The Office of Diaconal Ministry – Voluntary Guidelines
Table of Contents
Preamble
Introduction.
CALC’s Understanding of Lay Ministry
The Office of the Deacon in the New Testament
Qualities of the Deacon
Elders and Deacons.
CALC’s Mandate
Divinely Instituted
A Congregation’s Call is God’s Call
Roster
Authority
Consecration Defined
Areas of Service
Personal Attributes
Expectations
Educational Qualifications
Covenant to Serve Scripturally and Confessionally
Calling a Deacon
Calling a Diaconal Minister in Training.
1. Preamble. The delegates to the 2017 Annual General Convention of the Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations (CALC) approved, and our congregations ratified, amendments to our association’s constitution and bylaws, specifically the addition of Section 7 to Article 8 of our constitution, which established the office of the Deacon or Diaconal Minister, together with guidelines for the training, roster and discipline of Diaconal Ministers.
2. Introduction. Today, as in the early church, the role of a deacon may encompass a variety of services. The role of deacon and the services encompassed within that role, differs from denomination to denomination. In general, however, deacons function as servants, ministering to the body in practical ways. CALC’s understanding of the role of the Deacon and the variety of services are set forth below. However, before proceeding further with the office of the deacon, it is important to understand CALC’s teaching on lay ministry.
3. CALC’s Understanding of Lay Ministry.
CALC’s policy on lay ministry may be summarized as follows.
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5)
Lutherans believe all Christians are royal priests and priestesses, there is no distinction. The spiritual sacrifices we offer through Christ are: to teach, to preach and to proclaim the Word of God, to baptize, to consecrate or administer Communion, to bind and loose sins, to live sacrificial lives, to pray for others and to judge all doctrines and spirits.
CALC believes and confesses that for the purpose of good order within the congregation, these functions, including the administration of holy communion should be conducted publicly by one who is called and ordained. However, if an ordained pastor is not available, congregational executive officers, church councils or congregations can appoint qualified individuals to preach, baptize and administer holy communion in the congregation.
4. The Office of the Deacon in the New Testament.
The term deacon comes from the Greek word diákonos which is typically translated servant or minister. The word diákonos appears about 29 times in the New Testament. Acts 6:1-6 describe the beginning of the office of the deacon. In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said,
“It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
These verses testify that the office of deacon was developed primarily to minister to the physical needs of the members of the body of Christ. In the weeks and months following Pentecost, the church had grown by leaps and bounds. Growing pains were inevitable. Groups within the ever growing and expanding church were being overlooked. The Apostles were initially involved in decisions relating to the distribution of alms and the food served at the dinner table. The Apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit to take positive action which would permit them to focus on prayer and ministry. The Apostles gave the congregation the authority to select seven men who served as deacons. The Apostles affirmed and blessed the congregation’s work in discerning and appointing the first seven deacons by laying hands on the seven men. In Romans 16:1-2, the Apostle Paul wrote:
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
As a consequence many women have been appointed and consecrated as deacons in the Church.
5. Qualities of the Deacon. The New Testament does not spell out with specificity the responsibilities or duties of the deacon. However, the new Testament does speak to the qualities displayed by the deacon. The Apostle Paul described the qualities of the deacon in 1 Timothy 3:8-13
In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
6. Elders and Deacons. The biblical qualities of deacons are very similar to that of elders, but there is a clear distinction in office. In his Letter to Titus, Paul added the following in reference to the office of the Elder: He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9) For this reason elders have been regarded as spiritual leaders or shepherds of the church. They serve as pastors and teachers and also provide general oversight on financial, organizational, and spiritual matters. Thus practical ministry of deacons in the church is vital, freeing elders to focus on prayer, studying God's Word, and pastoral care. The foregoing notwithstanding, the role of two of the first seven deacons went beyond waiting on tables.
Stephen: The deacon Stephan was described as: “…. a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8) His bold proclamation of the Gospel in word and deed got Stephen in trouble with the Jewish authorities. He was arrested and charged with blasphemy against Moses and God. He was taken before the highest court in Judaism. False witnesses were introduced against him. He stood his ground and upheld the faith. His accusers were blinded to the truth he spoke. He was stoned to death as the Church’s first martyr. “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 6:59-60)
Philip: Following Stephen’s stoning, the deacon Philip and other members of the church fled Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit encouraged Phillip to go south. He preached fearlessly in the towns and cities he traveled to. Many came to believe and were baptized. When the Church began to grow under Philip’s evangelistic work, the Apostles went to visit the new congregations he had established. The Holy Spirit called Phillip even further south. While on the road to Gaza he met the Ethiopian eunuch. The Holy Spirit used Philip’s witness to Jesus Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, to inspire the eunuch to be baptized. (See Acts 8:4-40)
7. CALC’s Mandate.
The mission of our Association includes assisting member congregations in the training and discipline of a diaconal ministry. Diaconal Ministers being servants who minister to the body of Christ in practical ways. (Section 4.2.2 of Article 5 of our Constitution). Our Association’s primary mandate is therefore to establish voluntary guidelines and processes for the training and discipline of Diaconal Ministers for service in our congregations. To this end our Association has prepared these voluntary guidelines and established voluntary programs and procedures for: the instruction, training, mentorship, consecration, installation, rostering and discipline of Diaconal Ministers.
8. Divinely Instituted. We believe, trust and confess that God instituted the office of deacon for the purpose of bringing the Word to and serving His people in order that they may come to saving faith. (Acts 6:1-7, 8:4-8; 8:26-40).
9. A Congregation’s Call is God’s Call. We believe, trust and confess that a congregation’s choosing, electing or appointing a candidate to the office of the Diaconal Ministry is a call from God. God’s call is much more than an inner conviction or belief held by a candidate that God wants the candidate to be a deacon. The inner conviction does not make that candidate a deacon; rather, it is the external election or call of the church that makes any candidate a deacon (Acts 6:3-6). Without the mediation of a call by a congregation, a candidate’s service as a deacon would be self-appointed service to God and that can be a form of idolatry. We believe, trust and confess that God calls both men and women to the office of the Diaconal Ministry.
10. Roster. All consecrated Diaconal Ministers of this Association called by a CALC congregation, or the Board of Elders acting for all of our congregations, shall be listed on the Roster of Diaconal Ministers maintained by our Association. They shall remain on said roster as long as they serve a CALC congregation or an extended ministry approved by CALC and are in good standing.
11. Authority. CALC’s governing documents declare and affirm that each Member and Associate Member congregation has both the freedom and authority to call a diaconal ministry its own choosing and the solemn responsibility of discerning any candidate’s aptness for ministry and qualifications for the office of Diaconal Ministry of Word. Each calling congregation must follow the terms of its constitution at every stage in the call process.
12. Consecration Defined. Consecration is defined as the formal ritual in which a candidate for diaconal ministry is “consecrated” – publicly set apart – for the high calling of Deacon in the tradition of the Acts of the Apostles.
13. Areas of Service:
The specialized ministries and areas of service of consecrated Diaconal Ministers may include: [48]
Administration and executive leadership in: congregations; missionary and evangelistic organizations; Christian hospitals and care facilities; Christian orphanages and children’s homes; outdoor ministries and Christian camps; church schools (elementary and post-secondary); Bible Schools; seminaries; or other Christian organizations;
Pastoral care in a congregational setting or through a Christian organization;
Caregiving and visitation in congregational settings;
Parish Nursing, defined as the unique, specialized practice of professional nursing which focuses on the promotion of health within the context of the values, beliefs and practices of a faith community, such as a church, its mission and ministry to its members and the community it serves.
Christian Education in congregations and other Christian Organizations;
Teaching in church schools (elementary and post-secondary), Bible Schools and seminaries; [54]
Leadership in congregational worship and music, which may include proclamation and the administration of the Sacraments if requested by the congregation.
Evangelism and outreach in congregations and other Christian organizations.
Chaplaincy in church schools (elementary and post-secondary), institutions of higher learning (both Christian and secular); hospitals, care facilities, prisons and the military;
Christian counseling, including marriage, family and grief counseling, in a congregational setting or through a Christian organization;
Ministry to youth, families and/or seniors in a congregational setting or through a Christian organization;
Marriage enrichment in a congregational setting or through a Christian organization;
Social work in a congregational setting or through a Christian organization;
Missionary work in a congregational setting or through a Christian organization;
Any other area of ministry approved by a congregation or affirmed by CALC’s Board of Elders.
14. Personal Attributes. Persons rostered as Diaconal Ministers serving CALC congregations should:
Demonstrate a commitment to Christ.
Accept and adhere to the Scriptures as the divinely inspired, revealed, and inerrant Word of God, and joyfully submits to this as the only infallible authority in all matters of life and faith.
Accept and adhere to the common confession of faith and purpose as set forth in Articles 3 and 5 of CALC’s constitution.
Show willingness and ability to serve in response to the needs of the church.
Have academic and practical qualifications for ministry, including leadership abilities and competence in interpersonal relationships.
Exhibit commitment to lead a life worthy of the gospel of Christ and in so doing to be an example in faithful service and holy living.
The calling congregation, or Board of Elders, must ensure that the candidate for Diaconal Ministry has a deep and abiding faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; is biblically and confessionally literate; and an apt teacher. He/she is temperate, honest, and modest. The candidate is deeply committed to his/her family and is an exemplary spouse.
15. Expectations: CALC and its congregations understand the call to diaconal ministry to mean that:
Consecrated deacons, called by God through the congregation, are accountable to the Word of God for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ;
Consecrated deacons serve, teach and proclaim in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Creeds and Confessions of CALC’s statement of faith.
Consecrated deacons are diligent in their study of the Holy Scriptures and in their use of the means of grace. They pray for God’s people, nourish them with the Word and service and at times the Holy Sacraments, and lead them by their own example in faithful service and holy living.
Consecrated deacons are called by God through the congregation as an expression of the church universal, the “Una Sancta” and are not self-chosen or self-appointed and do not select a ministry context independent of the church;
Consecrated deacons are called by God through the congregation for a ministry of servanthood, and not for the exercise of domination or coercive power;
Diaconal ministry is a privilege granted by God through the call of the congregation and is not a right of the individual.
Consecrated deacons voluntarily place themselves under the legitimate authority and discipline of the congregation he or she serves and CALC, and assents to the polity of this association of congregations. All consecrated deacons in CALC should state a clear intention to live and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these expectations.
Consecrated Deacons are expected to adhere to CALC’s policy on marriage and Human Sexuality as defined below.
Consecrated Deacons are expected to adhere to CALC’s statement on Homosexuality in their service in a CALC congregation.
Policy on Marriage. In accordance with our confession of faith, we define marriage as being between one man and one woman.
Statement on Homosexuality.
This Association regards homosexual desires and behaviour as sinful and contrary to God's intent for His children (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Deut. 23:18; Rom. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11). It rejects the contention that homosexual desires, behaviour and/or lifestyle are simply another form of sexuality equally valid with the God given male female pattern. We acknowledge that each person may have a tendency or predisposition to a particular sin, or temptation to which he or she is especially prone. Being tempted is not a sin; acting on the temptation, by indulging in wrongful thoughts, words, or deeds is sinful (James 1:12-15).
We urge Pastors and Congregations to initiate Scriptural teaching: in appropriate situations so as to counter the growing social and cultural approval of homosexual attitudes and mindset. At the same time, we encourage pastors and congregations of this Association to minister redemptively with homosexual persons with whom they come in contact, realizing that each one is a person whom God loves and for whom His Son died. Also, we encourage congregations and pastors to show love and compassion to those who have facilitated, encouraged, enabled or participated in homosexual activities or in its lifestyle, and assure them of God's complete forgiveness to all who repent (2 Cor. 6:11).
Accordingly, we shall not allow the ordination or continuation in ministry of those who advocate the acceptance of homosexual desires, activities or lifestyle. Neither shall we allow the ordination or continuation in ministry as pastors of self-professing or practising homosexuals. All those who advocate such positions, or who profess or practice homosexuality, shall not be allowed to continue in this Association, until there is evidence of repentance and amendment of life.
Further teaching on marriage and human sexuality may be found in our publication entitled: “Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality – Scriptural and Confessional Authority” which can be accessed on the RESOURCES page on CALC’s website.
16. Educational Qualifications.
Diaconal Ministers may be called to serve in many and diverse areas of service. The candidate’s educational qualifications must necessarily fit the specified area or areas of service. The calling congregation should examine any transcripts, diplomas and degrees which establish the candidate’s educational qualifications. The calling congregation should also contact any references provided by the candidate. The calling congregation may consider a candidate’s vocational training, leadership positions held in congregations and Christian organizations, life experience and/or professional credentials in determining said candidate’s aptness for the diaconal ministry.
The calling congregation, or Board of Elders when acting for all our congregations, must be satisfied that the candidate for diaconal ministry possesses the formal educational training, or equivalent, necessary to fulfill the terms and expectations of the deacon’s specific area(s) of service in the congregation or other setting. Some illustrations and examples are set forth below.
If the candidate is being called to a teaching/chaplaincy position in a Christian elementary school, the candidate would have to be a licensed to teach in the school and possess training and/or significant experience in Christian education and counseling.
Deacons who are called to preach should take and complete at a minimum the following courses offered by the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) under their Pastoral Ministry Certificate (PMC) program or an equivalent:
PT 421: Proclaiming God’s Word;
BT 221: Principles of Biblical Interpretation;
HST 321: Luther and His Catechisms; and
HST 331: Lutheran Reformers and the Book of Concord.
If the deacon’s area of service includes worship leadership, including preaching, administration of the Sacraments, and evangelism and outreach, the candidate should take, complete and pass the following three additional courses offered by ILT as a part of their PMC program.
PT 411: Lutheran Worship
PT 421: Proclaiming God’s Word
PTE 241: Christian Apologetics
If the deacon’s area of service involves pastoral care, including, visitation of the sick and the shut in, the candidate should take, complete and pass the following course offered by ILT as a part of their PMC program.
PT 102: Pastoral Theology and Counseling
The courses described above are suggested and are not exhaustive. The candidate, the calling congregation and CALC have freedom in determining a candidate’s educational requirements for their area of service.
17. Covenant to Serve Scripturally and Confessionally.
Candidates for the diaconal ministry vow to serve, care, teach and proclaim in accordance with CALC’s Confession of Faith, including, CALC’s understanding of the nature and authority of the Scriptures, the Lutheran confessions and ecumenical creeds. Candidates who have not been trained at a Lutheran Bible school or seminary, or may not have received any theological education, should be trained in the basics of Lutheran Theology in order to ensure they possess the training necessary to equip and empower said candidate in the fulfillment of said vow.
It is recommended that candidates for diaconal ministry who have not been trained at a Lutheran Bible school or seminary, or have no formal theological training, take, complete and pass the following three on-line courses of the Pastoral Ministry Certificate (PMC) program offered by the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) of Brookings, South Dakota:
BT 221: Principles of Biblical Interpretation;
HST 321: Luther and His Catechisms; and
HST 331: Lutheran Reformers and the Book of Concord.
The courses described above are suggested and are not exhaustive. The candidate, the calling congregation and CALC have freedom in determining a candidate’s educational requirements to fulfill a candidate’s vow to serve scripturally and confessionally.
18. Call of a Deacon.
a. Congregational Autonomy and Mandate in the Call Process. CALC congregations are granted great autonomy in the call process. We believe that God has given each congregation the gifts necessary to discern a good candidate and call him/her as their Diaconal Minister. They shall interview and vet all candidates for consecration as a deacon and all persons applying for acceptance on CALC’s roster of Diaconal Ministers and shall ensure that each candidate: (1) will accept and abide by our Association’s Confession of Faith and Purposes; (2) possess the personal qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13; and, (3) possess the academic training and/or professional and personal experience necessary to fulfill the terms of the call extended to the candidate of diaconal ministry. If the candidate meets the criteria described in Paragraphs 13 to 17, inclusive, the congregation is free to call the candidate as their diaconal minister and consecrate the candidate if the candidate was not previously consecrated.
Model Letter of Call. CALC has prepared a model letter of call for the purpose assisting congregations in structuring their call of diaconal minister.
Application. CALC has prepared the following an application for use in the interview and vetting of candidates and a sample call letter which may be accessed here.
Website: Congregational vacancies are advertised under the VACANCY/CALL page of CALC’s website.
Office of the President: CALC’s model constitution states: a Member Congregation may choose to seek the advice and counsel of the President of CALC and utilize CALC’s available resources to assist with the call process. The President’s assistance can include sharing information on candidates known to the President who have expressed an interest in serving in a CALC congregation, assisting the congregation in advertising the congregation’s vacancy and assisting congregations in vetting candidates (including participating in the interview of candidates).
The Board of Elders: CALC’s Board of Elders (BOE) can be called upon by any Member Congregation to assist in the call of a Diaconal Minister.
The Shepherd’s Pathway to Pastoral Ministry. CALC’s Shepherd’s Pathway to Pastoral Ministry (“Shepherd’s Pathway”) is the program, approved by our congregations, by which CALC’s future pastors are trained. Click here for more information on this program. The same principles can be applied to the training, consecration and call of a Diaconal Minister.
19. Diaconal Minister in Training.
a. In Place Training. CALC Congregations are free to call a Diaconal Minister-in-Training (DMIT). A DMIT is a candidate who is willing to engage in a course of study acceptable to CALC and the Congregation under the Shepherd’s Pathway while serving in the congregation at the same time.
c. The Setting.
Small Congregation: The ideal setting for the call of a DMIT is a small congregation with access to retired or active CALC pastor(s) who could be called upon to supervise and mentor the candidate. The demands of a smaller congregation allow time for study, parish work and family life for the candidate. The candidate (under the supervision and mentorship of a seasoned pastor and the training received through ILT) and the congregation can grow together in faith, life and numbers.
Succession Planning: The DMIT model could be used in a small congregation where the existing pastor is contemplating retirement or by reason of the congregation’s situation cannot call an ordained pastor. The incumbent pastor has agreed reduce his/her ministry incrementally over a few years. The DMIT would assume greater responsibility for congregational life each year until he/she would assume sole leadership of the congregation.
c. Inner Call. Candidates for the diaconal ministry become aware of their gifts and God’s call in various ways. Some become aware at a critical moment in their lives or the life of their congregation. Some are urged by others in the church to consider their call. Some struggle for years with their call and their circumstances. During a time of pastoral vacancy congregations should look within for members who may be experiencing a call from God to enter the diaconal ministry. The Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT), CALC’s online seminary, allows a candidate for the diaconal ministry to engage in a course of study acceptable to CALC and the Congregation, in order to attain theological education while simultaneously serving in the calling congregation. The potential candidate would first have to enroll in the Shepherd’s Pathway to Ministry. An application for entry into the Shepherd’s Pathway to Diaconal Ministry may be accessed here.
To access the application form to be utilized by any candidate who wishes to enroll in the Shepherd’s Pathway click here.