The new Order of Deacon was established to provide ordained clergy for service ministry in the United Methodist Church. The deacon has a special ministry in the context of the "local church," in the leading that body in its own ministries of service.
The academic preparation of the deacon can be accomplished in one of three ways. The first is a program of study in an approved seminary leading to a theological degree (MDiv, MTS, MSM). The second is a master's degree in a specialized area such as counseling, social work, or administration, augmented by a program of study in theological topics as well as in the history and governance of the United Methodist Church. The third, for persons 35 and older, is professional certification, including eight semester hours of graduate academic study and a program of study in theological topics. The program of theological study is shown below.
Those who answer the call to ministry as a deacon in the United Methodist Church are invited to pursue the educational requirements for ordination at the School of Theology. Candidates can meet the educational requirements in the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Sacred Music degree programs. Candidates who already hold a specialized master's degree and wish to take the graduate-level theological studies can take the following courses to meet the educational requirements for ordination:
Theology