About the Deaconess Certification
The Deaconess Certification program provides women who have a master’s degree in theology with the opportunity to study at an advanced and formative level so that they may be certified as deaconesses. Students who successfully fulfill the requirements of the Deaconess Certification program and are members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) may pursue certification and commissioning in the LCMS.
Admission Requirements
Because of the doctrinal position of the LCMS, all candidates for the Deaconess Certification program must be women. If you are a man who would like to enter full-time service in the Church, consider our pastoral programs.
- Master’s degree in theology from an accredited LCMS institution or an accredited institution of a church body in fellowship with the LCMS.
- Minimum 2.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Member of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation for at least two years prior to admission.
- One pastoral recommendation
- Two personal recommendations
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary academic work
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Interview with the Director or Associate Director of the Deaconess Program
The Director will notify you of the date and time of the interview.
Students may select a residential or distance program for their Deaconess Certification.
DEACONESS CERTIFICATION – RESIDENTIAL
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 3 HOURS
History of the Office of Deaconess
DEACONESS COURSES – 24 HOURS
Diaconal Counseling
Deaconess Internship
Deaconess Formation Forum
Theological Ethics
Ministry to the Sick & Dying A, B
Practicum I, II
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 6 HOURS
Theology of Mercy and Diaconal Care I, II
TOTAL – 33 HOURS
DEACONESS CERTIFICATION – DISTANCE
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 6 HOURS
History of the Deaconess Vocation in the Early Church
History of the Deaconess in the Modern Era
DEACONESS COURSES – 24 HOURS
Diaconal Counseling
Deaconess Internship
Deaconess Formation Forum
Theological Ethics
Ministry to the Sick & Dying A, B
Practicum I, II
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 3 HOURS
Theology of Mercy
TOTAL – 33 HOURS
A Deaconess Certification graduate
- embodies the mercy of Christ
- exemplifies faithful participation in the church
- respects and supports the spiritual authority given to pastors
- understands the scriptural roots of the deaconess vocation
- articulates the Gospel to those in need of mercy
- fosters fellowship
- connects the church to its community
- reflects Christ’s compassion and care
Cost of Attendance (COA)
You can see a breakdown of the costs associated with this program by clicking here. Interested in using our cost of attendance (COA) calculator? Click the button below to get started.