Diakonia Fellows Information Session

The deacon is to be the conscience of the Church, dragging the ambo to the streets and the streets to the ambo. –Deacon William Ditewig

How are you called to reveal the face of a God who came to serve, not to be served? The Greek word diaconía describes the servant leadership of Christ which all Christians are called to imitate, comprised of the ministries of the Word, worship, and charity and social justice. Discerning Deacons co-director Ellie Hidalgo calls diakonia “the call God has put in our hearts to be of service; to hear the cries in our communities, to name injustice and to animate loving, compassionate, service that builds the reign of God in our times.” The Diakonia Fellows program seeks to animate a church that is ever more diaconal, synodal, and merciful by resourcing ten U.S.-based ministry leaders animating diakonia in their communities.

Diakonia Fellows will…

• Engage in ongoing ministries in their respective communities
• Learn about the theology, spirituality, history, and practice of diakonia and faith-based community organizing
• Explore their vocation to service through guided reflection activities and prayer
• Engage in a community of peers offering mutual accompaniment and feedback
• Meet monthly online and once for an in-person retreat
• Raise money to grow the support for your initiative in your community
• Grow relationships with local church leaders
• Receive a stipend

The number of deacons should be in proportion to the number of the people in the congregation. There should be enough so that everyone is known and everyone is looked after.
–Didascalia Apostolorum, 3rd century CE

Prospective applicants are invited to attend an online informational session in February 2025. Applications will open shortly thereafter, with the program year running from May 2025-April 2026.

The informational session will be offered at the following dates and times. Click the link below to register for either date:

• Thursday, February 6, 1-2 p.m. ET / 10-11 a.m. PT
• Tuesday, February 11, 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET / 5:30-6:30 p.m. PT