<P> In some African American Missionary Baptist churches and in churches affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. male and female deacons serve as one board . Other churches may have two separate boards of deacons and deaconesses . Most often the deacon or deacon candidate is a long - standing member of the church, being middle aged, but younger deacons may be selected from among members of a family that has had several generations in the same church . They are elected by quorum vote annually . Their roles are semi-pastoral in that they fill in for the pastor on occasion, or support the pastor vocally during his sermon . They may also lead a special prayer service, generally known as "The Deacon's Prayer ." Their other roles are to accompany the pastor during Communion by handing out the remembrances of bread and wine (or grape juice) and to set a good example for others to follow . Their administrative duties sometimes include oversight of the treasury, Sunday school curriculum, transportation, and various outreach ministries . </P> <P> See Baptist Distinctives for a more detailed treatment of Deacons in churches in other Associations, particularly the UK . </P> <P> In the Uniting Church in Australia, the diaconate is one of two offices of ordained ministry . The other is Minister of the Word . </P> <P> Deacons in the Uniting Church are called to minister to those on the fringes of the church and be involved in ministry in the community . Deacons offer leadership in a ministry of service to the world . The primary focus of the ministry of Deacon is on care and compassion for the poor and oppressed and in seeking social justice for all people . They take both an active role in leadership in such actions themselves, but are also play a key role in encouraging other Uniting Church members in similar action . </P>

What is the function of a deacon in church