The word ‘presbyter’ is the Greek for ‘elder’, and it is sometimes translated ‘priest’ in English, so that those ordained to the presbyterate are called priests.

A Presbyter directly serves his local parish, often as the Rector (lead shepherd), though sometimes as an Assisting Priest. The Primary role of the Presbyter is to shepherd the people of God as a minister of Word and Sacrament. He is responsible for preaching the Gospel, caring for, encouraging, and leading a congregation to Christ and His work, leading his own family well, and serving the Bishop in authority over him.

We learn further from the Bishop’s Examination from ACNA Presbyter Ordination Service, “A priest must be determined to instruct the people committed to his charge from the Holy Scriptures; to teach or maintain nothing as necessary to eternal salvation but that which may be concluded and proved by the Scriptures. He must be diligent always so to minister the doctrine, sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord has commanded and as this Church has received them, according to the Commandments of God, so that he may teach the people committed to his charge to keep and observe them.”

“He must be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Body of Christ all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God’s Word; to use both public and private admonitions and exhortations to the weak as well as the strong within his charge, as need shall require and occasion shall be given. He must be diligent in prayer, in the reading of Holy Scripture, and in such study as may further the knowledge of the same, laying aside all distractions of the world and the flesh.”

“He will be diligent to frame and fashion his own life, and the life of his family, according to the doctrine of Christ, and to make himself and them, as much as he is able, a wholesome example and pattern to the flock of Christ. He will maintain and set forward, as much as he is able, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among those who are or shall be committed to his charge.”

“He will reverently obey his Bishop and other chief Ministers who, according to the Canons of the Church, may have charge and authority over him, following with a glad mind and a good will their godly admonitions, and submitting himself to their godly judgments.”

The word ‘deacon’ is Greek and means in Christian usage a ‘minister’ or ‘servant’. The primary role of a Deacon is to model the servant leadership of Christ for the people of God by ministering the Gospel in word and deed. A deacon serves the least, lost, and lonely, seeking out the weak, poor, alien, and marginalized in society, and supporting the Priest in public worship. Deacons serve in a local parish and under the oversight of the Rector, but are directly responsible to their Bishop. 

The Bishop’s Exhortation from the ACNA Diaconal Ordination Service offers additional helpful commentary on the vocation of a deacon:

“It belongs to the office of a Deacon to share in the humility and service of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the strengthening of the Church, which is his body. A deacon is to read the Gospel and proclaim Christ at all times through service, to instruct both young and old in the Catechism, and, at the direction of the Bishop or Priest, to baptize and preach.”

“A Deacon shall assist the Priest in public worship, to guide the intercessions of the Congregation, to aid in the administration of Holy Communion, and to carry the Sacrament to those who are kept from the Table by illness, infirmity, or imprisonment.”

“Furthermore, a Deacon is to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. It is the Deacon’s office to encourage and equip the household of God to care for the stranger, to embrace the poor and helpless, and to seek them out, so that they may be relieved.”