DEACONESS STUDIES
DEACON DEACONESS STUDIES Purpose Deaconess Studies at Concordia Seminary is designed for Christian women who seek to further their knowledge of theology and its ministry and diaconal applications so they can serve in a congregation or institution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as a deaconess. There are five paths of study which Concordia Seminary offers, which lead to certification as a Minister of Religion-Commissioned, Deaconess, in the LCMS. The two residential paths are described below. Three other paths are available, via distance and extension education, from the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT), the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS), and the Deaf Institute of Theology (DIT).
in a Lutheran congregation for not less than two years prior to enrollment.
College Preparation Applicants to Deaconess Studies ordinarily must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). The degree should represent a broad liberal arts background and should include courses in English composition, writing, and speech. It also should include courses in the humanities, psychology, social sciences, natural sciences, and religion. Applicants also may find it helpful to take at least one foreign language. Entry-Level Competencies All students admitted to Deaconess Studies must demonstrate entry-level competence in the following areas: Old Testament content, New Testament content, and basic Christian doctrine. Competence is demonstrated by passing either the applicable Entry-Level Competence Examinations (ELCEs) by April 30 or the corresponding preparatory courses. The Admissions Department will provide information to all applicants regarding administration of the ELCEs.
M.A. in Deaconess Studies Students studying for the M.A. in Deaconess Studies acquire a general competence in the study of theological studies and the practice of diaconal ministry. No major or minor areas are required but there are ample opportunities to specialize in specific areas. Certification is granted to students who fulfill the program requirements, which include 54 hours of academic study inclusive of resident field education and internship, and display competence and fitness for diaconal ministry. The M.A. in Deaconess Studies is a first professional degree.
The following standards apply to the ECLEs: • One may begin taking the content ELCEs May 1 of the year prior to enrollment, and the language ELCEs August 1 in the year prior to enrollment. • A student ordinarily will be afforded as many as three opportunities to pass each ELCE. After an unsuccessful attempt to pass an ELCE, an interval of 21 days must pass before another attempt to pass the same ELCE. This means that fewer attempts will be available to a student as the April 30 deadline approaches. • A student who has passed the Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine ELCEs by April 30 may register for one of the biblical language classes in the Summer Quarter; Greek is usually taken first. • A student who has not passed the Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine ELCEs by April 30 should register for any applicable preseminary remedial courses in the Summer Quarter.
Graduate School M.A. with Deaconess Certification Women seeking certification as a deaconess may also apply to the Graduate School during their second year of their diaconal studies and, upon acceptance, expand their program requirements by choosing a major in practical, systematic, or exegetical theology in a 60-hour degree program. The requirements of the Graduate School M.A. are to be fulfilled in addition to resident field education and internship. ADMISSION Eligibility Admission to Deaconess Studies ordinarily is contingent on the student’s membership in a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or of a church body in fellowship with the Synod. An applicant is to have been involved actively as a communicant member 38