Purpose

The Deaconess program at Concordia Theological Seminary provides competent women with theological training for professional service in the church in such areas as human care, counseling, visitation, loss/mourning, social ministry, and teaching the faith with and under the direction of the pastoral office. The program provides capable women with in-depth theological education at the master’s level and an appropriate office for the practical use of such theological education in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Admission Requirements

Entering students are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants must be a member of a congregation in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, ordinarily for a minimum of two years prior to admission.

Admission Procedures

1. An application for admission must be submitted, including a $42.00 check ($35-Application fee / $7- Background Review fee).
2. A completed, signed and dated Background Check Authorization form.
3. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor is required.
4. Two additional letters of recommendation must be submitted.
5. The applicant should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the Admission Office by the Registrar of the college(s) previously attended.

Qualified Admission

A“Qualified Admission” may be granted to those applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 2.25, which may indicate that the applicant may be a marginal student and may not be prepared for the demands of the Master of Arts degree program. This qualified admission will consist of the student completing at least three seminary courses. This probationary period will be lifted and full admission status will be granted if, at the completion of the three seminary courses, the student has earned a grade of C or higher in all three courses. This would then demonstrate the student’s ability to meet the basic expectations of the Master of Arts degree program. However, if any of the three courses do not have a grade of C or higher, the student will be discontinued from the Master of Arts degree program.

Degree Requirements

Students must successfully complete 72 (50) quarter hours of course work with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.0 scale.
Students who have 30 or more quarter hours of credit in religion or theology on the bachelor’s or master’s level, from a college or another seminary, will be required to complete the 50 hour program. All other requirements are the same.

Deaconess Field Education

Deaconess students will engage in field education concurrent with seminary studies. During the fall quarter of the first year of studies, each student will be placed in a local congregation under the supervision of the pastor. Depending upon the needs of the congregation, the pastor will assign fieldwork activities with the agreement of the Director.

Typical deaconess fieldwork may include shut-in home visits and/or hospital visits, women’s Bible studies and devotions for women’s group activities, facilitating of youth activities and Bible studies, and children’s Sunday school teaching. Verbatim assignments and discussion will be completed and shared during the Field Education hour.

Deaconess Internship

Following completion of course work, deaconess students are placed in a congregation or institution in a deaconess internship position for a period of one year. This opportunity for application of studies and skills is overseen by the supervising pastor and supported by the Deaconess Internship Coordinator. Evaluations and periodic reviews provide guidance in the professional development and growth process.

Theological and Diaconal Interview

Deaconess students will conclude their studies by engaging in a theological interview with two professors and one deaconess concerning theological and diaconal issues. This interview serves as an evaluation for certification as a deaconess in the LCMS.

Certification and Placement

Deaconess certification is granted by the faculty to students who fulfill program requirements for the Master of Arts and who display dedication and readiness for service as a deaconess. Upon endorsement by the faculty, students are placed into their first call by the Council of Presidents as the Synodical Board of Placement.

Leave of Absence and Withdrawal from the Seminary

M.A.-Deaconess students have their own policies for a leave of absence and for withdrawing from the seminary. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Deaconess Studies.

Completion Requirement

Requirements for the M.A. degree program must be completed within ten years of the student’s admission into the program.

Course Restrictions

Regular M.A. students in the Deaconess program may take those courses that are listed for Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Alternate Routes (A.R.) students if they are listed under the required courses for deaconesses or among the theological electives.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 24 (16) quarter hours of credit may be transferred. All transfer credits must be approved in advance and are determined by the Registrar in consultation with the Academic Dean.