Discernment Course

January 8-17, 2008 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 course introduces students to the historical, theological, and social contexts in which the work of diaconal ministry has been expressed throughout the church’s history and asks how that history continues to impact the present. The course also provides significant opportunity for the development of spiritual disciplines and vocational discernment.

Instructors
The course will be taught by Dr. Susan McArver, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and Rev. John Mann, Luther Seminary

Admission
Those students interested in the course who are not current students at Luther Seminary are invited to complete the application for admission as a non-degree student. Online applications do not include an application fee. Along with this application, undergraduate transcripts or a letter from the Academic Dean or Registrar of the seminary where you are currently studying indicating that you are a student in good standing will complete the application process. You must meet the admission requirements of Luther Seminary to be admitted for this course. The deadline for J-term applications is November 1, 2007.

Housing
Short term housing is available on campus in Stub Hall. Click here for reservation and cost information. You are responsible for reserving your own housing for this course — please do so early as space is limited.

Registration
Registration for J-Term is tentatively set for Oct 25-Nov 16. Once you are admitted you will be given instructions for online registration. All tuition for every student registered for this course will be paid for by The Deaconess Community of the ELCA. Limited space is available in the course with priority given to deaconess candidates. Course credit transfer can be negotiated with the registrar at Luther Seminary and with the registrar at your home institution.

For more information on this course, please contact The Deaconess Community or Luther Seminary.

Do you know someone that might be interested in this course? Download a flyer