Lay Leadership Training

Program Purpose

The Deacon/Pre-SMP, Ministry Assistant Training Program provides thorough and ongoing theological training for laity to serve more effectively in congregational ministry under the supervision of an Ordained Pastor. The program also provides initial theological training for laymen preparing to enter the LCMS Specific Ministry Pastor track toward ordination.

Qualifications

Deacons fulfill the same qualifications as that of an “elder” as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:6-9. They have a reasonable amount of experience as an active Lutheran in an LCMS congregation. Deacons must have a high school diploma or GED and a recommendation from their congregation and proposed supervisory pastor. They have a willingness to study, learn, and receive mentoring.

Seminars

Training takes place generally over a period of 2-3 years and includes internships. Each seminar requires a minimum of 24 contact hours and are conducted through eight-hour sessions, usually on three Saturdays spread over a three-month period. The seminars are as follows:

Please note: These seminars may also be taken by persons with no interest in becoming a Deacon, including women (e.g. Bible class leaders, Sunday school teachers, and others in lay leadership positions).

Tuition and Enrollment

The cost of each seminar is $300 plus textbooks (when required). The tuition covers the honorarium for the instructor and administration expenses.

Resources

• Deacon Brochure
• Request to be Served by a Deacon
• Deacon Diploma
• Ministry Description Form This form must be completed to obtain your provisional license – as we try to honor Res. 13-02A.  A ministry description form, prepared by your supervising pastor, may accompany this form but will not be accepted as a replacement for it
• Deacon Information Form
• Deacon Evaluation Form
• Deacon Policy Manual
• Ministry Assistant Program Brochure
• SMP COLLOQUY FOR LLD’S with at least 2 years of ministry experience and whose congregation has committed to call them when ordained
  • Policy Manual
  • Application
  • SMP Training Program Brochure

For more information, contact the Qualifications for Deacon Committee:

Rev. John A. Herzog, PhD Dean of Instruction 586.855.8421

Rev. Todd I. Frusti Chairman / Instructor 810.658.3000

Kathy A. Schurig Ministry Assistant Program Director 586.567.5697

Ms. Chris Brown Registrar 810.772.1254

Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper Assistant to the President – Congregation Ministries / Ministry Support 888.225.2111 ext. 230