Pre-Deaconess Studies Minor
Prepare for teaching the Word of God as a deaconess.
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Prepare to Teach His Word and Care for Others
Concordia’s Pre-Deaconess Studies minor prepares you for seminary-level training to become a deaconess in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. You will dig deep into Scriptures, learn about the history of the church, and gain a solid foundation in Lutheran doctrine. You will also learn Greek or Hebrew to prepare for reading the Scriptures in the original languages. You may pair this minor with any major.
After your time at Concordia, you will go on to study at an LCMS seminary. Depending on your gifts and interests, you may then be called to provide spiritual care, teach God’s Word, administer programs, work in social service, or assist with other ministry tasks. Service settings may include:
- Churches
- College campuses
- Foreign missions
- Hospitals
- Inner cities organizations
- Welfare institutions
The Pre-Deaconess Studies minor has additional requirements:
- Be or become a member of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation.
- You must apply to the Christ College Church Work program before declaring this minor.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
“My advice for prospective students of Concordia University Irvine is to let God lead. I arrived as a freshman thinking I wanted to teach English. But God had other plans, and I’m so grateful he gave me such wonderful mentors and friends to help me find my way.”
Shea Pruhs ’13
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What do deaconesses do?
Deaconesses in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod engage in a variety of ministries in a variety of contexts. They are trained in theology and spiritual care, and they may also have additional gifts such as music, administration, or teaching. Wherever they serve, they bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people in need of Christ’s comfort.
What if I want to be a church worker, but I’m not sure if I want to be a deaconess?
If you are interested in ministry in the LCMS, you don’t have to decide right away whether to pursue deaconess ministry, DCE ministry, or Lutheran teaching. Come to Concordia, and we can help you find the right path for you.
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