What is a deacon ordination service?

A deacon ordination service is a public ceremony in which a church formally recognizes and sets apart a person to serve as a deacon. It typically includes Scripture reading, a charge to the candidate, public examination, congregational affirmation, and the laying on of hands with prayer.

How do you ordain a deacon in a small church?

To ordain a deacon in a small church: confirm the candidate meets the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, notify the congregation at least two weeks in advance, conduct a simple service with Scripture, examination, congregational affirmation, and laying on of hands, then follow up with the new deacon in the weeks after ordination.

What questions are asked at a deacon ordination?

Deacon ordination questions typically cover the candidate's faith in Jesus Christ, their acceptance of Scripture as the rule for faith and practice, their commitment to serve the congregation faithfully, and their commitment to support the pastor and church leadership.

How to Plan a Deacon Ordination Service: A Guide for Small Churches

If your church is planning to honor your pastor, our pastor’s anniversary planning guide has practical ideas for doing it well.

By Brent Lacy

Ordaining a deacon is not a formality. It is a public recognition that God has called this person to serve his church in a specific way, and that the congregation affirms that calling.

In many small churches, the ordination service is brief and unremarkable. A few words, a prayer, a handshake. The new deacon sits down and wonders if anything significant just happened.

It should be more than that. Here is how to plan a deacon ordination service that is meaningful, biblical, and memorable.

Acts 6

The biblical precedent for setting apart deacons

1 Tim 3

The qualifications that precede ordination

2-4 wks

minimum preparation time for a meaningful ordination service

Before the Service: Preparation

Confirm the qualifications.

Before you plan the service, confirm that the candidate meets the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. This is not a formality. Ordination is a serious step. The congregation is affirming that this person is qualified to serve in this role.

If your church has a formal examination process, complete it before scheduling the ordination. If you do not have one, consider adopting one. A simple interview with the pastor and deacon board covering the candidate’s faith, character, and understanding of the deacon role is sufficient.

Prepare the candidate.

Give the candidate a written description of the deacon role, the expectations of the congregation, and the responsibilities they are taking on. Do not ordain someone who does not understand what they are being ordained to do.

Notify the congregation in advance.

Most church traditions require that the congregation have an opportunity to affirm or raise concerns about a candidate before ordination. Give at least two weeks’ notice. Invite members to speak with the pastor privately if they have concerns.

The Ordination Service: A Simple Order

A deacon ordination service does not need to be elaborate. It needs to be meaningful. Here is a simple order of service that works well in a small church.

1. Scripture reading and charge (10 minutes)

Read Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Preach a brief charge to the candidate and the congregation on the meaning and importance of the deacon role. This is not a full sermon. It is a focused, pastoral word about what is happening and why it matters.

2. Examination (5 minutes)

Ask the candidate a series of questions publicly. These questions affirm their faith, their commitment to the church, and their understanding of the deacon role. Sample questions:

“Do you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and do you commit to following him in all areas of your life?”
“Do you accept the authority of Scripture as the rule for faith and practice?”
“Do you commit to serving this congregation faithfully in the role of deacon, according to the biblical qualifications and the expectations of this church?”
“Do you commit to supporting the pastor and the leadership of this church?”

3. Congregational affirmation (2 minutes)

Ask the congregation to affirm the candidate. “Do you, the members of this congregation, affirm this person’s calling to serve as a deacon, and do you commit to supporting and praying for them in this role?” A simple show of hands or verbal affirmation is sufficient.

4. Laying on of hands and prayer (5 minutes)

Invite the pastor, existing deacons, and elders to gather around the candidate and lay hands on them. Pray specifically for the candidate: for wisdom, for faithfulness, for the grace to serve well. This is the most sacred moment of the service. Take it seriously.

5. Presentation and recognition (2 minutes)

Present the newly ordained deacon to the congregation. Introduce them by name and role. Lead the congregation in a brief prayer of thanksgiving and commissioning.

After the Service

The ordination service is the beginning, not the end. Follow up with the new deacon in the weeks after ordination.

Provide them with a written copy of their role description and responsibilities.
Introduce them to the families they will be caring for.
Schedule a check-in conversation 30 days after ordination.
Pray for them by name in the pastoral prayer for the first several weeks.

Practical Tip: Give the newly ordained deacon a small, meaningful gift: a Bible with their name and ordination date inscribed, a book on servant leadership, or a handwritten note from the pastor. The gesture communicates that this moment matters and that the church is investing in them.

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