To Establish Commissioned Male Diaconate

Official Workbook overture source text

6-84 
To Establish Commissioned Male Diaconate 
WHEREAS, A commissioned female diaconate graduate level 
training program was authorized by the Synod in 2001 (Res. 5-06B) 
and established in 2002 to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through 
a ministry of works of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching the 
Christian faith, as inspired by the example of Phoebe from the 
Scriptures (Rom. 16:1–2); and 
WHEREAS, This program has yielded great success in training 
many women for mercy work in our Synod; and 
WHEREAS, Not all men are called to be pastors but may be called 
to serve in a diaconate role; and 
WHEREAS, Scripture also provides us with the examples of 
Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and 
Nicolaus as male deacons who engaged in acts of spiritual service 
(Acts 6:1–7); and 
WHEREAS, The Church is encouraged to ensure that deacons are 
tested and well-qualified (1 Tim. 3:8–13); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod’s seminaries (Concordia Seminary, St. 
Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) include 
men for commissioned diaconate education and certification for the 
purpose of training qualified men to engage in the ministry of works 
of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching the Christian faith. 
Our Savior 
Laurel, MD 
Ov.