Changes

In the [[Lutheran Church]], the dominant church of the [[Reformation]] in northern [[Europe]], some only of that structure was retained. Bishops in Apostolic Succession remained in Lutheran Scandinavia.  

In the [[Lutheran Church]], the dominant church of the [[Reformation]] in northern [[Europe]], some only of that structure was retained. Bishops in Apostolic Succession remained in Lutheran Scandinavia.  

In the [[Reformed]] and [[Presbyterian]] churches--representing the second largest branch of the continental Reformation after the Lutherans--deacons were retained as ministers performing much the same role as in the more traditionally hierarchical churches. Reformed Theology holds that the ministry is not a singular office, but that there is a multiplicity of clergy. Teachers, Deacons, Trustees, and Pastors, are all ordained, although only the pastor is customarily addressed as "Reverend."

In the [[Reformed]] and [[Presbyterian]] churches—representing the second largest branch of the continental Reformation after the Lutherans—deacons were retained as ministers performing much the same role as in the more traditionally hierarchical churches. Reformed Theology holds that the ministry is not a singular office, but that there is a multiplicity of clergy. Teachers, Deacons, Trustees, and Pastors, are all ordained, although only the pastor is customarily addressed as "Reverend."

In contrast, the [[Anabaptist]] movement disdained the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Church. In that movement, a deacon remained a lay social worker, treasurer, and eventually a building-and-grounds manager (not actually a [[sexton]], who actually did the physical labor of building and groundskeeping, but perhaps one who hired the sexton and gave him his day-to-day orders and instructions). The modern [[Baptist Church]] retains none of the historic hierarchy, considering the pastor alone to be a clergyman.

In contrast, the [[Anabaptist]] movement disdained the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Church. In that movement, a deacon remained a lay social worker, treasurer, and eventually a building-and-grounds manager (not actually a [[sexton]], who actually did the physical labor of building and groundskeeping, but perhaps one who hired the sexton and gave him his day-to-day orders and instructions). The modern [[Baptist Church]] retains none of the historic hierarchy, considering the pastor alone to be a clergyman.

Some churches might hold multiple rounds of deacon elections, with the first election serving as a sort of informal nominating convention in which a member may "nominate" anyone he wishes. The usual term of office of a deacon is three years, and a deacon would at the end of that time not be re-eligible for another year.

Some churches might hold multiple rounds of deacon elections, with the first election serving as a sort of informal nominating convention in which a member may "nominate" anyone he wishes. The usual term of office of a deacon is three years, and a deacon would at the end of that time not be re-eligible for another year.

In the [[Anglican]] churches, these boards of control exist, though under a different name--the '''vestry'''. An individual belonging to the vestry is called a '''vestryman''' (or a vestry-woman). The vestry typically has a '''senior warden''' as its head and often a '''junior warden''' as deputy to the senior warden. They play a role, with the bishop of the diocese, in calling pastors and, if need be, deacons. Somewhat different terminology is used in the other hierarchical churches.

In the [[Anglican]] churches, these boards of control exist, though under a different name—the '''vestry'''. An individual belonging to the vestry is called a '''vestryman''' (or a vestry-woman). The vestry typically has a '''senior warden''' as its head and often a '''junior warden''' as deputy to the senior warden. They play a role, with the bishop of the diocese, in calling pastors and, if need be, deacons. Somewhat different terminology is used in the other hierarchical churches.

=== Duties ===

=== Duties ===