Diaconal Ministry Formation Event

Components
A variety of learning and community building experiences will include lectures, reading, writing, small group and individual reflection, field trips to diaconal ministry sites and optional tutorials. Worship, spiritual formation and community life are central to the experience. The primary faculty members come from the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries. Guest lecturers and ecumenical guests are also involved. There is time for relaxation and touring in the area during the weekend.

Purpose
The formation event is considered integral to the preparation of diaconal ministry candidates. Ideally the formation event precedes seminary study and will assist the candidate in shaping their course of study and field experience. Candidates will:

• Study and explore the biblical, theological, historical and ecumenical roots and expressions of diaconal ministry;
• Examine current diaconal approaches and models for ministry in a variety of settings through study and contextual site visits;
• Gain deeper understandings of Lutheran theology as it relates to all forms of ministry, call and ecclesiology; [and]
• Develop spiritual insights and disciplines for active ministry through worship, prayer and group processes designed for spiritual formation, development of community and mutual vision for diaconal ministry (accepted by the Board of the Division for Ministry, Oct. 22-25, 1995).

Requirements
Positive Entrance
A positive entrance decision from a synod candidacy committee is required prior to attendance at the formation event. However, an application to attend the 2008 Diaconal Ministry Formation Event may be submitted prior to an Entrance Interview. The Vocation and Education unit and the ELCA Center for Diaconal Ministry must receive a copy of a positive Entrance Decision prior to a participant's arrival at the formation event. Currently rostered associates in ministry or pastors must apply as a candidate for diaconal ministry.

Residence
All participants are in residence at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg for housing and meals during the two-week event and attend all components.

Participation
Participation in the entire event is required. Plan for complete focus on the event; personal business or work assignments will be difficult to accomplish.  Family members are asked not to attend so that the participant can fully engage in this event.

Reading
A pre-event required reading list will be sent to all applicants with registration forms.

Academic Credit
Participants may earn three academic graduate semester credit hours from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. To receive credit, a 15 - 25 page paper is required following the completion of the event. This paper is due by March 1, 2009. Specific information regarding this paper will be sent with registration materials in October.

Expenses
Tuition for the event will not exceed $1,500 for those receiving only the certificate of attendance and $2,200 for those receiving the certificate and academic credit. Room and board is $500. Travel and books are additional. A $100 non-refundable registration fee (applied toward tuition) must be submitted with the separate registration forms by December 1, 2008.

In summary costs for the candidate participating in the 2008 Diaconal Ministry Formation Event for the: Certificate of attendance $1,500 + room and board $500 = $2,000. Academic credit $2,200 + room and board $500 = $2,700.

Those enrolled in a seminary or academic institution should check with their financial aid office about financial assistance (formation event costs may be included in a student's annual budget).

Travel
Transportation arrangements to Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg are provided from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) for those arriving Saturday, January 3 or before noon Sunday January 4. Transportation from Gettysburg to BWI is provided on Friday, January 16 following the last activity of the event. Scheduled flight departure must be after 3 p.m.

A travel equalization fund is available. Any participant whose travel expense exceeds $200 is eligible for up to $250 in travel equalization funds. Applications for travel equalization are available during the formation event - please bring a copy of your ticket receipt. Car mileage requests are computed at 58.5 cents per mile or the equivalent flight rate whichever is lower.

Application
Completion of a DMFE application is not an acceptance of participation agreement or final registration form. Registration forms are mailed the first week in October to DMFE applicants. All registration forms relating to this event must be completed and returned prior to December 1, 2008. 

Download the application  . Note: The application is in Formatta Filler format; click here if you need to download this free software program.

Application Deadline is October 15, 2008