Deacon Bill Ditewig poses some challenging ideas today about how to “do the diaconate right.”

He picks five hallmarks of good formation:

1) Select only those applicants who have the gifts and abilities to be servant-leaders across the whole range of diaconal ministry.

2) Approach the diaconate with the same energy and commitment given to the presbyterate.

3) Recognition by all that the deacon is not a part-time minister.

4) Deacons must be correctly perceived as being ordained for service to the entire diocese, not simply to a parish.

5) There needs to be a solid framework of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions from the moment an applicant enters formation throughout his active ministerial career.

What do you think? Visit Bill’s blog for more, and join the discussion that’s started.