Diaconal Ministers are called to interpret and carry the needs and cries of the world to the church, so that the church might heed its call to diakonia by serving the world with the Gospel of Christ Jesus. When we respond to those in need, we reveal the will and heart of God. God is made known in the response of our hearts.
Diaconal ministers serve in a variety of ministry settings, bridging the gap between church and world. Some serve as chaplains in hospital and nursing home settings, while others make Christ known through service in a congregational setting. Still others serve at the borders of society in various Lutheran or other social service settings.
Below is just a sampling of some of the varied stories submitted by diaconal ministers that will give you a glimpse of how serving as a diaconal minister is unique to each setting, while fulfilling the ELCA's mission to make Christ known around the world. Additional stories will be published in the upcoming months. We hope you will check back again soon to read more about the varied and interesting work being done by the diaconal community.
Chaplaincy Call Story
Called to care: a diaconal minister as chaplain. Not all calls are into congregational settings, as this DM learned in her journey. Meet Patty Lee, Chaplain at North Memorial Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chaplaincy Call Story
When do teaching and care-giving skills come together in a call? This diaconal minister's story brings a varied background to both in her ministry. Meet Esther Schmidt, Chaplain, Agnesian Healthcare in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Churchwide / Synod Call Story
What do we want to be when we grow up? One diaconal minister answers that question with a label she never expected. Meet Eva Creydt Schulte, Community Organizer, Church Community Organization, Kansas City, Missouri.
Congregational Call Story
The roads all traveled ... many years later: east, west and in-between, this DM will go where she has been led. Meet Audrey Forbes, called to Calvary Lutheran Church in Mt. Airy, Maryland.
Congregational Call Story
Where now, Lord? This diaconal minister "comes home," even as her next stop is Japan. Meet Jennifer Vasquez, Diaconal Minister and Mission Developer, Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, Washington
Counseling Call Story
A straight-up (non-diagonal) look at diaconal ministry. This diaconal minister tells his story as a roadmap for considering a diaconal calling. Meet Nicholas Wilkens, Director, Guadalupe Valley Christian Counseling Center, Seguin, Texas.
Discernment Story
Twists and turns describe this DM's path to consecration. Meet Lisa Watson-Hill, Youth Minister, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cumberland, Maryland.
Educational Call Story
Have guitar, will travel? Not quite. But this diaconal minister is helping others discover their vocations and callings. Meet Melissa James, Program Associate, Wartburg College, Waverly Iowa.
Faith and Science Call Story
The candidacy and seminary experience provided the Holy Spirit the means of direction for this DM…combining a science background with religion to address “big issues” in a unique call. Meet David Glover, project administrator for the Zygon Center for Religion and Science in Chicago, Illinois.
Social Service Agency Call Story
From nursing to wellness - "reshaping the clay." This diaconal minister's journey of personal growth and callings is transforming her path. Meet Tammy Devine, Director of Wellness, ELCA Board of Pensions, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Social Work Call Story
Social work experience and diaconal ministry: a great match for this DM. What started as a calling to ministry has led from missions to a school. Meet Linda Sprick Kruse, Vice Principal for St. John’s Lutheran School and Daycare in Springfield, Ohio.
Volunteer Corp Call Story
Social justice and the mission of diaconal ministry moved this DM to action…and the Lutheran Volunteer Corps provided the means to bridge church and community. Meet Joanne Otte, Coordinator for the Chicago/Milwaukee Chapter of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Chicago, Illinois.