Pre-Deaconess Studies Program
Explore and define your calling to women’s ministry and leadership.
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Develop Skills and Understanding to Become a Deaconess
Through acts of mercy, service, and ministry, Christian women can serve as deaconesses. And you can start your journey to become one with the Pre-Deaconess Studies Program at Concordia University Irvine.
Women in ministry who live out their vocation as deaconesses reach out to individuals in spiritual and physical need. Depending on your gifts, you may provide spiritual care, teach God’s Word, administer programs, work in social service, or assist in a variety of other ministry tasks.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Caring Community
Discover your second home on our beautiful campus.
“Today I run the student ministry at a church near Houston and often quote my Concordia professors word for word. … Concordia’s professors sparked in me a love of learning about theology, and I am making a career of sharing that love in church work.”
Shea Pruhs ’13
Deaconess, Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, Texas
Getting Started
The Pre-Deaconess Studies Program at Concordia equips women for seminary-level diaconal training through instruction in at least one biblical language and through other courses that will prepare them for graduate theological education.
By attending Concordia in Southern California, you surround yourself with so much diversity in religion. You’ll get the hands-on experience in women’s ministry you want through the many churches here. You’ll also have the option to participate in local and international missions. If travel appeals to you, you’ll want to check out the dozens of study abroad locations available.
The Pre-Deaconess curriculum pulls from a variety of fields of study: general education, major, and language.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Christian women serving as deaconesses reach out to individuals in spiritual and physical need through acts of service and ministry. Depending on their gifts and calling, they may provide spiritual care, teach God’s Word, administer programs, work in social services, or assist in a variety of other ministry tasks. Deaconesses frequently serve in parishes, hospitals, welfare institutions, college campuses, inner cities, foreign missions, and in other places where their ministry of service is needed.
The Pre-Deaconess Studies Program equips women for graduate-level diaconal training through instruction in at least one biblical language and through other courses that will prepare them for graduate theological education. Pre-deaconess students are part of Christ College and are engaged in spiritual and ministerial formation with other future church workers.
- Enduring Questions and Ideas (GE) (44-45 Units) Normally completed during the first 2 years of attendance.
- Major Requirements
Completion of any approved major. Majors in behavioral sciences, theological studies, or Christian education leadership are particularly recommended. - Minor Requirements (30-32 Units)
Note: Completion of the courses listed in the Pre-Deaconess Studies minor is required for all pre-deaconess students. - Additional Information
All students in the program are required to meet annually with the program director to discuss their personal, professional, intellectual, and spiritual growth for deaconess ministry.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon completion of Concordia’s women’s ministry program, you’ll be able to:
- Express an understanding of the language, contents, history, culture, and themes of the Bible.
- Integrate and articulate biblical doctrine in systematic constructs.
- Accurately describe prominent religions, denominations, and philosophies of the past and present.
- Articulate a personal faith in Christ that is well informed from a biblical perspective.
- Demonstrate skills and attitudes to effectively live out and lead the church in the Great Commission and lives of service.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
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Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What is the role of women in ministry?
Women have an important role in the church. In fact, women can take on leadership positions as women in ministry. The only role that is not open to women in traditional Lutheran churches is that of pastor, as the Apostle Paul says “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12).
Responsibilities of a deaconess can include:
- Offering the perspective of women in ministry
- Praying
- Prophesying
- Supporting women and children
- Worshipping
How do you become a deaconess?
A pre-deaconess program for women’s ministry is a strong way to start on your path.
The program at Concordia can set the tone for what you can expect as you further your studies toward the deaconess role. Specific to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, you’ll explore areas of interest and concern. You’ll also learn more about the professional and personal growth and formation of a deaconess.
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Pre-Deaconess Studies – Minor
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm (viewed Oct. 29, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.