So, you think you might want to have a deaconess/deacon student intern with you or have a deaconess come work in your church and its ministries?  Great!  Here is some information for you.

What does a deaconess do?
Deaconess ministry varies depending upon the needs of the setting and the deaconess’ own gifts and abilities. There is no typical job description.

A deaconess might:

• Teach or lead Christian education programs
• Recruit and/or train volunteers, equipping others for service
• Facilitate small groups
• Plan meaningful worship, devotions, or prayer time
• Coordinate social ministry activities, reaching out to those who are marginalized
• Help a congregation in its work with all ages – children, youth, adults, and families
• Respond to times of special concern – illness, grief, disabilities, or life transitions – bringing God’s healing touch to people in need.

Deaconesses combine faith and service to church and society.

What kind of job qualifications does a deaconess have?

A deaconess forms her servant leader identity through education in theology, support from a community, intentional spiritual reflection, and experience in ministry. The LDA offers a flexible education and formation process which allows students to progress at their own pace. Plans are individualized and designed to meet the student’s particular growth needs.  Before consecration, a deaconess student must demonstrate:

• Completion of theology courses at the undergraduate or graduate level (at the Concordia’s, Valparaiso, other Lutheran universities or seminaries, in LCMS or ELCA Lay Ministry programs, and other institutions)
• Specialized ministry courses
• Supervised field work (9 months)
• Year-long internship in a paid and supervised setting
• One unit of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) or equivalent
• Relationship with the deaconess community
• Deepening of spiritual and prayer life
• Development of attitudes and vision for ministry to the whole people of God.

Some deaconesses bring professional backgrounds such as:

• Nurse or health care provider
• Educator
• Social worker
• Counselor
• Chaplain
• Church musician
• Youth director

Others bring expertise such as:

• Multi-cultural or diversity background
• Spiritual direction
• Business or administration
• Care for senior citizens
• Child care
• And more…

What does the ministry setting provide?

• Salary and benefits (check with your church body for suggested salary and benefit guidelines for professional church workers or your agency’s salary and benefit package)
• Interview and moving expenses
• Partnership in ministry and guidance about your setting
• Time and support for participation in deaconess events

What’s the next step?

• Determine if you want a deaconess or a student intern (click here for Internship FAQs)
• Prepare a description of the ministry your setting hopes to provide
• Work with the LDA to identify some deaconesses who are ready to serve with you.  Call the LDA, 219-464-6925, or e-mail: deacserv@valpo.edu