Introduction

Ordained ministry in the Methodist church can be exercised through the role of a Presbyter or a Deacon.  Those called to be Presbyter or Deacon are called ‘to be persons in public, ordained ministry in the Methodist Church’.

 Those who are ordained as Presbyter or Deacon enter into a covenant relationship with the Methodist Conference, defined as ‘being in Full Connexion’. They are accountable to Conference for their ministry and the Conference is responsible for their support and direction. Deacons in the Methodist Church express this explicitly by being members of a religious order, living by a Rule of Life.  To find out more about the Order of Deacons, go to the website of the Methodist Church.

A handbook for Presbyters and Deacons in the Methodist church is currently in production and the draft of this document can be found here.