- LDA TO RECEIVE MEN INTO DIACONAL FORMATION
- The Lutheran Deaconess Association (LDA), a center for diaconal service and learning, will admit men into diaconal formation for the first time this spring. Three men are applying to begin the two-to-four year process.
The LDA, adjoining Valparaiso University, has prepared women for service ministries in the church and society since 1919. Creation of a community of men as part of the LDA diaconate grows out of the church’s understanding that every Christian is called to a life of diaconal service. The church sets apart diaconal leaders to guide, encourage, and assist Christians in that service.
In making the announcement, Executive Director Deaconess Lisa Polito said, “As a free-standing organization, the LDA can respond to changing needs of the church and world, allowing the shape of its diaconal ministry to change as necessary. We prepare and support people for ministries of service and advance the church's diaconal mission by faithful ministry among those who are the worlds’ most vulnerable. The LDA builds and nurtures an international diaconate recognized within the church as a prophetic voice and is now broadening its vision by preparing men for service as deacons.”
In baptism, the Holy Spirit calls the whole people of God to a life of diaconal service. The LDA is committed to preserving the Lutheran Deaconess Conference (LDC), the women’s community, as a unique witness to the church and to the world. The LDA Board recognizes that there are men who have heard God’s call to a life of service within community. The new male community is complementary to the female community within the LDA diaconate.
An LDA deacon is equipped for professional diaconal ministry just as is a deaconess. This is not to be confused with the title "deacon" -- sometimes used by congregations to designate special lay leadership roles.
LDA deaconesses and deacons are called and equipped to express their Christian vocation through church, civic, or human service professions of their choosing. Through faith in action, they reach out to those at the margins of society, providing hospitality, hope, and care for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Three men have begun the application process to begin the LDA’s education and formation program in the spring of 2012. Dr. Steve Arnold, the first male applicant said “I have known about the LDA since I was in high school … [and] I have dreamed of a place where deacons might be in intentional Lutheran community that is in partnership with the community of deaconesses.” Arnold, now a spiritual director, formerly led the Director of Christian Education (DCE) program at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, where he received the “Christus Magister” Award from the Lutheran Educators Association.
The LDA’s individualized process, outlined at www.theLDA.org, capitalizes on students’ gifts and interests to develop servant-leaders. In addition to theology and spiritual growth, key elements of the process include relationships with mentors and supervised ministry experience. Deaconess Diane Marten, Director of Education/Formation, was integral in developing the current preparation program. She has a wealth of experience from private counseling, chaplaincy, and congregation ministry. Marten said, “As the preparation program channels students into two LDA supported communities, we will develop multiple points of integration during diaconal formation. Each community is expected to maintain its own identity.”
For more information about this program, please contact Diane Marten or call 219-464-6925.
