2. Growth

The LDA offers a flexible education/formation process, which allows you to complete the training at your own pace through an individualized plan, designed to meet your particular growth needs. A distance-learning option is available to all students.

This phase will include developing and completing an individual formation covenant (IFC), deepening involvement with the deaconess community, completing (or demonstrating prior completion) of the academic and theological components, testing ministry/leadership skills, and demonstrating the attitudes, knowledge and skills required in the four areas of education/formation. 

Some components in this phase may be done in a variety of settings; some will need to be under Lutheran auspices; and some will need to be under the direction of the LDA.

The amount of time for this phase will vary depending upon the student’s IFC.  The minimum time in Phase II is two years.  This includes at least three annual seminars and attending at least two Lutheran Deaconess Conference annual meetings.  It is understood that students would attend the annual retreats/seminars and the LDC annual meetings every year they are in the education/formation process. 

While this process does not require any academic degree, and the LDA is not a degree-granting organization, ordinarily students will be encouraged to work toward at least a bachelor’s degree. We work in partnership with Valparaiso University to offer a complete list of courses and experiences for students enrolled at VU, including a graduate degree program. Online learning options for adult learners are also available.

Components of Education and Formation Process