A Note from Pastor Shelly

April

Diakonia: Growing as a Disciple

Have you ever thought about going to seminary? Or have you ever been interested to learn some of the things a pastor learns in seminary without having to quit your job, move to a new location, and give four full-time years to study? Or have you ever just wanted to know more about the Bible, church history, Lutheran tradition, and worship? The Lutheran Diakonia program offers this very thing. Diakonia is a lay education program designed as a two year course that meets weekly. Individuals are joined by students and pastors from around the synod to talk about the Bible, Christian Doctrine, Christian Ethics, Church and Society, and other topics. Students are also given the opportunity to discern what spiritual gifts they have. A member of our congregation, Allan Klotsche, is just finishing his
first year of the Diakonia program. I asked Allan some questions about the program.

How did you become involved in the Diakonia program?
Allan: I mentioned to Pr. Jack and Pr. Shelly that I was interested in pursuing some theological training and Pr. Shelly jumped right on the Diakonia program, as she had recently completed teaching one of the courses.

Who does Diakonia, i.e. what kind of people are in the
class?
Allan: Diakonia students are generally like myself, interested in pursuing further religious training. In my class, some are just interested in the educational part, some plan on pursuing a Deacon position, and one individual may likely go on to divinity school.

What courses of study have you taken so far in the program?
What has been your favorite and why?
Allan: So far I have taken five of the six courses in the first year.
Introduction to the Old Testament Christian Doctrine, Lutheran Faith in the American Context, Communicating the Gospel and Christian Worship. My last class this year will be Themes and Issues in Christian Ethics. My favorite course so far has been the Worship course taught by Pr. Mark Luttio, Ph. D.

You are a busy man, and this class is a serious time commitment, how do you do it?
Allan: You organize your priorities and work on the most important ones first. My faith is of the utmost importance at this point in my life, so finding time has been easy. A little less tennis I might add.

How has being in the Diakonia class affected your involvement in church and most importantly your own spiritual life?
Allan: This course is amazing. I was not sure I was ready to again deal with college level classes with lectures and homework, but it has really given me so much to look forward to. Yes, even writing a paper analyzing worship as it affects my own spiritual life. For instance I recently spent a couple of hours alone in our sanctuary carefully studying all of the various aspects of our worship, and then had a lively dialogue with Pr. Jack and Pr. Shelly.

What would you want to say to someone considering the Diakonia program?
Allan: It is well worth the effort. Since I am the only OSLC participant, I miss the chance to dialogue with others on the drive back and forth to West Palm Beach. Having said that the other members of the class are VERY interesting and I have felt a sense of bonding with them.

Anything else I haven't asked, but that you would like to share about the program?
Allan: It is a wonderful program. I regret not having started last year, as I would have had Pr. Shelly as an instructor, and I would be graduating in May of 2008, but then again I have 2009 to look forward to and graduation next May. I certainly encourage my fellow OSLC members to consider this very in-depth walk of faith.

The Diakonia course that Allan attends meets at Nativity Lutheran Church in Palm Beach Gardens from 9am to noon every Saturday (September to May). If you would like to join Allan to sit in on a class or learn more about the Diakonia program let us know. Also, there is a special Diakonia retreat on worship taking place April 5th. If you have an interest in the program, you are welcome to take part in this retreat and get a taste of what Diakonia is about—growing together in God.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Shelly