Reverend vs. Deacon — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
"Reverend" is a title used for ordained ministers, often in Christian churches, indicating respect and authority, while "deacon" refers to a specific church role, typically involving service and assistance in liturgical functions.
Difference Between Reverend and Deacon
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Key Differences
"Reverend" is a formal honorific for clergy members across various denominations, emphasizing their role as leaders and spiritual guides in the community. Whereas a "deacon" is an ordained minister who serves directly under priests or pastors, often tasked with specific duties like charity, administration, and assisting in worship.
The title of "Reverend" can apply to many different positions within the church, such as priests, ministers, and pastors, depending on the denomination. On the other hand, the role of a deacon is more uniform, primarily focused on service and support within the church’s hierarchy.
Reverends are often responsible for leading worship services, preaching, and performing sacraments such as baptisms and marriages. In contrast, deacons assist during liturgical services by reading the Gospel, preparing the altar, and possibly distributing communion.
The training and ordination process for becoming a "Reverend" usually involves rigorous theological education, a period of candidacy, and formal ordination. Conversely, deacons might undergo a similar but sometimes less extensive training process, focusing more on practical service than on doctrinal teaching.
Reverends often hold significant authority and responsibility within their congregations, managing church activities, providing pastoral care, and leading community outreach. Deacons, while also respected, generally do not hold the same level of leadership but are crucial in bridging the needs of the congregation with the church leadership.
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Comparison Chart
Role
Clergy member, spiritual leader
Ordained minister of service
Responsibilities
Leading worship, preaching, sacraments
Assisting in worship, charity, administration
Position
Can be a priest, pastor, or minister
Specific role under church hierarchy
Training
Extensive theological education
Focused on service and liturgical functions
Authority
Significant within congregation
Limited, mostly serves support roles
Compare with Definitions
Reverend
Implies respect and authority.
Please consult the Reverend for spiritual advice.
Deacon
Supports the broader clergy.
Our deacon assists the pastor with administrative tasks.
Reverend
Often a community leader.
The Reverend organized a local charity event.
Deacon
Involved in church activities.
The deacon coordinated the church's annual fair.
Reverend
Used across many Christian denominations.
The Reverend Johnson spoke at the conference.
Deacon
Can be transitional or permanent.
He is a permanent deacon at our church.
Reverend
A title for clergy members.
Reverend Smith leads our service.
Deacon
An ordained role focused on service.
The deacon distributed food to the needy.
Reverend
Can administer sacraments.
The Reverend performed the marriage ceremony.
Deacon
Assists in liturgical functions.
The deacon prepared the communion table.
Reverend
Used as a title or form of address to members of the clergy
The Reverend Pat Tilly
Deacon
A deacon is a member of the diaconate, an office in Christian churches that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. Major Christian churches, such as the Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Scandinavian Lutheran Churches and the Anglican Church, including the Free Church of England, view the diaconate as part of the clerical state.
Reverend
A member of the clergy
A retired reverend
Deacon
A cleric ranking just below a priest in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches.
Reverend
Deserving reverence.
Deacon
A lay assistant to a Protestant minister.
Reverend
Relating to or characteristic of the clergy; clerical.
Deacon
Used as a title prefixed to the surname of such a person
Deacon Brown.
Reverend
Reverend Abbr. Rev. Used as a title and form of address for certain clerics in many Christian churches. In formal usage, preceded by the
The Reverend Jane Doe.
Reverend John Jones.
Deacon
(Church history) A designated minister of charity in the early Church (see Acts 6:1-6).
Reverend
A cleric or minister. Used with the.
Deacon
(Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism) A clergyman ranked directly below a priest, with duties of helping the priests and carrying out parish work.
Reverend
Worthy of reverence or respect
Deacon
(Protestantism) Free Churches: A lay leader of a congregation who assists the pastor.
Reverend
Reverent
Deacon
(Protestantism) Anglicanism: An ordained clergyman usually serving a year prior to being ordained presbyter, though in some cases they remain a permanent deacon.
Reverend
(informal) A member of the Christian clergy; a minister.
Deacon
(Protestantism) Methodism: A separate office from that of minister, neither leading to the other; instead there is a permanent deaconate.
Reverend
Worthy of reverence; entitled to respect mingled with fear and affection; venerable.
A reverend sire among them came.
They must give good example and reverend deportment in the face of their children.
Deacon
(freemasonry) A junior lodge officer.
Reverend
A member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
Deacon
(Mormonism) The lowest office in the Aaronic priesthood, generally held by 12 or 13 year old boys or recent converts.
Reverend
A title of respect for a clergyman
Deacon
A male calf of a dairy breed, so called because they are usually deaconed (see below).
Reverend
Worthy of adoration or reverence
Deacon
(Scotland) The chairman of an incorporated company.
Deacon
For a choir leader to lead a hymn by speaking one or two lines at a time, which are then sung by the choir.
Deacon
To kill a calf shortly after birth.
Deacon
To place fresh fruit at the top of a barrel or other container, with spoiled or imperfect fruit hidden beneath.
Deacon
An officer in Christian churches appointed to perform certain subordinate duties varying in different communions. In the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches, a person admitted to the lowest order in the ministry, subordinate to the bishops and priests. In Presbyterian churches, he is subordinate to the minister and elders, and has charge of certain duties connected with the communion service and the care of the poor. In Congregational churches, he is subordinate to the pastor, and has duties as in the Presbyterian church.
Deacon
The chairman of an incorporated company.
Deacon
To read aloud each line of (a psalm or hymn) before singing it, - usually with off.
Deacon
A Protestant layman who assists the minister
Deacon
A cleric ranking just below a priest in Christian churches; one of the Holy Orders
Common Curiosities
Can a deacon become a reverend?
Yes, deacons can be ordained as priests or ministers, becoming reverends.
Is "Reverend" a job title?
It is more of an honorific than a specific job title, denoting respect.
What are the typical duties of a deacon?
Assisting in worship, charity work, and administrative duties.
Do all denominations use the title "Reverend"?
Most Christian denominations do, but the usage and implications can vary.
What distinguishes a reverend from a deacon?
A reverend holds a broader and higher authority role, while a deacon focuses on service and assistance.
How long does it take to become a reverend?
It typically requires several years of theological study and pastoral experience.
What is the role of a deacon in worship services?
They often read the Gospel, prepare the altar, and may distribute communion.
Does a deacon have to be ordained?
Yes, deacons go through an ordination process, though it is less rigorous than that for priests.
What educational background is required for a reverend?
Usually a theological under graduated degree is required for a reverend.
Can women be deacons or reverends?
In many denominations, yes, women can serve as both deacons and reverends.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
