Section outline

  • Workload: Approximately 40 hours  |  Section: Diaconal Ministry in Practice

    This module trains you to proclaim Scripture, prepare short homilies or teaching reflections, lead small Bible studies, and communicate responsibly in public and online settings. The emphasis throughout is faithful proclamation, not performance: a deacon must be able to speak clearly, teach humbly, and handle Scripture with care.

    By the end of this module, you will be able to:
    • Proclaim the Gospel clearly and reverently.
    • Prepare a short homily or teaching reflection rooted in Scripture.
    • Use StepBible in sermon and teaching preparation.
    • Facilitate a small group Bible study without dominating.
    • Communicate publicly with pastoral maturity.
    • Ground proclamation and witness in the Mission’s theology of evangelisation as proclamation and presence.
    What this module covers

    This module is grounded in the Mission’s theology of evangelisation as proclamation and presence: the Church exists for mission, every liturgy leads to service, and every Eucharist is a sending forth. Evangelisation here is invitation, not coercion — calling others to encounter Christ and share in the fellowship of His love, whether in homes, workplaces, communities, or online spaces. Digital ministry is treated as a real and serious extension of diaconal service, not an optional extra: you are formed to represent Christ and the Church online with the same care, dignity, and accountability you would show in person.

    Required and supporting resources
    • AOCM homiletics and catechesis notes.
    • AOCM Catechism — §4.9 (The Church in Mission), §7.12 (Witness and Mission in the World), §12.6 (Our Witness in the World).
    • A Guide to Formation and Ministry — §6.7 (The Minister and the Wider World).
    • StepBible preparation templates.
    • AOCM digital conduct and communication guidance.
    • From Social Media to Social Ministry (Nona Jones) — optional further reading for digital ministry.
    • The Gospel-Driven Church (Jared C. Wilson) — optional further reading for gospel-centred teaching.
    Scripture and StepBible work
    • Prepare a Gospel reading using StepBible: context, key terms, cross-references, and pastoral application.
    • Develop a 45-minute Bible study using StepBible rather than relying on unexamined proof-texts.
    • Study speech and witness texts: James 3; Ephesians 4; 2 Timothy 2.
    Assessment and evidence

    Where this module’s assessment includes a timed quiz element, it follows the LDM-wide format: 20 questions drawn from a bank of 60, a 25-minute timer, and one retake (a maximum of two attempts).

    • Video or live assessment: Gospel proclamation.
    • A 750-word homily or teaching reflection.
    • StepBible-based Bible study plan.
    • Short digital-conduct and missional-witness reflection.
    Monthly cohort discussion

    “What does responsible speech look like for clergy?”

    To complete this module, you will need to:
    • Gospel proclamation assessed.
    • Homily/teaching reflection submitted.
    • Bible study plan submitted.
    • Reflection submitted.