Congregations Need A Deaconess
A Deaconess is...
What is a Deaconess?
Deaconess Motto
What A Deconess Doesn't Do
Meaning of Transition
Hearing From You
Opportunities to Give
From The Director
"When I Grow Up To Be A Real Deac ..."
A Deaconess Service
The Deaconess Program
Pray & Congratulations
The Deaconess Fund
What's Coming...
CONGREGATIONS ARE
MISSING THE BOAT IF THEY
DON'T CONSIDER A DEACONESS
When it comes time for your congregation to add another staff
person, you should give serious consideration to the special
abilities of a Synodically trained deaconess from Concordia
University, River Forest.
Our congregation, Lord of Glory Lutheran Church of Elk River,
MN, went through a staff addition recently. We are in a fast
growing area, with our attendance more than doubling in the
past four years. We needed another staff person to work with
]us in a variety of areas, so we could continue to reach out
into the community with the Gospel and meet the spiritual
needs of our parishoners.
After exploring the rage of possibilities, from associate
pastor, DCE's, parish workers, and deaconesses, we chose a
deaconess. Why? Here are four reasons.
Adaptability. Congregations change. Needs change. A staff
person who is adaptable is a valuable asset. Deaconesses are
adaptable Servants. They are highly motivated to serve the
Lord, and are eager to adapt their talents to the particular
needs of the church.
Spiritual Maturity. Our congregation interviewed a variety of
professional church workers from all disciplines. We found a
deaconess to be a very spirtually mature church worker.
Deaconesses are comfortable with their role in the church.
They are very articulate in their confession of the faith and
very devoted to their continued spiritual growth. This is a
tremendous asset, not only to the pastor but to the entire
congregation.
A Passion for Souls. Deaconesses are eager to share their
faith with those they encounter. In fact, their very outgoing,
spiritual nature is very motivation for the people they serve.
A deaconess will stir an interest for outreach and inreach
within a congregation by their service. What a great asset for
a congregation that is interested in reaching out with the
Gospel!
Professionalism. Deaconesses seems to carry an air about them
that exudes professionalism. Their dress and demeanor project
the image of a professional church worker, dedicated to the
task of serving God's people with the Gospel.
Pastors, we have hidden gems in the LCMS, with the name
DEACONESS. I find it difficult to believe that more
congregations are not exploring their abilities. Consider
this: our congregation is growing at a rapid rate, by God's
blessing. We are not a stagnant, declining church. We need
spirited, gifted workers, eager to reach out with the Gospel.
We explored all the range of church workers. We chose a
deaconess!
My friends, deaconesses are not limited to serving in nursing
homes, or benevolent societies. They have wonderful,
congregational skill which will bless any ministry. Give them
serious consideration.
Pastor Monte Meyer
Lord of Glory Lutheran Church
Eik River, Minnesota
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DEACONESS...
SERVING THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE
A DEACONESS IS...
a servant...a child of God... privileged to serve... a loving
presence... dedicated...a caregiver...a professional, LC-MS
woman...a support to the pastoral office
DEACONESS SERVICE IS...
Christ-centered. . hands-on. . .one-on-one . . Counseling . .
.encouraging . . . meeting needs . . .bridging gaps . . .
variety . . . teamwork . . .behind-the-scenes
DEACONESSES SERVE IN...
Congregations...
*calling on and caring for hospitalized, shut-in, widowed,
dying
*social service
*caring for women
*volunteer coordination
*teaching
*specialized areas (youth, music, singles, seniors)
Agencies...
*hospitals
*homes for the aged
*prisons
*district social service programs
*physically impaired
*mentally retarded
*outdoor service programs
Foreign Mission Fields
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JUST WHAT IS A
DEACONESS?
The office of deaconess is not new. There have been Lutheran
deaconesses since 1836. A great force behind the formation of
the Missouri Synod, Wilhelm Loehe, was also one of the
pioneers of the modern deaconess movement.
The vocation of deaconess is a formal office included in the
LC-MS church structure in the same category as teachers, DCE's
and Directors of Christian Outreach.
The term, "deaconess," is a word taken from a cognate of the
Greek word "diakonia." One meaning of this word reflects the
heart of the work of the deaconess: service. The purpose of
her office is to serve God's people through spiritual care and
works of mercy. She does this in connection with a
congregation, institution, or mission field.
In a congregation, she gives spiritual care as a complement
and support to the pastor, neither in competition with him nor
as a replacement for him. Examples of the spiritual care she
renders include caring for the grieving or sick, or those with
special needs. The deaconess also cares for women's needs as
sometimes only another woman can do. Each deaconess also has
God-given talents and abilities which are used in the parish.
Some examples are: youth, education, music, evanglism, etc.
Deaconesses usually teach Bible studies and may assist the
pastor in confirmation instruction. Because a parish deaconess
has diverse abilities and interests, she may be a good person
to bring on as the first additional staff person.
Deaconesses who serve in institutions often do so through
their chaplaincy departments. Examples of institutional work
now done by deaconesses include: hospitals, prisons, working
with the deaf, and others. Some deaconesses are utilized by a
District to help with outreach.
Missionary deaconesses work all over the world and here in
the United States. Cross-cultural work is a strength for many
deaconesses .
Because the care that a deaconess renders is never apart from
God's Word of Law and Gospel, deaconesses complete at least 15
courses in theology. About half of the deaconesses graduate
with a B.A. in theology. The other half complete a Master of
Arts in Religion (M.A.R.). Courses in psychology or social
work are also taken. A student also concentrates in one or two
areas such as youth, urban service, counseling, etc. Practical
training for a deaconess comes through two years of field work
and a year of internship .
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THE DEACONESS MOTTO
by Wilhelm Loehe
The True Deaconess Spirit
What is my want? I want to serve. Whom do I want to serve?
The Lord in His wretched ones and His Poor.
And what is my reward?
I serve neither for reward nor thanks but out of
gratitude and love;
My reward is that I am permitted to serve.
And if I perish in this service?
"If I perish, I perish" said Queen Esther.
I would perish for Him who gave Himself for me.
But He will not let me perish.
And if I grow old in this service?
Then shall my heart be renewed as a palm tree,
And the Lord shall satisfy me with grace and mercy.
I go my way in peace, casting all my care upon Him.
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WHAT A DEACONESS
DOESN'T DO
A deaconess doesn't preach like a pastor, but she teaches a
Sunday School lesson or a Vacation Bible School class.
A deaconess doesn't play professional basketball, but she
plays basketball with her youth group.
A deaconess doesn't work in a hospital like a doctor, but she
talks with patients there and prays with them.
A deaconess doesn't distribute Communion, but she teaches a
Confirmation classes about it.
A deaconess doesn't take care of the elderly for a living,
but she visits them and brings God's Word to them.
A deaconess doesn't create great works of art like
Michelangelo, but she puts up bulletin boards.
A deaconess doesn't run the LWML or Ladies Aid, but she
advises them and leads them in Bible Study.
A deaconess doesn't preach like an evangelist, but she
witnesses to people in her everyday life.
A deaconess doesn't conduct the Chicago Symphony, but she
directs the church choir or plays the organ on a Sunday
morning.
A deaconess doesn't work for her own praise, but she does
wish to serve the Lord in any way she can.
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THE MEANING OF "TRANSITION"
While I was a lay missionary in Taiwan I made my living by
teaching English. When I was preparing to leave Taiwan after
being there for 2 1/2 years, I told some of my students that
it would be a big transition for me to return to the U.S. They
immediately asked, "What does 'transition' mean?" That
question has been one I've pondered over often in the 8 months
that I've been back. It explains so many of my experiences
during the past few years, and explains the many changes we go
through in our lives; especially how God prepares us for the
next step we will take.
At 26 I thought my life was pretty well set. A good job,
friends, plenty of "stuff". Then came the opportunity to go to
Taiwan. It would be a big adjustment to live in another
culture, but something I'd always dreamed about. I knew the
experience would change me and prepare me for something, I
just didn't know how much or for what!
It was while I was in Taiwan that I became friends with Sunny,
a young woman from one of the Lutheran churches in Taipei.
Sunny had for some time been interested in attending
Concordia, River Forest and getting deaconess certification.
As I helped her look into the program and ask questions about
it I became more and more interested myself. I prayed about
taking this step, but I felt very unsure about it. I decided
to apply anyway, and when I told my family and friends they
were very encouraging.
Being a student again has been a huge transition, bigger than
I realized it would be. Partly because I am not completely
used to being back ha the U.S. But partly because I am still
not "sure" of my decision. The more I learn about deaconesses,
past and present, though, the more I feel God is leading me to
serve His people in this way. Some specific possibilities I am
currently interested in are continuing my education, going to
a mission field, working with international students, or being
in a parish.
I don't know what the future will hold, but I can face all the
transitions that these next few years will bring because I
know that I am not going alone. Regardless of where I go, the
Lord will be leading me every step I take along the path and
preparing me for what He has in store for me.
Natalie Watt
Master of Arts in Religion student
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WE ENJOY HEARING
FROM YOU
Listed below are people who have inquired lately about the
deaconess program. We hope to hear from you again soon!
Rosanna Baccega, Manhattan, IL
Clara Ball, Richmond, MI
Courtney Barnes, Readlyn, IA
Judy Chladek, Littleton, CO
Karen Coles, Erskine, AB
EmLee Fuson, Chula Vista, CA
Barb Herzinger, Michigan City, IN
Barb Koehler, Minneapolis, MN
Patty Kristofic, San Diego, CA
Amber Matthias, Readlyn, IA
Destiny Meyer, Sumner, IA
Sarah Mielke, Valparaiso, IN
Anne Rathe, Dunkerton, IA
Lindsay Rathe, Readlyn, IA
Melanie Ritoch, Blue Earth, MN
Kelly Rollison, St. Louis, MO
Amy Selking, Greencastle, IN
Kerry Turner, Macomb, MI
Inger Van Der Valk, Irvine, CA
Allisha Wegner, Readlyn, IA
Sara Wehling, Readlyn, IA
Ann Louise Wenger, Taiwan
Leslie Wiesehan, Peoria, IL
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OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE
Deaconess Clara Strehlow Endowment
The Deaconess Clara Strehlow Endowment Fund provides financial
support to deaconess students. Donations remain part of the
capital; scholarships are awarded from the interest. Your gift
keeps on giving year after year!
Deaconess Program Fund
The Deaconess Program Fund provides for special public
relations efforts, retreats for the deaconess students, and
unique projects of the program.
If you would like to contribute, please mail your donation
to the Deaconess Program. Checks should be addressed to
"Concordia University" and earmarked either "Deaconess
Program" or "Strehlow Endowment."
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FROM THE DIRECTOR
"How are you doing'?" I asked one of the deaconess interns on
the phone. She replied with a heavy sigh, "You know, I care so
much about these people and they don't care much back." It was
obviously a frustrating time for her, and she was feeling like
she had given all she had. The same kind of statement has been
uttered by many deaconesses and others in similar types of
work.
I believe she was reflecting a proper struggle for a Christian
servant. It's a statement of fact: I love and care for them
more than they love and care for me. One can say that about
Jesus Christ; He loves us more than we love Him. A deaconess,
and other professional church workers (especially pastors)
have a vocation which aims to serve people. The deaconess'
prayers, thoughts, plans, time...center around the lives of
God's people. In specific, her focus is to serve God's people
by sharing His Word and with works of loving service.
It's hard to serve and to love endlessly knowing that you
cannot and should not be doing this for an earthly reward,
even if the reward is so noble a thing as the love of the
people you serve. While people may learn to love and
appreciate the service of their deaconess, they do not
exist to serve her. Her vocation is to serve them. That's
tough to deal with day in and day out. It's draining. It is
often thankless.
So, if one should not depend on others for love and support,
where does the deaconess' strength and love come from to serve
God's people? He does not ask us to serve alone, but rather
"Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies
[emphasis mine] so that in every way God receives glory
through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11). It is God who supplies
the strength! The only source is the Lord, brought tangibly to
us in Word and Sacrament. We are free to flee to His infinite
mercy, to His throne of grace. As we commit our concerns and
burdens to God in prayer, He promises to hear us. He renews
our spirit and forgives our sins daily in Baptism.
Sometimes the rewards of service, according to our standards,
will come few and far between. But we keep our eyes on the
goal we run for, heaven, "casting all our care upon Him."
Deaconess Kristin Wassilak
Director of the Deaconess Program
Concordia University
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"WHEN I GROW UP TO BE A
REAL DEAC ..."
"I want to work with everybody who's at the extremes, the
elderly and little children. I'd also like to play the organ
and do the music for a church. And just be there for people at
the church." Senior Holly Flandermeyer
"I'd like to to be in a parish and I want to be available to
the pastor and the congregation as they need me. As a
deaconess I'll be able to serve in many ways, from teaching,
to visiting, from working with the youth to working with the
elderly. Anything from the most mundane to the most exciting.
What I like about being a deaconess is that I'm not confined
to one area." Graduate student Elizabeth Posey
"I'd like to be in a parish visiting the hospitalized and
shut-in. I'd also like to do some teaching and leading Bible
studies. I'm also interested in working with children and
women's groups, and being involved in evanglism . "
senior Martha Marquardt
"I would like to work on writing devotional material and Bible
studies in Spanish. I'd also like to work in a parish but be
involved in outreach . "
seminary Master of Arts student Theresa Rupholdt
"I would like to brighten others lives by bringing the Word of
God into their lives, and giving them the peace and security
that His love brings."
Freshman Renee Grote luesch en
"I hope to work within a congregation, perhaps one with a
hispanic population; however, I'm not closing any doors. God
has the ability to lead a person down any road He chooses . "
sophomore Cecilia Lee
"I'm interested in both parish and institutional work. I like
the parish because of the variety of age groups, and I enjoy
working with kids. But institutional work and outreach really
interests me too. I'm just leaving it in God's hands . "
junior Judy Evangelista
THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED:
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A DEACONESS SERVICE
Little did I know when I graduated from Concordia College -
St. Paul, Minnesota, and began teaching that God was leading
me to a service with the developmentally disabled.
I remember the joys and rewards of teaching in our parochial
schools, but the rewards I am receiving now are so much more.
When I entered Concordia College - River Forest in 1989 to
earn my deaconess certification, I thought I would be serving
in a parish. But God, in His wisdom, led me to Bethesda
Lutheran Home - Watertown, Wisconsin, for my internship to
work with the developmentally disabled. I can honestly say
that I fell in love with this population and did not want to
leave Bethesda.
God allowed me to return to Bethesda for a short time to gain
experience in another area of service with this population
which would lead me to accept a call to Good Shepherd Lutheran
Home of the West in Littleton, Colorado .
My service as Coordinator of Religious Activities at Good
Shepherd has me involved in many areas: teaching Bible classes
(at least twelve a week) for 80 physically and mentally
disabled, working with the sixteen congregations which they
attend, recruiting and training volunteers to assist with
teaching weekly Bible classes in the various residential
settings, and representing Good Shepherd Lutheran Home as I
speak to congregaitons and organizations about our service
together. Of course, there are a multitude of duties that go
along with all this.
When I arrived at Good Shepherd in January, 1994, the process
of downsizing the main facility was in full-swing. The
forty-bed facility had been reduced to twenty residents as
five group homes had been opened. On January 19, 1995, the
tenth, and for now, final group home was opened.
In the early 80's the program extended to Ft. Collins,
Colorado, where we currently have an eight-bed group home, a
three-bed PCA home, an apartment program, and a PCA host home
for two individuals.
In the Littleton area I am responsible for the spiritual
nurture of sixty-six residents and fourteen in Ft. Collins,
living in 27 residential sites. This includes, not only
teaching weekly Bible classes, but also insuring the
opportunity for each individual to attend the church of
his/her choice, encouraging the congregations involved to have
Sunday Bible Classes for them, assimilating the individuals
into the life of their church, and coordinating the
transporting of our residents to the various churches.
I am currently recruiting volunteers from our cooperating
congregaitons and other metropolitan area churches to assist
in teaching the weekly Bible classes. Coinciding with this, I
will be conducting teacher training workshops for these
volunteers.
My service is not only with the residents. It also extends to
our staff and the residents' families .
I conduct a monthly inservice with new staff and on-gong
inservice with all staff at least once a year.
Pastoral care extends to the residents, their families, and
staff as I make hospital calls and become a "listening ear"
for those who need to talk.
I am also involved with the parents' organization, Friends of
Good Shepherd, and the Good Shepherd Women's Auxilary.
In my position as Coordinator of Religious Activities so much
is involved. My joys and rewards come from working with our
residents. How they love to hear about Jesus' love for them
and sing praises.
Hearing Les say, as he looks at a picture of Jesus, "That's
Jesus Christ my Savior," fills me with awe as I see and hear
the simple unquestioning faith. And the rewards come as I
hear, "I love you, Doris, for helping me read the Bible and
understand it."
God has truly blessed me with a service that has its rewards
in the smiles, handshakes, and hugs of the residents and the
wonderful support of the parents and all others associated
with Good Shepherd Lutheran Home of the West.
I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him through my
deaconess Service.
Deaconess Doris Wilaby is coordinator of Religious Activities
at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home of the West in Littleton,
Colorado
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THE DEACONESS PROGRAM
Undergraduate (5 years)
General Studies 68 quarter hrs
Major: Theology 48 quarter hrs
Minor (choose 1): 32 quarter hrs
Church Music,Psychology, Social Service,
Sociology Concentration (choose 1 or 2):
16 quarter hrs Counseling, Music, Early
Childhood Education, Urban Service,
Education, YouthWork, Hispanic American
Service, Modern or Classical Languages,
or Student Developed
Deaconess Specialization 16 quarter hrs
Internship (1 year) 36 quarter hrs
Electives
Field Work 150 clock hours, 2 sites
Certification (2-3 years)
(for those who hold a degree and wish to
concurrently pursue a Master's Degree;
previous course work may apply)
Theology 48 quarter hrs
Church Music, Sociology,
Psychology, or Soc. Service 32 quarter hrs
Concentration 16 quarter hrs
Counseling, Music, Early Childhood
Education, Urban Service, Youth WOK
Hispanic American Service, Modem or
Classical Languages, or Student
Developed
Deaconess Specialization 16 quarter hrs
Internship (I year) 36 quarter hrs
Field Work 150 clock hours, 2 sites
Colloquv (varies)
(non-traditional students; special policies apply;
every student has a different program; previous
courses apply)
Areas of previous or assigned study will include:
*Theology
*Supportive course work/professional service
in: Church Music, Sociology, Nursing,
Teaching, Psychology, or Social Service,
etc.
*Competence in an area of Concentration
such as: Counseling, Music, Early
Childhood Education, Urban Service,
Education, Youth Work, Hispanic
American Service, Modem or Classical
Language, or Student Developed
*Four Deaconess Specialization Courses
*Internship (1 year)
*150 clock hours of Field Work
*Mentor relationship
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PLEASE PRAY FOR
THE THREE DEACONESS INTERNS
Carol Goldfish
Trish O'Dell
Judy Pfotenhauer
CONGRATULATIONS
to Ruth Drum, Suzanne Fingerle, Kristin Geske, Charlene Hahn,
Diane Philipp, and Elizabeth Posey, who were recently accepted
into the deaconess colloquy program. God's Blessings!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
1995 marks the 15th anniversary of the deaconess program at
Concordia University, River Forest. We thank God for the over
65 women who have graduated from this program. We also ask Him
for His continued blessings on past, present, and future
deaconess students and on the program's current director,
Deaconess Kristin Wassilak.
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THE DEACONESS
PROGRAM FUND
The Deaconess Program Fund provides for special public
relations efforts, spiritual life retreats for the deaconess
students, and unique projects of the program.
Thank you to these recent donors:
Bay Shore Lutheran Church, Miami, FL
Dorcas Ladies Aid, Northlake, IL
Dorcas Ladies Aid, Oak Park, IL
Mr. & Mrs. A. Hambacher, Claremont, NC
Holy Cross Lutheran Church of the Deaf, Delavan, WI
Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Niagra Falls, NY
Mount Calvary, Janesville, WI
St. John Lutheran Ladies Aid, Marysville, OH
St. John Lutheran Church, Plymouth, WI
St. John's Lutheran Ladies Aid, May City, IA
St. Paul's Lutheran Ladies Aid, Strasburg, IL
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Munster, IN
Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstatd, IL
Trinity Lutheran Church Rantoul, Hilbert, WI
Zion Lutheran Church, Glenbeulah, WI
Zion Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN
DEACONESS CLARA STREHLOW
ENDOWMENT FUND (DCSEF)
The Deaconess Clara Strehlow Endowment Fund provides
financial support to deaconess students. Donations
remain part of the capital; scholarships are awarded
from the interest. Your gift keeps on giving year
after year!
Thank you to these supporters:
Rev. & Mrs. Bernard L. Danner,
Oak Park, IL
Dcs. Crystal C. Van Dyke, Watertown, WI
Ladies Aid Society, Mt. Greenwood,
Chicago, IL
THANKS FOR ASKING
Listed below are pastors and churches that have asked for
more information about deaconesses and the deaconess
program. We also hope to hear from you again soon!
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Vicar D. Peterson, Crete, NE
Faith Lutheran Church, Rev. Paul Wagner, Groton, CT
Good Shepherd Lutheran, Rev. Robert Sorenson, Berwyn, IL
Grace Lutheran Church, Rev. Stephan Starke, Middletown, CT
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lawrence, KS
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sedalia, MO
St. Andrew Lutheran, Rev. James Brammeier, Park Ridge, IL
St. John Lutheran Church, Rev. Orlen Lapp, Pembroke, ON
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rev. David Brighton, Parkersburg, WV
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SEMINARY STUDENTS
Consider doing a paper on the history of deaconess service
in the church. The St. Louis and Fort Wayne libraries both
have many fine resources!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Internship Placement April (day TBA)
Concordia Deaconess Conference,
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
April 20-22
Graduation, Concordia University,
River Forest May 20
If you would like more information...
If you have comments or questions...
Contact: Concordia University
Deaconess Program
7400 Augusta
River Forest, IL 60305-1499
708/209-3136
