Learning Outcomes for Postulants to the Diaconate

After completing Iona Olympia School, deacons will be able to:

Function effectively within their communities:

Describe the different roles of presbyters, bishops, lay persons and deacons and demonstrate this understanding by working productively in community
Effectively use available tools to assess and synthesize the community within and outside church walls
Demonstrate their skills in listening not just to what communities say, but perceiving undercurrents that impact their actions.
Introduce and teach methods that allow congregations to discern
Describe the trends related to diverse populations in the diocese and use appropriate measures to ensure communities are culturally competent

Understand our Anglican tradition

Describe the overall outline of the Book of Common Prayer; demonstrate its use in liturgy; discuss how the BCP expresses the theology of the Episcopal Church
Demonstrate liturgical and canonical fluency
Describe how the deacon’s liturgical role reflects the deacon’s role outside church walls

Be empowered deacons

Analyze the term, “diaconal voice.” and apply one’s understanding of it to the deacon’s life in the community.
Articulate an understanding of the history and theology that underlies the ministry of deacons. This will be demonstrated by an ability to be comfortable and secure in the diaconate role.
Embody the prophetic role of a deacon by helping communities let go of their past, acknowledge the present, and see their future.
Define the boundaries of a deacon’s ministry in one’s local communities

Develop a healthy rule of life

Ensure that processes and support people are in place for healthy self care.
Develop an individual rule of life to maintain a balance between current life/family responsibilities, work schedule and other circumstances.

Understand Scripture:

Demonstrate a working knowledge of time periods, key writers, key figures, and themes in the books of the Bible.
Understand how history and culture affects our understanding of Scripture
Effectively use tools available to explore Scripture.

Apply Scripture to real life

Integrate Scripture into personal life
Trace the history of the diaconate, from biblical and early church roots, through the middle ages, and including changes since the reformation. Consider exemplary deacons in each period.
Develop and maintain respect for other points of view

Understand and reflect theologically

Describe different models of theological reflection and be able to apply a model to issues in your ministry
Understand diverse spiritual practices.
Demonstrate an understanding of the different disciplines of Christian theology.

Lead effectively