Are deacons called or chosen

Answer 1

I think they are elected. 1) Transitional Deacons, those men studying for the Priesthood are ordained to the "Major Order" (cleric) of diaconate. It is at this point that the promise of celibacy is received by the diocesan bishop or his representative. 2) Permanent Deacons, A man must be at least 35 years old, and have been active in parish life for a minimum of 5 years. (Most likely in the roles of Reader, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.) These men are recommended by members of the parish and sponsored by the Parish Priest. They then enroll in a program which includes formation, and a full course of study (which lasts approximately 4-5 years.) If married, their wives are interviewed, the role of a "permanent" Deacon is explained, and she must agree to her husband's application, and attend a series of retreats, and days of formation.

[ Should the applicant not be married at the time of Ordination to the Diaconate, he must promises to live a celibate life. If the man is married, he continues to live a normal married life. If not retired, he continues to follow his career. Should his wife pre-decease him, he is obliged to live a celbate life.]

Answer 2

The word, "diakonos," which is transliterated in our English Bibles, "deacon", means a simply a "servant." The New Testament gives examples of both "appointed" servants elected by the church to specific tasks and of "unelected" servants who served the Lord in a general sense in a local church. The noun "diakonos" is used thirty times in the New Testament and in only five of those does it refer to a specifically appointed servant. The word "deacon" means servant. Nothing fancy. Nothing extra-ordinary.

The early church was made up of many classes of people, of various nationalities. The organization of the church at Jerusalem was to serve as a model for the organization of churches in every other place where messengers of truth should win converts to the gospel. Those to whom was given the responsibility of the general oversight of the church were not to lord it over God's heritage, but, as wise shepherds, were to "feed the flock of God,. . . being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2, 3); and the deacons were to be "men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." These men were to take their position unitedly on the side of right and to maintain it with firmness and decision. Thus they would have a uniting influence upon the entire flock.