Books about Deacons, the Diaconate & Servant Ministry

Written by Deacons and Archdeacons
​​Listed alphabetically by author.

Discernment & Formation

• Many Servants: An Introduction to Deacons, Ormonde Plater.  2014 revised edition
• Deacons in the Liturgy: 2nd Edition, Ormonde Plater.  2009

​Theology​

• Unexpected Consequences - The Diaconate Renewed, Susanne Watson Epting. 2015
  
• The Diaconate in Ecumenical Perspective, Edited by Michael Jackson, 2019
• A Theological Framework for Postcolonial International Development Work, M. Christie McManus  Published in The Postcolonial Church: Bible, Theology, and Mission, 2016 book. (Free)
• ​Intercession: a Theological and Practical Guide, Ormonde Plater. 1995

Sermons & preaching

• A Rock with a Heart: Finding Heaven on Earth, sermons by Bette J. Kauffman
• ​Preaching Black Lives (Matter), Sermons including one by Deniray Mueller. 2020
• Interpreting the World to the Church Vol. 1: Sermons for the Church Year, Joanna J. Seibert M.D. 2015
• Interpreting the World to the Church Vol. 2: Sermons for Special Times, Joanna J. Seibert M.D. 2015
• Communify, Rob Sommer. 2018

Reflections

• Rena Remembers  A century of loving God and my neighbor. Memoir by Rena Graves (Free download)
• Down to Earth Christianity: Journeying Through the Seasons of Our Lives, Lois Hart. 2020
• Making Our Home with God, Patricia Marks, 2024
• Touched by the Father's Hand, Mark A. Rivera (as told to Joanne Jacquart Stonecrest). 1991

Prayer

• Afternoon Tea with Jesus and Me, John Clark. 2020
• How to pray when you're pissed at God, Ian Punnett. 2013​
  
• 5-Minute Devotions for Dad: A Christian Parenting Book for Strength and Calm, Ron Steed, 2022.
• Focal Points in France: Artful practices that bring more peace, Ron Steed, 2023
• Sacred Presence: 31-Illustrated Reflections on the Holy Spirit, Dr. Martha Toney, 2023

Justice & Community

• Oblivion: Grace in Exile With a Monk Behind Bars, Dennis Gibbs, 2019​
• ​On Second Thought: Learned Women Reflect on Profession, Community and Purpose, Edited by Luisa Del Giudice. 2017. Includes an essay by Deacon Joanne Leslie​
• Troublemaker: Troubled Words for Troubled Times, Vicki Gray. 2013
• The Idea of America: Are the Principles Eroding or Enduring?, Bill Jamieson. 2013
• Imagining a Greater Justice: Violence, Punishment and Relational Justice, Sam Pillsbury, 2019

Novels and Non-Fiction​​

• The Arc of the Star of Bethlehem, John Clark, 2023​
• Holy Rover,  Lori Erickson, 2017
• Near the Exit: Travels with the Not-So-Grim Reaper, Lori Erickson, 2019
• The Soul of the Family Tree: Ancestors, Stories, and the Spirits We Inherit, Lori Erickson, 2021​
• ​​Diakonia: A series of interviews with deacons, Dani Gabriel. (Free download)
• Storming Heaven / Saints and Villains, Denise Giardina, 2010
• In Response To The Steps, Jan Grinnell, 2016
• ​They All Said Amen, ​Patricia Marks, 2021​
• All Who Minister, New Ways of Serving God’s People, Maylanne Maybee. 2003​
• What do the Others Do?: Reflections from my Deacon Thinkin' Journal, Lynn Werdal.  2013
  
• Can’t Help but Wonder: Questioning our Way Toward Faith, Sue Youngblood. 2020​​
  

Suited for children

• Grandma, What is a Deacon?, Svea Gray; illustrated by Chad Smith. 2012

---

Written by Deacons from other denominations

By David Clark
​United Kingdom

1. The Gift of a Renewed Diaconate and the contribution of British Methodism
2. Building Kingdom Communities, with the diaconate as a new order of mission 
3. The Diaconal Church
4. Kingdom Community, Diaconal Church and the Liberation of the Laity

Books main page​​​​

To submit materials, contact us.