Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has been a leader in preparing students for ministry as a deacon since The United Methodist Church created the Order of Deacons in 1996. In 1998, Garrett became the first seminary to create a Deacon Studies program and has continued to grow it’s support of students seeking ordination as a deacon.
Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee is associate professor of Christian education and director of deacon studies. She has served in various capacities at numerous churches as a deacon in full connection in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church. In addition to her work as a professor and director of deacon studies, Lee is co-executive director of Garrett-Evanston Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Program.
Persons pursuing ordination as a deacon can complete their educational requirements by one of two routes:
The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church requires a minimum total of 27 semester hours for the Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS). The BGTS at Garrett includes the following courses:
Garrett offers a record of completion to students who complete the entire sequence through Garrett. By recommendation of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the maximum number of transfer courses is 4. Per the University Senate, online course credit for Deacon Studies (BGTS) may not exceed a total of 18 semester hours.
Join monthly lunch gatherings with Garrett faculty and staff who are United Methodist deacons. These gatherings are open to all who are on the ordination track as a deacon or who are interested in learning more about the ministry of deacons.
Students applying to one of our master degree programs have the opportunity to be a part of our Deacon Fellows Program.
Garrett was a proud sponsor of the 25th anniversary conference celebrating 25 years of the United Methodist Order of Deacons. You can watch video recordings of select lectures, panels and worship services on Garrett’s YouTube channel.
Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee
Associate Professor of Christian Education
Director, Deacon Studies
Rev. Dr. Cheryl Anderson
Professor of Old Testament
Rev. Dr. Ron Anderson
Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Worship
Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks
Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Preaching
Rev. Dr. Barry Bryant
Associate Professor of United Methodist and Wesleyan Studies
Dr. Lucy Chung
Director of the Styberg Library and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology
Rev. Dr. Timothy Eberhart
Robert and Marilyn Degler McClean Associate Professor of Ecological Theology and Practice
Rev. Dr. Dong Hyeon Jeong
Assistant Professor of New Testament
Rev. Dr. AHyun Lee
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Psychotherapy
Dr. Rolf Nolasco
Rueben P. Job Professor of Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Theology
Dr. Hendrik Pieterse
Associate Professor of Global Christianity and Intercultural Theology
Dr. Lallene J. Rector
Professor of Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Psychotherapy and President Emerita
Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale
E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism
Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology
Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera
President and Professor of Education and Leadership
Garrett-Evangelical accepts applications from students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and who are proficient in the English language.
