage in supervised field education or internships in real ministry settings, applying what you learn in class to serving people in congregations and communities.
Our formation process includes gatherings, retreats or “formation weekends” where the community of students and faculty come together for intensive learning, worship, and reflection. These gatherings build lasting friendships and allow time for practical skill-building – whether it is leading prayers, visiting a hospital, or organizing a service project.
Balanced
Importantly, the School for Deacons is designed for adults who are balancing ministry, work, and family life. Classes are typically scheduled in a convenient format (such as on weekends or via online modules) so that you can answer God’s call without having to change your career or quit your day job. In fact, we have partnered with respected institutions to enhance our academic offerings – for instance, our students participate in online courses through the Center for Anglican Learning & Leadership at Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) and the Deacon’s Collaborative at Bexley Seabury Seminary. These partnerships provide a rich theological foundation, while our local program provides in-person community and mentorship. The overall formation is competency-based, mentor-assessed, and personalized to each student’s context, ensuring you gain the core skills and spiritual depth needed for diaconal ministry. By the end of the program, you will have grown in knowledge, spiritual maturity, and pastoral skills – and you’ll be well prepared to serve as an ordained deacon in the Church.