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By Vicki Brown
United Methodist News Service

Deacons believe they are accepted and valued but misunderstood, according to a survey of Deacons, diaconal ministers and those certified in specialized ministry in The United Methodist Church.

Results of the 2008 survey were based upon responses from 1,521 Deacons and centered around demographics, appointments, salary level and job satisfaction, said Michelle Fugate, director of research and data management for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

"Everyone may not understand the Deacons' role, but Deacons feel valued," said Fugate. Of the 1,108 Deacons who responded to the survey, 63 percent felt the Order of Deacons was accepted by the church, but 65 percent felt the order was misunderstood.

According to the 2008 Book of Discipline, Deacons respond to God's call to lead in service and to equip others for this ministry through teaching, proclamation and worship. They also assist Elders in the administration of the sacraments.

The Rev. Anita Wood, the agency's director of professional development, said she was surprised to find that 21 percent of Deacons appointed in the local church selected the identified themselves as associate pastor in the survey.

"Deacons are not pastors and that indicates that we have some work to do in communicating the role of the Deacon in connecting the church and the world," she said.

The Rev. Carolyn Peterson, an ordained Deacon and vice chair of the Division of Ordained Ministry, said she believes that it's bishops and churches who give Deacons the title of associate pastor. "I don't think Deacons are taking that title on themselves," she said.

The survey found 60 percent of Deacons were serving in the local church, 32 percent in appointments beyond the local church and 8 percent were listed as other. Fugate said most of those were still in college.

Fugate divided appointments beyond the local church into church-related appointments and non-church appointments. The most common church-related were chaplain, annual conference or district staff, and general board or agency staff. The most common non-church appointments were teacher, administrator and advocacy or social justice work.

The median annual salary for a primary appointment was $19,000 for part-time - $18,000 for part-time in the local church, and $23,000 for beyond the local church. For full-time appointments, the median salary was $45,000 - $43,000 in the local church and $49,000 in appointments beyond the local church.

Other findings include:

• 76 percent are female;
• 92 percent are white, 5 percent African American;
• 74 percent have at least a master's degree, and 6 percent have a doctorate. Many candidates have not yet completed their education.
• Average age is 49.75 years;
• 88 percent are satisfied with their job;
• 78 percent believe their roles are valued.

To read the full report visit, www.gbhem.org.