Diaconal Training

A cluster of congregations within the South Conference of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are committed to reestablishing the ministry of deacons within our local congregations. We are seeking women and men in our congregations who experience a calling to a ministry of servant leadership.

God calls some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11) Some are called to be exhorters, some generous givers, some leaders; some are called to ministries of compassion. (Romans 12:8) The lists of gifts and callings in St. Paul's letters do not exhaust the possibilities. Some are called to be deacons.

Are You Called to the Ministry of Deacon?

We believe God raises up servant leaders to encourage, support and stir up the gifts and ministries of all God's people. Among the leadership ministries within the Body of Christ is the ministry of deacon. A deacon is a called and consecrated leader in the Body of Christ with a vocation oriented to the church's mission in the world.

A deacon serves as a spiritual leader among the faithful providing support to the church's ministry which moves out into the world.

A deacon serves in response to his or her unique calling from God. A deacon may be an evangelist, a worship leader, a care giver, an educational leader, a stewardship leader, a community organizer or some other minister of compassion.

Are you called to be a deacon in your congregation? What is Involved in the Training of Deacons?

One way to test your calling is to enter into our Diaconal Ministry Training. Our training involves two years of instruction. Areas of study include Faith Seeks Understanding (theology), Biblical Foundations, People Who Shaped Our Faith (church history) and Hands of Faith; Fingers of Ministry (seminars on evangelism, stewardship, care giving, youth ministry, Christian education, etc.).