The Deacon Program of the Mid-South District Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod aims to equip lay leaders to provide pastoral services to congregations unable to support a full-time pastor. The program trains qualified laymen through 10 courses of study to serve under pastoral supervision. Upon completing core courses, laymen may be licensed as deacons to serve other congregations with annual renewals. The program seeks to address ministry needs through training and placing deacons with the approval of congregations, supervising pastors, and the District President.

1. THE DEACON PROGRAM
EQUIPPING LAY LEADERS
For
MISSION AND MINISTRY
The Mid-South District
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
1675 Wynne Road
Cordova, TN 38016-4905
1-901-373-1343
1-866-373-1343

2. EQUIPPING LAY LEADERS FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
THE DEACON PROGRAM - MID-SOUTH DISTRICT - LCMS
There is a recognized need to provide pastoral services to congregations whose
circumstances make it impossible for them to support the ministry of a full-time,
seminary trained pastor. This growing crisis is apparent in both rural and urban areas.
Congregations may be vacant or are seeking assistance for their pastor. Immigrant and
ethnic groups need spiritual leadership that fits their special circumstances. A program
has been established to place qualified laymen to serve in a congregation under the
supervision of an ordained pastor. This program is called “The Deacon Program.” The
name “deacon” was used in the New Testament in reference to commissioned laymen
who assisted a congregation’s clergy in a variety of ways.
Depending on the abilities and training of the individual person, a deacon may be able to
work in a variety of areas of service in the local congregation, including but not limited
to:
• assisting the pastor in administration of sacraments, preaching, and teaching.
• developing outreach ministry programs
• developing stewardship programs
• developing small group ministries
• participating in a care-giving ministry including hospital and home visits
• leading education, music or youth ministry programs
• congregational administration
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has authorized the districts to train lay deacons to
meet the ministry needs of our time. It is imperative, then, that the Mid-South District
address the existing needs and increasing opportunities with a “Deacon Program.”
This information packet outlines the procedures and contains the forms needed for an
individual and/or a congregation to participate in the Deacon Program of the Mid-South
District.
TO BECOME A DEACON:
1. Making the Decision: There comes a time in an individual’s life when
God speaks through His Word and/or through another Christian to inspire him
to greater service for Christ and the Church. If you feel that God is calling
you to another level of service for Him, then the Deacon Program may be for
you. To begin study this information and discuss it with trusted Christians,
especially, your pastor. Then complete the enrollment application.
2. Enrollment and Development of a Ministry: The attached application form
contains the information needed for acceptance into the Deacon Program.
Upon approval by the District the individual shall be given information
regarding instructors, the course of study and ministry opportunities. Plans
April 29, 2005

3. should be made to participate in appropriate classes. Also, discussion may
begin with a congregation and a supervising pastor to develop the Deacon’s
ministry. The congregation, the supervising pastor and the deacon shall
complete and sign an “Agreement for Deacon Ministry.“
3. Course of Study: There are ten classes in the course of study for the Deacon
Program. A brief description of each is listed in the accompanying
information. It is the goal of the program that a deacon will have the
knowledge, skills and attitudes taught in the course of study; however, there
are no prerequisite courses necessary for any particular area of ministry. A
deacon may begin service at any time, in any area of ministry in his own
congregation that is approved by his own congregation and his supervising
pastor.
4. Licensing for Service: The individual must complete the four core courses
before he is eligible to serve as a licensed deacon. The congregation, the
deacon and his supervising pastor shall prepare a description of the deacon’s
planned ministry. The plan shall be submitted annually to the District on the
“Ministry Description Form” along with an “Agreement for Deacon Ministry”
signed by the congregation’s president, the supervising pastor and the Deacon.
Prior to the initial licensing, an interview with the District President or his
representative is held. The District President will then issue to the deacon a
“License to Serve as a Deacon in the Mid-South District.” The deacon can
then serve in another congregation other than his own. It is recommended that
a Service of Commissioning be held at the local congregation to mark the
beginning of a Deacon’s service. The licensing shall be renewed annually.
5. Certification: The District will award a “Certificate of Graduation and
Recognition” after successfully completing all ten classes. The instructor
registers all completed classes with the District Program Director.
Comparable courses taken in another District or at an educational institution
will be accepted at the discretion of the District Advisor for Instruction. The
deacon has then reached the status of “Certification” in the Mid-South District
Deacon Program.
FOR THE CONGREGATION:
1. Making the Decision: When a congregation identifies a need for pastoral
ministry, it may study the possible fulfillment of the need by acquiring the
services of a deacon (a layman serving under the direction of a supervising
pastor). After receiving full information from the District about the Deacon
Program the congregation may make the decision to request the services of a
deacon.
2. Developing a Deacon Ministry: The congregation may identify a qualified
person within the membership that they believe has the potential to serve as a
deacon or information about available candidates may be requested from the
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4. District. Discussion with the prospective deacon candidate shall lead to the
development of a ministry plan, which includes the areas of service, the
selection of a supervising pastor and a course of study.
3. Agreement for a Deacon Ministry: When a deacon ministry plan has been
developed it shall be submitted to the District President on the “Ministry
Description Form” and the “Agreement for Deacon Ministry” form. The
President shall sign the form to confirm the agreement for Deacon Ministry
and the status of the deacon indicating whether he is licensed or unlicensed.
The deacon shall then be placed into service.
4. Placing into Service: It is recommended that a Service of Commissioning be
held to mark the beginning of the deacon’s ministry and to ask for God’s
special blessings on the ministry.
5. Annual Renewal: An authorization to continue the deacon ministry shall be
given by the District President on an annual basis. The deacon and the
congregation shall submit applications for renewal by December 1. Any
significant changes that have been made in the ministry plan shall be
identified for approval at that time.
DEACON PROGRAM COMMITTEE
The following committee administers the Deacon Program:
Rev. Kenneth Lampe Rev. Dr. Terry Tieman
(President) (District Executive of Outreach)
1675 Wynne Road 1675 Wynne Road
Cordova, TN 38016 Cordova, TN 38016
1-901-373-1343 1-901-373-1343
klampe@mid-southlcms.com terry@mid-southlcms.com
Rev. Carl Wenck Rev. Dr. Ronald Wiese
(Director of Pastoral Supervision) (District Advisor for Instruction)
811 East Clark Blvd 210 Washington Avenue
Murfreesboro TN 37130 Memphis, TN 38103
1-615-893-0338 1-901-525-1056
graceofc@bellsouth.net trinitymemphis@aol.com
Mr. Bill Stevenson
(District Deacon Program Director)
127 Hillcrest
Brownsville, TN 38012-2702
1-731-772-2816
brstev@bellsouth.net
April 29, 2005

5. COURSE OF STUDY
1. Old Testament: The Old Testament study will focus on God’s plan of
salvation as revealed in the Old Testament and leading to the New Testament.
2. New Testament: The New Testament study will focus on the person and work
of our Savior to show the completion of God’s plan of salvation.
3. Doctrine: In this course the basic teachings of God’s Word as recorded in
Scripture and supported in the Book of Concord will be studied.
4. Homiletics: This course will concentrate on the preparation and delivery of a
sermon with the proper balance of Law and Gospel.
5. Worship: In this course the basic elements of Lutheran worship will be
studied, including confession and absolution, the Word and Sacraments,
prayer and how they are included in a variety of worship formats.
6. Biblical Interpretation: Fundamental principles and methods that lead to a
competent reading and understanding of the Bible in a vernacular translation.
7. Care-giving: Concern for those in special need will be stressed including
those in hospitals, rest homes, home-bound, and those in bereavement.
8. Evangelism and Assimilation: Developing an effective program of outreach
and assimilation are central to this course. Small-group ministry is included.
9. Teaching the Faith: This course will examine the essential elements of the
teaching-learning process as it applies to teaching the Christian faith.
10. Church History: This course introduces the student to the discipline of
church history, and provides an overview of the life and mission of the
Church in the world from apostolic times to the present
Instructors: The Deacon Program Committee will designate instructors in various
locations around the District with class schedules adapted to the needs of
the students and instructors. Instructional materials used in academic or
mission settings of the Synod or those developed by the District Advisor
for Instruction are approved by the Committee and adapted by the
instructors.
Cost: Tuition for the training is $170 per class. Other costs include any books
and materials needed for the class. The congregation which is being served
will normally assume the cost of the training. The Mid-South District may
provide scholarships by application in cases of need.
April 29, 2005

6. APPLICATION FOR THE DEACON PROGRAM
Mid-South District – The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Date: _________________________
This application is for: ______Deacon, ______DELTO, ______Parish Assistant
Name: _________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________
Telephone: _______________________ E-mail: _________________________
Occupation: __________________________ Work Telephone: _____________
Employer: _______________________________________________________
Past Work Experience: _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Education Level: ____High School ____B.A./B.S.____M.A./M.S. ____Other:
_____________________________________________________
Home Congregation: _______________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________
Pastor’s Name: ___________________________________________________
Past Ministry Experience: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Factors contributing to your decision to apply:
Please write a brief biography including a statement of faith:
(Use the back and/or add an additional sheet)
Return the completed application to:
Mid-South District – LCMS, Deacon Program, 1675 Wynne Road, Cordova, TN 38016 - 4905
April 29, 2005

7. PASTOR’S EVALUATION FORM
Candidate for the Deacon Program, Mid-South District-LCMS
Name of applicant: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: __________________________Telephone: __ ______________
1. How long have you known the applicant? ____________________________
2. In what capacity has the applicant served in your congregation?
_____________________________________________________________
3. Do you anticipate that the applicant will serve as a deacon in your
congregation? _______ If yes, in what capacity? ______________________
_____________________________________________________________
4. Additional information about the applicant that you consider significant (family
circumstances etc.):
Signed: ___________________________________ Date: ___________ ____
Congregation: __________________________ Location: _________________
Telephone:_________________________ E-mail:_______________________
Return the completed form to:
Mid-South District - LCMS, Deacon Program, 1675 Wynne Road, Cordova, TN 38016-4905
April 29, 2005

8. AGREEMENT FOR DEACON MINISTRY
In the Mid-South District - LCMS
Congregation, Deacon, and Supervising Pastor
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
To:_______________________________________________________, Deacon
______________________________________________, Supervising Pastor
Having called on the Lord our God for guidance and in the exercise of the authority
that has been invested in us, we, the members of ___________________________
___________________________________________________Lutheran Church of
____________________________________________ request that you serve us in
the Deacon Ministry and honor the Mid-South District’s policy and guidelines:
1. A Policy Concerning the Use of Deacons in the Mid-South District;
2. Guidelines for a Pastor Supervising the Work of a Deacon in the
Mid-South District;
3. Guidelines for congregations Regarding the Performance of Certain
Pastoral Functions When No Ordained Pastor is Available.
For these services the congregation agrees to provide the following:
Deacon:
Supervising Pastor:
• The attached Ministry Description shall be a guide to the services involved in this
agreement.
• The Congregation, Deacon or Supervising Pastor may terminate this agreement
with 60 days notice.
Date: ______________________________
Congregation President: ________________________________________
Deacon: _____________________________________________________
Supervising Pastor: ____________________________________________
(Note: If the supervising pastor is from a congregation other than the congregation being
served by the deacon, a letter of consent from that congregation shall be attached.)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Agreement Approved to serve as Licensed Deacon__________
Agreement Approved to serve as Unlicensed Deacon __________
Agreement Denied_____________
DISTRICT PRESIDENT:___________________________________Date:__________________
Note: Copies of the completed and signed agreement will be made available to:
District President (original), Congregation, Circuit Counselor, Deacon and Supervising Pastor
April 29, 2005

9. Ministry Description Form
Note: Use this form to summarize the plan for the ministry of the Deacon. It is to be reviewed
annually at the time of renewal (December 1).
Name of Deacon: _________________________________
Purpose of ministry: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Responsible to: ___________________________________________________
Ministry description: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Desired results: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Time commitment (amount of time, length of service): _____________________
________________________________________________________________
Plan for training and study___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Other:___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Date: _________________________
Return the completed form to:
Mid-South District - LCMS, Deacon Program, 1675 Wynne Road, Cordova, TN 38016-4905
April 29, 2005