AED's Competencies for Deacons

Over the past few years the Vocational Development and Life Long Learning Task Force of AED had been charged with shaping a document that would outline the areas of competency used in successful Diaconal Formation Programs. 

After developing, debating, discussing, and carefully crafting these, a three person sub group was formed to produce a document in a user-friendly format. The Reverend Kate Harrigan, presbyter, AED board member and chair of the working group along with with The Reverends Tim Spannaus and Geri Swanson, deacons, designed the final document, which depended extensively on previous work by the Vocational Development and Lifelong Learning Task Force and the Iona Report with its accompanying examples from the Anglican Church of Canada. 

Your feedback is welcomed as updating and revising the competencies is important. Any comments and suggestions can be sent to Geri Swanson at [email protected].

This is an organic document; the first revision has taken place in early 2018. You can download the original and/or revised Competencies -

• AED Competencies for Deacons 2017
• AED Competencies for Deacons 2017 (First Rev. 2018)
• AED Las Competencias de 2017 para los diáconos y las diáconas  (Primera revisión, 2018)

Competency-Based Approach to Formation, by Diocese

Self Assessment
​Use this tool to self-assess your strengths and opportunities for growth in the competency areas.

​Questions? Contact Executive Director Carter Hawley.