Church Of Scotland Diaconate

Diaconate of the Church of Scotland

Deacons have been ministering within the Church of Scotland for more than 120 years. At present there are 58 deacons in active service, the majority of whom work in parishes. The face of our Church in the public eye is normally that of minister and elder. Although usually part of a parish ministry team, we are neither of these, though some may have been ordained as elders prior to entering full-time ministry. Many Scots know nothing of our often hidden ministry that seeks to enable others, and to build bridges between church and community. We tend to serve in areas of great need and scarce resources. We "grow here we're planted", discerning the gifts and the needs of the community; working with individuals and groups at grassroots level, nurturing relationships, offering pastoral support, training and education; aiming at all times to equip people with the skills that gifts may be shared to the benefit of each, to build bridges between church and world, to minister to one another; contextualising the gospel in our day to day living.