Your church has chosen its new deacons. Now you need a service that honours the moment without running long or missing a step. This guide gives you a deacon ordination service order you can adapt, a planning checklist from four weeks out, sample charges, Scripture readings, and what to write on the certificate.
In this guide
Before the service: election and examination
Every church follows its own constitution, but most deacon ordinations follow three steps before the service itself:
- Nomination and election. The congregation or church leaders nominate candidates, often using the qualifications in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8–13, and the church votes.
- Examination. The pastor, existing deacons or an ordination council meet with each candidate to hear their testimony, their understanding of the role and their family's support.
- Recommendation. The council recommends ordination to the church, and a service date is set.
Many Baptist churches invite deacons and pastors from sister churches to the council. Other traditions keep the examination within the local leadership. Follow whatever your church's bylaws describe.
Planning checklist
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks before | Confirm the date with the pastor and candidates. Invite any guest ministers or council members. Choose who will give the charges and the ordination prayer. |
| 3 weeks before | Choose hymns and readings. Ask each candidate how their name should appear in print. Decide whether spouses will stand with the candidates. |
| 2 weeks before | Prepare the certificates (see wording below) and order any gift, such as a Bible or a framed certificate. Draft the bulletin. |
| 1 week before | Announce the service. Arrange a kneeling bench or chairs at the front. Plan the reception or fellowship meal. |
| Day before | Print and sign the certificates. Walk through the order with everyone who has a part. Put the certificates in folders or frames at the front. |
Sample order of service
This order fits into a Sunday morning or evening service and takes about 60–75 minutes. Remove anything your church doesn't practise.
- Prelude and welcome
- Hymn, for example "Take My Life and Let It Be" or "Make Me a Servant"
- Invocation
- Scripture reading: Acts 6:1–7
- Statement of purpose: the pastor explains why the church ordains deacons and introduces the candidates
- Testimonies from each candidate (2–3 minutes each)
- Ordination sermon (15–20 minutes)
- Charge to the candidates
- Charge to the church
- Questions and vows: candidates answer questions about their faith and commitment to serve
- Ordination prayer and laying on of hands by the pastor, deacons and ordained ministers present
- Presentation of certificates and any gifts
- Right hand of fellowship from the congregation, often during a closing hymn
- Benediction
Sample charge to the deacon and to the church
Charge to the deacon
[Name], the church has called you to serve. Remember that the first deacons were chosen so that no one would be overlooked and the apostles could give themselves to prayer and the Word. Serve the widow, the stranger and the struggling family as you would serve Christ. Keep your faith sincere and your home in order. Support your pastor, protect the unity of this church, and never let the office become more important to you than the people it exists to serve.
Charge to the church
Members of [Church Name], you have chosen these servants. Now pray for them by name. Tell them when there is a need, and be patient when they cannot meet every one at once. Thank them often. A deacon's work is mostly unseen; let them know it is not unnoticed.
Sample ordination questions
- Do you trust in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord?
- Do you believe God has led you to serve this church as a deacon?
- Will you serve faithfully, care for the members of this church and support its ministry?
- Will you seek to live in a way that honours Christ in your home, work and community?
Scripture readings
- Acts 6:1–7: the choosing of the first seven
- 1 Timothy 3:8–13: the qualifications of deacons
- Philippians 1:1: Paul greets the overseers and deacons
- Romans 12:6–13: gifts of service
- Mark 10:42–45: "whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister"
- 1 Peter 4:10–11: "as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same"
Presenting the certificate
The certificate is usually presented right after the ordination prayer, while the new deacon is still at the front. Have it signed before the service so the moment isn't spent hunting for a pen. A simple folder or frame looks better in photos than a loose sheet.
Deacon certificate wording
This is to certify that [Full Name], having been chosen by the members of [Church Name] and found to be of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, was ordained to the office of Deacon by prayer and the laying on of hands on the [Day] day of [Month], [Year].
For more options, including a Baptist version and short versions for smaller designs, see our ordination certificate wording examples.
Edit the wording, add each deacon's name and preview it before you download.
See all deacon ordination certificatesAfter the service
- Record the ordination in the church minutes with the date and names of those who took part.
- Keep a copy of each certificate, or a list of names and dates, in the church office.
- Give the new deacons a clear first assignment within a month, so the charge turns into practice.
Questions churches ask
How long does a deacon ordination service take?
Usually 60–75 minutes as part of a regular service. With several candidates, keep each testimony to two or three minutes.
Can several deacons be ordained at once?
Yes. Ask, pray and lay on hands for them together, then present each certificate by name.
Do spouses take part?
Many churches invite spouses to stand beside the candidates during the prayer. It is a church tradition, not a requirement.
What gift is suitable for a new deacon?
A Bible with their name, a framed certificate, a book on servant leadership, or a handwritten card from the congregation are all common.