Deacons FAQ

What is a Deacon?
What is the term of a Deacon?
What is the time commitment?
How can a non-Deacon participate in the caring ministries?
How does a member become a Deacon?
Who Can Be a Deacon?

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What is a Deacon?
Deacons are ordained officers of the church and fall under the Session’s Caring Pillar. The Board of Deacons focuses on three caring ministries: Bereavement, Homebound and Membership Care.

What is the term of a Deacon?
A Deacon’s term is 3 years.

What is the time commitment?
There are monthly meetings which last anywhere from 1-1½ hours long. The Deacons are encouraged to attend as many of these meetings as possible. Deacons are also required to assist with the Sunday Coffee Service 3 to 4 times a year. There are also duties associated with a Deacon’s particular committee assignment and would, on average, require no more than 1-2 hours per month outside of the monthly meetings.

How can a non-Deacon participate in the caring ministries?
There are many ways our congregation can assist the Deacons in carrying out our ministry. For example, you can be on a call list for side dishes for the post-funeral luncheons, on a call list for meals for those members experiencing a crisis, call or visit a home bound member or sign up to attend a Sunrise Assisted Living church service. Past Deacons and Elders can assist with in-home communion. Please contact Rev. Mike Ireland at mireland@orchardpark.org or at 317-844-1107 for more information on how you can help!

How does a member become a Deacon?
Members are nominated by the nominating committee in the fall, confirmed by the congregation in December, and ordained in early January.

Who can be a Deacon?
Any member of the church is eligible to become a Deacon.