Is a deaconess student intern right for your ministry setting?  The LDA is continuously searching for settings where students can gain practical experience to integrate theology, academics, and skills with actual needs of a ministry setting.  A deaconess intern provides your organization an opportunity to have additional staffing, try out new ministries, consider future staffing options, and equip a deaconess for service.

Interns

• LDA interns range in age (21 to 60+ years), and in skills and experience.
• Interns have completed several theology courses, 9 months of supervised field work, and may have completed one quarter of CPE or equivalent.

Setting

• Congregation, institution or agency.
• May be done within student’s primary profession (e.g., nursing, teaching, social work, etc.)

Cost

• Stipend. (Amount may vary. Be mindful of cost of living in your area.)
• Health insurance.
• Auto allowance and continuing education may be included.
• Vacation and time for deaconess events.

Responsibilities

• Tasks vary according to needs of ministry setting. The intern asks, “How do I express servant ministry in this context?”
• Typically, one year, full-time.
• May begin at a convenient time for the work setting and intern.

Supervision

• Train and guide the intern – done by a professional in the work/ministry setting, at least one hour each week.
• Plan and reflect on activities.
• Set goals, review, and complete regular evaluations.
• Study and pray together.

Deaconess involvement

• Intern support team: may include work supervisor, at least one deaconess, a Lutheran professional in ministry, and/or others who serve in a similar capacity. (Intern identifies this team.)
• Area conference: regular participation.
• Annual Meeting: 4 days during summer.

LDA support

• Visit at least once during the year.
• Meet with intern, supervisor, and others involved in training.
• Observe intern in action.
• Collect and respond to evaluations.
• Offer, upon request, ideas for supervision, goal-setting, problem-solving.

Reports

• Work supervisor: three reports/year.
• Intern support team: two reports/year.
• Intern: quarterly reports and reflections as noted in the individual formation covenant.

For more information or to request an intern application, please contact us at deacserv@valpo.edu .