Spiritual Guide
By Marty Adler

We all need a sense of fulfillment. Although some may get this from their professional career alone, it is common to feel a need for outside accomplishment as well. That is largely what these columns are about.

One of our Fellows has sought this by becoming a deacon in the Episcopal Church. Within that church deacons comprise a separate order of ordained ministry, distinct from priests and bishops. As such, deacons are members of the clergy, are commonly addressed as "Reverend," and are subject to other responsibilities and rights of ordained ministry. They function under the direction of the bishop and are expected to serve the poor and the weak, bringing the needs of the world to the church. The bishop deploys many deacons to specific parishes in which they function liturgically and otherwise. Deacons are nonstipendiary clergy and many have occupations outside the church.

Deacons have specific liturgical roles in worship, as determined by the church's rubrics. These roles model the diaconal ministry of service. In addition, deacons preach occasionally and serve as teachers and mentors for lay ministers. They serve primarily as bridge builders between the church and the world. Many deacons are active in societal issues such as affordable housing, care for the elderly, handicap accessibility, welfare, and needs of the poor.

After receiving his FCAS designation in May 1982, Steven Judd redirected the time previously devoted to study for actuarial exams to other interests. In particular, he served in various capacities in the church, including serving on the vestry and as parish treasurer. Through this active involvement as a layperson he gained the interest and motivation to pursue ordination to the diaconate. He began the discernment process in July 1987.

After receiving his FCAS designation in May 1982, Steven Judd redirected the time previously devoted to study for actuarial exams to... pursue ordination to the diaconate.

In January 1994 he was ordained by the laying on of hands by his bishop and by the making of vows in a public worship service. The ordination followed an extensive discernment and formation process (in his home state Minnesota, typically three or more years), which consists of academic studies, practical experience in pastoral care under a mentor, and many interviews, discussions, and oral examinations. Written exams cover topics such as scripture, theology, church history, liturgics, ethics, and pastoral care. His experience training consisted of visiting patients with a chaplain at the Mayo Hospitals in Rochester over the course of a year. Numerous oral exams and other meetings gave everyone assurance that all requirements of the church had been met. Upon ordination, he was assigned to St. Peter's Church in Kasson, Minnesota. In April 1999, he was assigned to St. Paul's in Owatonna, Minnesota, where he continues to serve.

Currently, Steven leads a monthly worship service at a local care center and visits the elderly and sick in his parish. He pays particular attention to those members of the parish who face challenging personal or health situations.

Several months ago a retired friend from work asked him to serve at his wedding. Steven then asked a priest who is a friend of his to serve as officiant so that all legal requirements would be met. As the deacon in the wedding, Steven was privileged to lead the couple through the marriage vows, preach, and assist in the Eucharist. He always regards it as an honor to serve in special occasions such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

The most meaningful and difficult ministry he has experienced was the illness and death of his department's reserve actuary, Cindy Schauer, ACAS, MAAA. He had been very involved in hiring Cindy and had worked closely with her through her 15 years of employment. Her loss was profound, especially for her family, including three young children-but also for those at work. Cindy's family asked him to arrange and lead the service and preach at her funeral and to be present with them as they grieved their loss of her.

Steven believes there are many forms of ministry and many ministers, not just the ordained clergy. "Ministry occurs whenever someone helps another think about or experience the presence of that which creates, heals, and makes life more like the way it is meant to be-holy-more abundant." Steven Judd is senior vice president and director of actuarial services at Federated Mutual Insurance Company.