Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS

ONLINE DEACONESS STUDIES PROGRAM (ODS)

PURPOSE

In keeping with the ongoing mission of Concordia Seminary to serve the needs of the church in a variety of ministry areas, the Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) prepares a student for consecration as a commissioned deaconess in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). This program does not require taking courses on campus.

GOALS

The Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) forms and equips students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills requisite for service within congregations and other institutions of the LCMS. Academic study in the student’s local context provides opportunities for growth in personal and spiritual maturity while learning Lutheran theology and acquiring the skills needed for diaconal ministry.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) is designed to achieve the following student learning outcomes:

Theological Foundations

1. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) accepts the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions as authoritative for faith and life. 2. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) appropriates the theological disciplines as frameworks for theological reflection and diaconal practice.

Personal and Spiritual Formation

3. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of spiritual health, characterized by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of vocational health, characterized by the

Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 5. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of relational health, characterized by the

Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 6. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of cultural health, characterized by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of physical health, characterized by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of emotional health, characterized by the

Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of intellectual health, characterized by the

Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 10. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates a life of financial health, characterized by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cultural Interpretation and Engagement

11. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) analyzes and engages cultural and global realities.

Servant Practice and Leadership

12. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to provide Christ-centered care and counsel to people of various ages and social conditions according to their needs. 13. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to lead devotions in various situations and encourage personal and family devotional practices. 14. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to teach the Word of God for the benefit of the students. 15. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to support the work of the pastor(s) in the worship life of a congregation. 16. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to

guide and support members of a congregation in their communal life in Christ. 17. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to prepare and lead members of a congregation to bring the Gospel to those outside the church. 18. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to guide and support members of a congregation to care for and serve those in need. 19. A graduate of the Online Deaconess Studies

Program (ODS) demonstrates the ability to provide appropriate advice to the leaders of a congregation to facilitate carrying out the congregation’s goals.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) provides an integrated curriculum (16 courses) that leads to consecration as a deaconess in the LCMS. The courses are offered one at a time during a period of four years, and all courses are in a live online format. Students are required to participate in three activities on campus: Students and mentors participate in an orientation at the beginning of the program, and students participate in a formation seminar on campus midway through the program and again near the end of the program.

Students have qualified LCMS rostered church workers as internship supervisors and as mentors for their academic studies.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

Each applicant to the Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) must be an active member of an LCMS congregation, and have been an active member of an LCMS congregation or church body in fellowship with the LCMS for at least two years prior to matriculating.

Each applicant must furnish personal references attesting to her devotion to ministry and service, and must be recognized as a person of exemplary Christian character.

Each applicant must be committed to the Lutheran confession of faith and willing to uphold the doctrinal position of the LCMS. Each applicant must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent, such as a GED.

COLLEGE PREPARATION

All online Deaconess Studies courses are taught at the master’s level. Students in the program should have the educational experience to demonstrate the capability to study at the master’s level. All students applying to receive a Master of Arts (M.A.) after completing the Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) must have a bachelor’s degree.

ENTRY-LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Students must take the Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Doctrine Entry Level Competency Exams (ELCEs) and pass each with a score of 70 percent or higher. All ELCEs must be passed by April 30.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) applicants must submit an application to the Deaconess Studies Program. To begin the application process, visit csl.edu/apply.

The application deadline is Feb. 28. An application is not complete until it includes all of the following:

a. Completed application form b. Application fee ($100) c. Letter of recommendation from pastor d. Letter of recommendation from mentor (if different from pastor above) e. Letter of recommendation from the president of the congregation or internship site f. Completed and signed background check authorization g. Copy of internship application h. Completed and signed Partnership

Covenant

It is also the responsibility of the applicant to fulfill the following two application requirements:

a. Order official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. (If credits were transferred to another

institution, a transcript is required from the institution from which the credits were earned.) The official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution’s registrar to the

Seminary. Request transcripts be sent to

“Enrollment, Concordia Seminary, 801

Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105” or admit@csl.edu. b. Successfully complete the Entry Level

Competency Exams.

Deadlines for Entry Level Competencies and Applications

The deadlines associated with the Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) application process are as follows:

• Feb. 28, 2023: Deadline for complete

Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) applications for Fall 2023 matriculation • April 30, 2023: Deadline for Online

Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) Entry

Level Competency Exams for Fall 2023 matriculation

CREDIT DISTRIBUTION

Please see the chart at the end of this section.

INTERNSHIP

The internship is conducted concurrently with the diaconal formation courses. The student is assigned as an intern in her location of service, and the internship begins upon matriculation to the Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS). Students have qualified LCMS rostered church workers as internship supervisors and as mentors for their academic studies.

CERTIFICATION AND PLACEMENT

Policies and procedures regarding certification and placement are presented in the Academic Polices & Procedures section of this catalog.

DEACONESS STUDIES PROGRAM (ODS) AND THE MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.)

Because the Online Deaconess Studies Program (ODS) courses are taught at the Master of Arts (M.A.) level, a student can, if she qualifies, earn an M.A. (Spiritual Care Major) from Concordia Seminary in addition to the theological certification. Among the requirements are:

• An earned B.A. degree • Minimum 3.0 GPA in the deaconess studies courses

The student will be expected to:

• Complete four courses toward the major; and • Pass the Spiritual Care M.A. Comprehensive

Examination

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Academic Policies & Procedures section of this catalog contains important information that applies to all Concordia Seminary students. If the information for this program is more specific than the general policies, the more specific policy shall prevail.

HIS507 Introduction to Historical Theology PRA714 Spiritual Care and the Word SYS528 A Theology of Ethics and Human Care PRA5XX Practical Theology Course

Online Deaconess Curriculum

Course 1 PRA471 Introduction to Deaconess Ministry Course 2 PRA472 Introduction to Spiritual Care Course 3 SYS471 The Master Narrative Course 4 SYS472 Creedal Themes Course 5 SYS473 Lutheran Distinctions Course 6 PRA473 Spiritual Care of Women Course 7 PRA474 Teaching the Faith Course 8 SYS474 Means of Grace Course 9 SYS475 Lutheran Confession of Faith Course 10 EXE471 Scripture and Faith Course 11 EXE472 Old Testament Theology Course 12 EXE473 New Testament Theology Course 13 HIS471 The Lutheran Reformation Course 14 PRA475 Teaching the Word to Women Course 15 EXE474 The Church and Its Life Course 16 PRA476 Deaconess as Leader and Theologian