Criteria

Diaconal ministers must be fully prepared to meet the following criteria:

Knowledge and understanding of the Word of God
A Lutheran understanding of the Gospel
Knowledge and understanding of the Lutheran Confessions
Theological reflection on issues of faith and life
Personal spiritual formation and ministry identity
Communication and planning skills necessary for effective witness, both verbally and in action
Specific training and skill in an identified area of service

To assist the diaconal ministry candidate’s preparation to meet these criteria, the candidate will:

Complete a theological degree at the master's level at an ELCA seminary OR at another accredited seminary, in affiliation with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (Pennsylvania)
Complete 700 Hours of specialized internship
Attend the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event
Complete 40 hours of spiritual direction, with 10 of those hours one-on-one with a certified spiritual director
Complete an ELCA Vocation and Education unit project
Fulfill all candidacy requirements