A deacon is a official in the Christian church. The exact definition of a deacon varies, depending on which branch of Christianity is under discussion. In some cases, a deacon is a member of the clergy, who has undergone religious training and been ordained. In other instances, a deacon is a member of the lay public who wishes to assist his or her church. The job descriptions and role of a deacon vary widely, although the diaconate is generally viewed as a group which assists the church and serves the community.

The word is derived from the Greek diakonos, which means “servant” or “minister.” Deacons have been an important part of Christian tradition since early times. They traveled among the laity to spread the word of the Church, and assisted the Apostles and later priests and other representatives of the Church. In many cases, early deacons took over the duties of distributing alms to the poor, traveling to homes and offering words of comfort, and other tasks which involved community outreach. In this way, they allowed priests, bishops, and other officials to focus on more Church-oriented tasks.

In the Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions, the position of a deacon is a clerical office. Deacons undergo religious training and they serve in a church under a priest. Some deacons view their offices as a step on the way to priesthood, while others prefer serving in the slightly more secular realms which deacons inhabit and they do not pursue further religious qualifications. Deacons often have more opportunities to directly interact with people, although they also take part in Church ritual.

In other branches of Christianity, a deacon is a member of the laity who may undergo some training. He or she may work part time, helping out a minister or pastor with various church tasks, often with a team of deacons who work together to distribute their duties. Because a deacon is not ordained, he or she cannot give sermons or communion, but deacons may offer religious counseling, handle church records, and help organize meetings, events, and church outreach.

The position of a deacon is a position of service to the church and the lay community. He or she may be entitled to wear certain vestments and perform various tasks, depending on the branch of Christianity which the deacon serves. Many deacons establish close personal relationships with the people in the communities which they serve, and they also tend to become close with the church officials that they work with.