Module 08 — The Diaconal Ministry of the Word

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 the Institute Scripture Study tool, based on 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 course’s theology of evangelisation as proclamation and presence.

What this module covers

This module is grounded in the course’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

• Institute homily preparation teaching — required, original course material.
• Institute teaching on proclamation and presence — required, with supplied CPDV readings.
• Public speech and accountable witness — required Institute teaching on speaking responsibly.
• Institute Scripture Study preparation exercise — use the integrated STEPBible-based tool for contextual word study and cross-references.
• Digital conduct: tone, discretion, reliability and boundaries — required Institute guidance.
• From Social Media to Social Ministry, Nona Jones — strongly encouraged supplementary reading on digital discipleship; copyrighted, link only and not assessed. No purchase is required. Compare its approach to online community with the Institute’s teaching on embodied worship, confidentiality and accountable ministry.
• The Gospel-Driven Church, Jared C. Wilson — strongly encouraged supplementary reading; copyrighted, link only and not assessed. No purchase is required. Its evangelical account of church life is a dialogue partner; the Institute’s Western Rite teaching governs this course’s understanding of sacrament and ministerial order.

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

This module is assessed through four separate practical submissions and tutor-confirmed cohort participation. There is no timed quiz in Module 8. The instructions and marking criteria are provided in each assignment activity.

• 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. Cohort discussion with a minimum of two people completed and confirmed by the tutor.