Changes

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.

== Deacons today ==

== Deacons today ==