Phase III: Take Time to Integrate

This is the final phase of the process and will include preparation for a certification interview, church body rostering (if appropriate), consecration, and placement (if appropriate).  In keeping with the current practice of the LDA, this phase would involve reflection on and evaluation of academic/theological issues, skills for work/ministry, spiritual readiness for diaconal ministry, and the relationship with the community.  

1.    Final retreat/seminar aimed at integrating growth and learning in the education/formation process.

2.    Presentation of a professional portfolio which includes:
A.    Outline of academic work and other learning experiences.

• Coursework (transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.)  Brief comment to describe what the course covered.
• competency projects
• church polity resource list
• resources for Work/Ministry (including any professional standards)
• cultural differences/diversity experience  (reflections on experience; documentation of participation)
• ecumenical participation (reflections on experience; documentation of participation)
• readings (reflections, for readings that are not associated with a course)
• samples of proclamation of the gospel (homilies, worship plans, Bible studies)

B.    Theological reflection paper/project (coordinated with rostering or colloquy process if applicable). 

• What does it mean to be Lutheran?

C.    Description of ministry work done in education/formation process, a personal reflection on that work, reports from supervisors, and examples of work/projects.

D.    Resume appropriate for area of work/ministry.

E.    Description of plans for continued professional and spiritual growth.

• Personal reflection on spiritual and professional growth; how are spiritual values lived out in your life; how will you continue to grow – 5 year plan for professional growth, and 5-year plan for ministry growth.

F.    Reflection on involvement with the diaconal community and plans for future.

• What does “being in community” mean for this community and you?

G.    Personal reflection paper on call and readiness for ministry. *  (AN INTEGRATIVE PROJECT)

• How do you integrate theology into your life and ministry?  What does it mean to be a deaconess – now and in the life of the church?

H.    External certification for work/ministry, if appropriate (license, roster status, certification, etc.).

I.    Endorsement: three letters of endorsement from people in chosen “profession.”

J.    Endorsement: letter of endorsement from congregation or worshipping community.

K.    Endorsement from deaconess mentor.

L.    Reflection on experience with the Phase II deaconess feedback process.  Candidate will list names, type of ministry, and location of deaconesses who participated in the Phase II feedback process.  The candidate writes comments about her experience and its effect on her personal/professional growth.

3.    Final interview, to discuss the four areas of education/formation:  Spirituality, Theology, Work/Ministry, Diaconal Community.  The interview will be coordinated with the Deaconess Service and Renewal Committee. The committee may recommend the candidate to the LDA Board of Directors for consecration. The LDA Board approves candidates for consecration as deaconesses of the Lutheran Deaconess Association.

4.    Consecration, upon approval by the LDA Board, the consecration service marks the formal entry into the Diaconate and often takes place in the student’s home congregation.

*If candidate is going into an “unusual” area of service, the candidate is asked to facilitate a conversation (at candidate’s expense) with two-three deaconesses and one or more people from the specific discipline prior to the final interview.  The focus of the conversation is to be on the diaconal aspects of that profession.  The members of the diaconal community involved will write a report of that conversation prior to the final interview.