LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 218

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218 HIGHER EDUCATION

courses offered through Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, Hispanic
Institute of Theology, and Concordia University—River Forest:

18 theology courses at the diaconate level (36 semester hours)

3 theology courses at the seminary level (6 semester hours)

3 deaconess courses in theology (8 semester hours)

field experience (4 semesters)

internship (1 year full-time)

New standards may include courses to ensure professional ex-
pectations (in communication skills, for example), but without the
requirement of a degree.

The current Bylaw 6.129 c does allow for “two-year renewable
approval for deaconess ministry” for women without a degree, but

this provision has proven insufficient because some ministry posi-
tions require full deaconess certification.

This proposal originates from the Coordinator of the Deaconess
Program at Concordia University. River Forest, IL. It has the sup-
port of the institution and the synodical Colloquy Committee for
Deaconess Ministry.

Note: The synodical Deaconess Colloquy Committee is com-
posed of the First Vice-President of the LCMS and the President
of Concordia University, River Forest, together with the institu-
tional colloquy committee (University College Dean, Theology
Dept. Chair, elected faculty member, Deaconess Coordinator, and
two active deaconesses appointed by the President, Concordia Uni-
versity—River Forest).

The convention is asked to adopt the following actions:

!. That Bylaw 6.129 ¢ (1998 Handbook, p. 119) be changed as
noted below.

2. That the Secretary of the Synod be directed to bring the By-
laws into conformity with this resolution.

PRESENF/PROPOSED WORDING
Bylaw 6.129 ¢

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institu-
uon. Exceptions to this requirement may be made by the Collo-
quy Committee for Deaconess Ministry, in consultation with the
institution's colloquy committee, for applicants for whom ob-
taining a bachelor’s degree is deemed not to be feasible. A-eet

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Board for Higher Education/
Concordia University System

5-35

To Establish Deaconess Programs at Both Seminaries

WHEREAS, Deaconesses have served for many generations in
parishes, institutions, and recognized service organizations within
The Lutheran Church-—Missouri Synod, both in this country and
in mission fields throughout the world, and the need for dea-
conesses continues; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod recognizes
the office of deaconess as a church work professional and as such
has made provision for this office in its Constitution and Bylaws;
and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod authorized
a deaconess training program at Concordia College in River Forest,
IL (now Concordia University, River Forest), both as an under-
graduate and graduate program; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church-——Missouri Synod offers pas-
tora] training at two seminaries. teacher training at six of its uni-

2001 Convention Workbook

versities, and director of Christian education at five, but has only
one location for deaconess training and certification; and

WHEREAS, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, are well-equipped to train dea-
conesses together with pastors, recognizing the uniqueness of both
the pastoral ministry and deaconess service, and where the proper
roles of each could be articulated by seminary faculty; therefore be
it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod autho-
rize graduate level training programs tor deaconess education and
certification at both Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne,
and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, beginning with the 2001-2002
school year.

Angelica, Allen Park. MI; St. John, Maryville, IL; Grace,
Versailles, MO

5-36

To Establish Deaconess Program
at Fort Wayne Seminary

WHEREAS, Women have served as deaconesses in the church for
many centuries; and

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has had dea-
conesses in parishes, institutions, and recognized service organiza-
tions both in mission fields around the world and in various loca-
tions in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Our Synod has authorized a deaconess training pro-
gram at Concordia University, River Forest, IL, both on the under-
graduate and on the graduate level; and

WHEREAS, Our Synod at present has only one location, River
Forest, for all deaconess training in contrast to two seminaries for
training pastors, five locations for training Directors of Christian
Education, and eight locations for training teachers; and

WHEREAS, The faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort

Wayne, is well prepared to add the training of deaconesses on a

graduate level to that of the training of pastors, while recognizing
the God-given uniqueness of the pastoral office and also the great
bencfits of deaconess service in the church; and

WHEREAS, The need for graduate-level deaconesses has in-
creased in our many-faceted world in the past severa} decades;
therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod estab-
lish a graduate-level program for deaconess education and certifi-
cation at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, beginning
with the school year of 2001-2002.

Shepherd by the Lakes, Syracuse, IN; Concordia, Mound
City, MO; St. Peter, Craig, MO; St. John, Corning, MO;
Zion, Corunna, IN; Grace, Grand Island, NE

5-37
To Commend DELTO Program

WHEREAS, The DELTO program was created to provide educa-
tion leading toward ordination for men already serving in Word
and Sacrament ministry who serve and desire to remain in settings
in which it would not be possible to relocate to a seminary without
doing harm to the ministry being served; and

WHEREAS, DELTO is not intended to create a second route for
anyone seeking ordination, nor is it intended to bypass the excellent
educational and pastoral formation that takes place on our semi-
nary campuscs, but to be used only when on-site seminary educa-
tion is not possible; therefore be it

Resolved, That the DELTO program be commended and used
according to its intended purpose and not be used to circumvent
the quality education provided by our seminaries for those for
whom the traditional route is possible; and be it further