Could a Deaconess serve with us?

Jump to Fast Facts about Deaconess Internship

What does a deaconess do?

Deaconess ministry varies depending upon the needs of the setting and the deaconess’ own gifts and abilities.

A deaconess might:

• Teach or lead Christian education programs;
• Recruit and/or train volunteers, empowering and equipping others for service;
• Organize and/or facilitate small groups;
• Encourage and/or 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 education and formation does a deaconess have?

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.

• Relationship with the deaconess community;
• Theology courses at the undergraduate or graduate level (LDA students have studied theology at the Concordia’s, at Valparaiso, at other at other Lutheran universities or seminaries, in LCMS or ELCA Lay Ministry programs, and at other institutions.)
• Specialized ministry courses
• Supervised field work (9 months)
• Internship in a paid and supervised setting
• One unit of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) or equivalent;
• 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:

• Nurses or health care providers
• Educators
• Social workers
• Counselors
• Chaplains
• Church musicians
• Youth directors

Others bring expertise such as:

• Multi-cultural or diversity backgrounds
• 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?

• 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

Fast Facts about Deaconess Internship

Purpose

• Practical experience for intern to integrate theology, academics, and skills with actual needs of a ministry setting.
• Opportunity for setting to have additional staffing, try out new ministries, consider future staffing options, and equip a deaconess for service.

Interns

• LDA interns range in age (21 to 60+ years), and in skills and experience.
• Interns have completed several theology courses, 9 months of supervised field work, and may have completed one quarter of CPE or equivalent.

Setting

• Congregation, institution or agency.
• May be done within student’s primary profession (e.g., nursing, teaching, social work, etc.)

Cost

• Stipend. (Amount may vary. Typical range is $1,500-$1,800/mo. Be mindful of cost of living in your area.
• Health insurance.
• Auto allowance and continuing education may be included.
• Vacation and time for deaconess events.

Responsibilities

• Tasks vary according to needs of ministry setting. The intern asks, “How do I express servant ministry in this context?”
• Typically, one year, full-time.
• May begin at a convenient time for the work setting and intern.

Supervision

• Train and guide the intern – done by a professional in the work/ministry setting, at least one hour each week.
• Plan and reflect on activities.
• Set goals, review, and complete regular evaluations.
• Study and pray together.

Deaconess involvement

• Intern support team: may include work supervisor, at least one deaconess, a Lutheran professional in ministry, and/or others who serve in a similar capacity. (Intern identifies this team.)
• Area conference: regular participation.
• Annual Meeting: 4 days during summer.

LDA support

• Visit at least once during the year.
• Meet with intern, supervisor, and others involved in training.
• Observe intern in action.
• Collect and respond to evaluations.
• Offer, upon request, ideas for supervision, goal-setting, problem-solving.

Reports

• Work supervisor: three reports/year.
• Intern support team: two reports/year.
• Intern: quarterly reports and reflections as noted in the individual formation covenant.

For more information or to request an intern application, please contact us at deacserv@valpo.edu .