About Deacons | Character Attributes
1. Is perceived by the congregation as a "care-giver" who does caring for others naturally, empathically and consistently.
2. Empowers others around them to be caring - "to seek and serve Christ in all persons."
3. Empowers others around them to act in the community "to strive for justice and peace."
4. Balances the ability to care with the ability to confront social evil.
5. Is intrinsically connected to the secular social order, and is keenly aware of its ills.
6. Is intrinsically connected to the church, and is aware of the talents of its people.
7. Is able to work comfortably under the obedience of the bishop in collegiality with the local rector or priest-in charge.
8. Has good communication skills.
9. Is not a loner. A team builder who works well with groups. An encourager.
10. Is courageous and prophetic.
From “Bishop, Priest or Deacon” – a paper by The Rt. Rev. Edwin M. Leidel, Jr., D.Min (1993)