Deacon Letter of Agreement

between the Bishop of Virginia (in cooperation with________________________ ) and _____________________________(Deacon)

Introduction
In recognition of the special ministry of a deacon, and to honor that role in Christ’s holy catholic Church, it is appropriate that “The Examination” from The Ordination of A Deacon serve as an introduction to the assistant’s ministry:

My sister, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.

As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God’s Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself. (BCP p. 543)

The people of ____________________________ Church will seek to help ____________________________ fulfill his/her responsibilities as a deacon.

Description
In order that she may experience much of the parish life and gain experience associated with the charge of a deacon, the following description of ministry is presented:

The model of clergy ministry of ____________________________ will be based upon the belief that the fullest expression of the priesthood and the gifts of both members of the clergy staff is the ideal. The rector will delegate to the assistant certain areas of responsibility, and these responsibilities will be administered under the supervision of the rector. Both rector and deacon will be involved in all areas of parish life. A relationship of each other’s time and talents, is most desirable. Much of the work of the clergy is associated with the vestry and the commissions of the vestry.

Agreement
Primary Responsibilities of the Deacon will be:

Education:
1. Church School – Develop and implement a program for the education of Christians from pre-school through senior high.
2. Episcopal Young Churchmen – Develop and implement a program for youth in grades 6 – 12 which will be educationally exciting and spiritually nourishing.
3. Bible school – Develop and implement an intense program of education during the summer.
4. Lenten School – Develop and implement a program for youth during the Wednesday night supper and Lenten School.

Christian Ministry:
1. Fellowship – Implement parish programs of fellowship such as picnics, parish meals, and other social events.
2. Neighborhood Groups – Make visitation needs known to respective leaders of the parish neighborhood groups.
3. Athletics – Develop and implement parish-wide programs such as softball, golf, and basketball.
4. Tape and Video – Assist these two committees in their present program and help them expand their offerings.

Outreach:
Participate and encourage the parish to enter into programs of feeding and shelter and work with the leadership of this organization.

Special Ministry:
Develop and implement a program for young couples and single adults.

Additional Primary Management Areas:
Responsibilities for other areas of ministry within the church will be considered by the rector and the assistant according to each other’s skills, interests, and abilities.

General Parish Ministry:
1. To assist in conducting of worship.
2. To preach approximately twice a month.
3. To share in the officiating of weddings, funerals, baptisms, and the pastoral and teaching ministries involved in each.
4. To counsel parishioners and walk-ins as needed.
5. To participate in community, region, and diocesan activities.
6. To share in the rector’s program areas as well as call upon him to share in yours (including visitation of sick and homebound).
7. To attend weekly staff meetings for “maintenance,” planning, and a separate weekly time with the rector for supervision and guidance.
8. To meet monthly with the rector for planning sessions.
9. And such other responsibilities as assigned by the rector.
10. To meet weekly with the rector in a non-task oriented meeting for mutual reflection on ministry.

Upon ordination to the priesthood, an expansion of duties shall be developed between the rector and the vestry of _____________ and Mr./Ms. ________________________.

Annual Evaluation:
An annual mutual evaluation of the deacon’s performance and the rector’s supervision shall be conducted.

Expectation of the Church from the Deacon
1. A commitment of (three) years, commencing ________________________.
2. Successful completion of the Fresh Start program in the Diocese of Virginia.
3. Fulfillment to the best of her ability the charge to deacons and the position responsibilities listed.
4. Support of the rector and vestry when decisions for programs have been made.

Expectations of Deacon from Church
1. Support of Mr./Ms. ________________________in his/her growth in understanding about the ordained ministry in a parish.
2. A salary of _____________ per annum beginning _____________.
3. A housing and utilities allowance of _____________.
4. One half of the FICA contribution will be added to the annual base salary.
5. Professional expenses repaid up to _____________ per annum beginning ____________.
6. Four weeks vacation in the twelve months beginning _____________.at a time mutually agreeable to the rector and deacon. The vacation time will be taken within the calendar year.
7. An expectation of the equivalent of one and one half days per week, as agreed to by the rector and deacon, for personal business and relaxation by the deacon. (This time is generally not to be accrued.)
8. Payment by _____________ to the Church Pension Fund and the Diocesan Standard Life and Health Insurance (programs and enrollment in a short-term disability program).
9. Opportunity for continuing education, as agreed to by the rector and deacon and within the budget allocation provided.
10. Initial moving and relocation expenses not to exceed _____________.

Termination
This agreement may be terminated by:
1. Resignation, retirement, or death of the rector of _____________.
2. Cancellation of this agreement, at the initiative of the rector and the consent of the vestry, or by the Deacon, in which event the reasons and causes, therefore, shall be candidly and openly communicated in full to the Bishop and in which event the following shall obtain:

1. In accordance with, and in the spirit of Title III, Canon 14 of the Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, if for any urgent reason either the Assistant or the Rector perceives that significant disagreement exists in their relationship both parties agree, with the support of the vestry, to promptly seek outside counsel with the intent of settling any disagreement.
   
   If a settlement cannot be reached through outside counsel, then the matter will be brought before the Bishop for advise and counsel.
   
   If, after both steps have been taken, a determination is made that the disagreement cannot be settled, the Rector will not relieve the assistant of her duties without a minimum of three months notice. (In such cases as requiring the use of Title IV of the Constitution and Canons regarding Ecclesiastical Discipline, the above requirement of three months notice will be reexamined and possibly shortened.)
   


2. Depending on the circumstances causing the breach of contract, a date of departure shall be set, such date to be the last day of all pay and allowances and benefits; and


3. If the cancellation is initiated by the assistant there shall have accrued to the Assistant no vacation with pay.