Diaconate Courses

2025 – 2026 Courses

The diaconate curriculum is designed to provide a foundation for students in the areas of Scripture, theology, tradition of the Church, spiritual development, and practical training. If you have any questions or wish to register for the Diaconate program, please email Archdeacon Altenbach at jaltenbach@cfdiocese.org.

In-person classes are only available for those in the official discernment process. Students in this process are required to attend all classes and must notify the Archdeacon if unable to attend an upcoming class.


Year 1


All in-person classes will be held at the Diocesean Office
located at 1017 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

Class Schedule: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. | Classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Person
Church History Part I
Instructor: The Rev. Tom Rutherford
May 30, 2026

Students will understand the origins and organization of The Episcopal Church, and trace the history of the Church from Apostolic times to the present, including the Judaic roots of the church. Students will learn to describe the beliefs, worship, and structure of the Episcopal Church.

Syllabus
In Person
Church History Part II
Instructor: The Rev. Tom Rutherford
June 13, 2026

Students will continue to understand the origins and organization of The Episcopal Church, and trace the history of the Church from Apostolic times to the present, including the Judaic roots of the church. Students will learn to describe the beliefs, worship, and structure of the Episcopal Church.

Syllabus

Year 2


All in-person classes will be held at the Diocesean Office
located at 1017 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

Class Schedule: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. | Classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Person
Biblical Studies Pauline Studies
Instructor: The Rev. Mark Lafler
May 30, 2026

After successfully completing the Thirdmill course on Pauline studies, participants will engage in a practicum designed to provide a practical application of the knowledge gained from the course that focuses on the apostle Paul and his letters. Participants will deepen their knowledge and understanding of Paul’s theology and teachings as they apply these insights to their future ministry.

Syllabus
In Person
Understanding and Utilizing the Book of Occasional Services
Instructor: The Very Rev. Matthew Perreault
June 13, 2026

This course provides comprehensive training on the Book of Occasional Services, equipping future deacons and licensed lay ministers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize this resource in their ministry. The course will cover the services included in the Book of Occasional Services and their theological significance, practical application, and the role of the deacon or licensed lay minister leading and supporting these services.

Each participant will need to have a Book of Common Prayer (1979) and a Book of Occasional Services (2003) with them during class

In Person
Fieldwork Orientation
Instructor: The Ven. Julie Altenbach
August 1, 2026

Fieldwork is a central part of the diaconal formation, offering opportunities to engage directly with the life of a parish and the wider community. In this orientation session, students will receive the Fieldwork Manual and detailed instructions on expectations, goals, and reporting requirements. Attention will be given to how fieldwork complements classroom learning, spiritual formation, and practical experience in diaconal ministry.

Year 3

All in-person classes will be held at the Diocesean Office
located at 1017 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

Class Schedule: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. | Classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Person
Diaconate Exam and Fieldwork Notebook Review
Instructor: TBD
June 13, 2026

Course details coming soon