In Congregations
If assigned to a parish or mission, each deacon works within the supervision of the congregation’s rector, vicar or priest-in-charge, as the case may be.
The deacon should meet regularly with the rector, vicar or priest-in-charge of the parish for mutual review of the deacon’s ministry, and for strategic planning. The agreement should be reviewed regularly and, if necessary, updated as necessary with each revision sent to the bishop.
Should a situation of conflict or disagreement arise, the deacon, rector, vicar or priest-in-charge, and any other persons involved are encouraged to arrange face-to-face meetings to clarify the issues and to work toward resolution before contacting the Bishop of jurisdiction.
Family members of a deacon, as with any ordained person, may not serve on the vestry of the parish where the deacon ministers.