Praise be to God that Pastors and deaconesses will be reaching all corners of the United States (and world) this summer to proclaim the Gospel and serve, as they embark on their new vicarages and internships, placements and Divine Calls. Please keep them in your prayers. They will need all the support they can get as they adjust to unfamiliar settings, people and cultures.

The Deaconess Program at Concordia Theological Seminary is enjoying the remaining weeks of Spring quarter, rounding out its established success of five years at Fort Wayne. Joyfully, we can report that there were 10 women eligible for internships this spring, and all 10 were filled by congregations and institutions. These internships will allow them to learn and better prepare for professional service post graduation, as certified Deaconesses in the LCMS. Further, in CTS tradition, we greatly anticipates the Placement Service for many of this year’s class of interns next Thursday, May 15th, in Kramer Chapel. However, like some seminarians, not every deaconess intern may receive a placement at the ceremonial time. These placements take time and work to cultivate as we educate congregations about the need that these church workers can serve.

One of the delights of my internship this year has been exactly that; educating the Church at large about diaconia and the richness a deaconess can add to the life of it. I don’t think there has been a single person that I have spoken to about deaconess service that didn’t understand its value, and hoped to see more deaconesses serving in their churches someday.

Of course, there are logistical realities when deliberating over calling any church worker. But the first step to creating these opportunities begins with prayer. There is no magic involved. It is simply talking with God and asking for His wisdom in what direction your church should go. Asking your pastor and council members to discuss new church worker possibilities also prepares the way for careful deliberation. But God’s timing, the resources, and right people to be involved in the decision making- not to mention the right person to be called upon to serve- is key in making it all happen. This is how God works and He always answers our prayers. No matter what the outcome, God provides for the needs of His church.

I often think about the Israelites deliverance out of Egypt in the book of Exodus in terms of how God uses people for His glory and our redemption. It was through Moses, who God chose to act on His behalf; but also Aaron and Miriam (Micah 6:4), who helped lead Israel to the Promised Land. This is the very same endeavor of the church today. There will always be needs in the church, and pastors simply cannot and should not shoulder it in entirety. Sharing the responsibility that God has commanded us to do (Gal 5:2), is truly a blessing to all. A deaconess’s goal, just as a pastor’s, is to lead people from their wandering. Outside of the liturgical setting, she points them to the Promised Land [heaven], Jesus Christ, and where He is found in His Word with His Sacraments through teaching the faith, acts of mercy and spiritual care.

If you or your congregation is considering a deaconess, continue to pray about it. Further inquiries can be directed to 260.452.2178, or melissa.degroot@ctsfw.edu.