OpeningNewdiakonia Locations

It has never been the intention of diakonia to place undue limitations on the number or the geographical placement of program locations. Experience with the program over more than 30 years has lifted up some concerns and caveats, which ought to be weighed very carefully before any expansion is undertaken. The following are some of the issues that need to be considered.

  1. UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM.

diakoniais a two-year lay formation process. As a formation process, diakonia assists not only with academic training, but with group interaction, spiritual retreats, and an opportunity for people to assess their God-given gifts and how best to apply them. Anything short of two full years (academic terms) does not permit the program to shape the lives of students and lead them to more mature and responsible service. The program’s intent is to train disciples in the theological and practical matters that will contribute to their committed and more confident ministry for, and with, people within and beyond the church.

It is not intended to elevate some to positions of power or to be a stepping-stone to rostered ministry within the Church. Many will complete the two years without seeking a call or any formal position or recognition by the church and will simply use their acquired knowledge and improved skills in whatever ways seem most appropriate for them and the community of faith to which they belong.

  1. ADEQUATE STUDENTS, FACULTY AND FACILITIES.

It takes a minimum number of students in a class (both years combined) to meet the financial responsibilities of the program, which includes honoraria for instructors and some administrative costs as well as assure that program goals of group process and spiritual growth can be met. The minimum required number of students (the “break-even number”) is determined by the local Steering Committee. Eight students are generally considered a good minimum class size. Locations should not be begun without some reasonable assurance that there will be enough students for the present and future years. This requires that there are sufficient churches and pastors in a given area who understand the program, are willing to encourage people to be involved, and to support students as they go through the process. The support of churches and pastors must include a willingness to receive graduates and help them to use their inherent gifts and newly-formed skills in the life of the church and its mission.

In addition to an adequate number of students, there needs to be enough pastors who are willing to give of their time as instructors. Though some pastors may be willing and able to teach more than one class in a given year, it is better if there are a number of instructors so that students can be exposed to a variety of styles and approaches.

A general guideline is to try to get a different teacher for each course in the year’s schedule. Also, the more pastors involved in teaching, the more there will be who understand the program and are supportive of students and graduates. Pastors should be aware that courses need to be developed which are challenging and yet considerate of the abilities and time demands of students.

A local church is usually chosen as a location for diakonia classes, one that is central or easily accessible to other churches in the area. One room which is handicapped accessible with table(s) and chairs, enough space for all students, with a blackboard, is usually all that is required. The availability of audio-visual equipment is desirable, though not absolutely necessary. It is helpful if there are some kitchen facilities nearby, or at least some space for a coffee pot in the meeting room or another room close at hand, so that students can have coffee and/or other refreshments during class breaks. There should be some privacy for classes so that other church or community activities do not interfere. There is no remuneration for use of the church.

  1. A RESPONSIBLE LOCATION MANAGER AND PASTORAL /SPIRITUAL ADVISOR.

Every location needs to have an individual, preferably a diakonia graduate, who will be responsible for the administration of the location. This should include setting the schedule of classes, contacting pastors to teach, ordering textbooks, receiving and keeping account of monies for tuition and books, meeting with classes periodically to go over schedules and necessary administrative details, and filing reports (where possible, in person) with the local diakonia Steering Committee. In addition, the location manager should see that publicity materials are sent to area churches encouraging them to put notices of classes in their mailings and worship folders and that enrollment materials are sent to prospective students. Obviously, having a conscientious person fill this role is one of the keys to the success or failure of the location.

The pastoral advisor works with the Location Manager in encouraging congregations to publicize and make use of the program, in securing adequate instructors, and in dealing with special problems of students or instructors. In addition, the pastoral advisor should be available to students for private consultations.

  1. ACCOUNTABILITY TO diakonia

Thediakonia™Program is a national, private, incorporated, not-for-profitorganization

The diakonia Program is one that has been developed with great care. It is important that expansion be undertaken without compromising the integrity of the program. Because of that, all Locations are expected to operate in compliance with this Handbook. Any changes in the Handbook, the curriculum, or adjustment of fees and instructor honoraria, are to be determined only by the diakoniaNational Board. Furthermore, every Location Manager should report regularly to their local Area Steering Committee. In Areas where the Location Manager maintains the funds for their own Location, it is expected that funds remaining in Location treasuries at the end of each academic year will be forwarded to the treasurer of the local Area Steering Committee (with the exception of a small amount, determined by the Area Steering Committee, which may be needed as start-up costs for the next year). Again accurate accounting and reporting to the Area Steering Committee is considered absolutely essential.

  1. SOME CAVEATS
  1. Do not take shortcuts in establishing the program. It is better to wait another year or two than beginning too quickly and have the program “flame out.”
  1. Do not begin without a first-rate Location Manager. Administrative details can make or break the program.
  1. Do not neglect publicity. For many people this program will be entirely new and will take a number of written and verbal explanations before it is understood.
  1. Do not work without planning. Class schedules and instructor schedules should be arranged a year in advance.
  1. Do not begin without the AreaSteering Committee approval. The diakonia National Board reserves the right to approve any expansion of the program and/or the use of its name.

It should be apparent from the above that in order to provide quality instruction and formation for leadership in the church a program must be administered with care and consistency. Also, since the program to some extent is (and should be!) responsible to the wider church and under their scrutiny, it is important that it be conducted with careful planning and preparation.

If any individuals or churches wish to become a part of diakonia, and think that they have or can meet the above criteria, please contact the local Area Steering Committee or the diakoniaNational Board would be pleased to assist.

Appendix B

Finding Instructors

Obviously, the best way to have excellent instructors for the diakonia classes is to keep the best instructors from previous years. Student evaluations will provide an insight into the instructor’s classroom abilities. Additionally, speaking with the students in a one-on-one format will also give a glimpse into the activities that were happening in the classroom as well as how well those activities were received and understood.

But for those times when you are starting a new location, or when a previous instructor is no longer available, you must necessarily start from scratch. So, what is the best method?

The most practical method is to use pastors with whom you are familiar. Try to match their personality types and abilities with the particular classes. One pastor may be an exact match for the “Daily Life of a Christian”, but would struggle to convey the necessary objectives in the “Christian Doctrine” class.

Speak to the pastors whom you know. Ask them about their colleagues. A reference to a pastor by their friend/associate will go a long way in conveying the importance of the program in terms of lay education. Additionally, talk to individuals in the synod office. They have a good rapport and feeling for the abilities of nearly all the pastors in their area. If you are located on the edge of one synod, talk to the neighboring synod as well. And don’t forget the colleges and seminaries that may be located in your area. They often have individuals who would love to get into a classroom filled with motivated laity.

Go to pastor’s conference meetings and present the program. Once pastors see the importance of a well-educated laity, they will often be happy to help out. Your synod’s Continuing Education Event and Synod Assembly are excellent places to not only pass along the benefits and opportunities of the program, but to also seek out qualified instructors that you might otherwise not meet.

The bishop’s office can be helpful in identifying teachers. The bishop or the bishop’s assistants often have an understanding of the pastor’s strengths or areas of interests. In addition, the bishop’s office may know of pastors who should not be asked to teach. In some cases, the bishop’s office may like to approve the teachers in the program. Allowing the bishop’s office to have this approval is up to the AreaSteering Committee.

Laypersons such as Associates in Ministry (AIMs,) diaconal ministers, or others can also be used as teachers if they have a gift in the ministry represented by the course.

Good luck and have fun!

(Doug Liston – 6-05)

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APPENDIXC

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF diakonia™ STUDENT Suggestions For How Pastors Can Support of Those Enrolled indiakonia

1.Before actual enrollment and signing the application form, meet with the person(s) interested
in diakonia and discuss their expectations as well as those of the program and the
congregation:

 Do they have the time to devote to the classes and the assignments?

 Will it be necessary for them to relinquish some responsibilities in the congregation, at least on a temporary basis?

 Do they have the support of their spouse/family?

 Do they need financial assistance to meet the costs of tuition, books, and retreats?

 Why is the student interested in participating in the program now? Does the student already have something in mind or are they just feeling the Spirit’s call to pursue “something more” regarding their faith journey? Do they have some goals in mind about becoming involved in the program: adult education, preparation for more involved service in the congregation or in a larger church ministry such as membership in a Synodically Authorized Lay Ministry Program (if your particular ELCA Synod has one) or recognition as another kind of lay minister?

2. Before enrollment, discuss the matter with the Church Council:

 Do the members of the Council understand what diakonia is?

 Can the Council support the individual(s) by endorsing their enrollment?

 If your Synod has a Synodically Authorized Lay Ministry Program, is the congregation prepared, upon completion of the two years, to grant the possibility o an internship, and ultimately, after a successful internship, a call to that ministry?

  1. After enrollment, continue to keep in regular contact with the student(s), taking time to
    inquire about what is being learned. Understand that diakonia is both an educational
    program AND an opportunity for spiritual formation, so expect to see and encourage this
    development.
  1. Make your library available to student(s). Class assignments often require access to
    theological books not normally found in most homes. Ask about books student(s) are beingasked to purchase for their classes. Since instructors are constantly looking for new books toserve as texts for their classes, this can be a source for finding new material for your own reading and study.
  1. Remember the student(s) in your personal prayers as well as in the prayers of the church.
  1. Before completion of the program, perhaps halfway through the second year, meet with thestudent(s) and discuss their plans and hopes as they finish. How would they like to participate in the ministry of the church after graduation? diakonia helps them become more confident and in some cases, reveal to them new ministries that they might like to try.

7.If at all possible, attend the graduation service when the two years have been completed, and encourage members of the congregation to be there as well.