The LDA is continuously searching for settings where students can gain practical experience to integrate theology, academics, leadership, 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

• Church, 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 .