Discernment Course
January 12-21, 2010 hosted at Luther Seminary - "Diaconal Ministry: Discernment, History and Formation"
Each year, the Deaconess Community and a rotating seminary offer a course designed for those interested in learning more about the history of "diakonia".
The course covers the history of diakonia through the centuries, its present expressions, and its future possibilities. The course allows students time to examine and discern their own call to ministry, as well as provide opportunity for individual and communal spiritual formation. Students will explore the development of spiritual disciplines essential to all Christians, particularly to rostered leaders. It offers a full seminary credit particularly in Church History.
Overview of the course
This J-Term course will introduce participants to the historical, theological and social contexts of diaconal ministry throughout the history of the church. Emphasis will be placed on the discernment process for those who may be considering the possibility of their own calling to ministry. Participants will explore the development and practice of spiritual disciplines essential to all Christians, particularly to rostered leaders. The examination of past and present expressions of the Church's ministries and the expectation and anticipation of future possibilities is also an important component of the course. The course is offered for three credit hours of academic credit.
Instructors
The course will be taught by Dr. Susan McArver, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and Dr. Dirk Lange, Luther Seminary.
Cost
Tuition costs for all participants will be paid by the Deaconess Community.
Admission
Those who are not currently students at Luther Seminary are invited to complete the online application for admission form, (no fee when done online), indicating that their status is as an ATS guest student. Please include undergraduate transcripts or a letter from the Academic Dean of the seminary where you are currently enrolled. Application deadline: October 12, 2009.
Housing
Short term housing is available on campus in Stubb Hall, but is very limited. You are responsible for are responsible for reserving your own housing for this course — please do so early! Please contact: stubhr@luthersem.edu.
Registration
J-Term registrations are accepted from November 5-20, 2009. Course credit can be negotiated between the registrar at Luther and the registrar at your home institution. Once you are admitted you will be sent information for completing your registration online.
Registration Form 
For more information on this course, please contact Ginger Barfield at registrar@luthersem.edu or 651-641-3473.