Application Process

Process
A woman must apply and participate in both the Deaconess Community process as well as in her local synod candidacy process. Although the decision to entrance a candidate for the Deaconess Community roster is first made by the Community, a candidate does partner with her congregation, her seminary of choice, and the synodical candidacy committee as she grows in understanding of her call to rostered leadership in the Deaconess Community.

Once a candidate is granted positive entrance by both the Community and Synod, she moves toward the completion of the academic standards as well as participation in Community life and spiritual formation opportunities. At the appropriate time, a woman is welcomed into Community through the Rite of Investiture. Once invested, the woman shares in the responsibilities and privileges of membership and receives the title of Sister as she prepares for internship.

At the conclusion of internship, an Invested Deaconess is usually ready to meet with both the Community and Synod for a final Approval Decision. When final approval of the candidate has been made by the Deaconess Community and the synod’s Candidacy Committee, the woman will be consecrated by the church (ELCA or ELCIC.).

Partners in the process
A woman who discerns a call to diaconal service and the Deaconess Community walks in partnership with the Community’s Vocation and Education Committee, the Director of Vocations, as well as her synodical Candidacy Committee as she prepares academically and spiritually for life as a public minister and member of the Deaconess Community.

I Want To Apply
If you feel called to serve as a Deaconess please contact us for further information and an application packet. We would welcome an opportunity to share in conversation, answer your questions, or connect you with your synod and other partners as you continue to discern your call.