Argument for the establishment of an ordained permanent deacon in the United Methodist Church is presented. The confusing and inconsistent treatment of the ministry of deacon is noted along with many factors indicating the present inconsistency in theology and in practice. The implications of the 1976 inauguration of a diaconal ministry are mentioned, noting that the question of ordination or consecration needs to be addressed, and a wider version of work in the world needs to be described. The diakonia in the early church are examined, and theological reflections on the diakonia, representation, and apostlicity are presented. Possible implications of creating a ministry of deacon are examined. The diaconate in other churches (such as Roman Catholic and Episcopal) are noted with a focus on ecumenical agreements about the deacon and the alternate ordinal. Two controversial issues are whether an ordained diaconate for service would weaken Christian servanthood and whether people should retain the expectation that every elder should first be ordained a deacon. Restoration of an ordained ministry of diaconal service could help regain a crucial dimension of ministry. (SM)