Lutheran Deaconess Association •1304 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383 • 219-464-6925 • www.TheLDA.org
•E-mail: deacserv@valpo.edu
No more than 1/3 of the LDA theology course requirements may be taken on-line or correspondence. At least 2/3 of the course work must be taken in a class room or group setting which involves face-to-face dialog with instructor and students.
Several Lutheran theological resources are readily available for distance learning. Be sure to check with the
LDA about specific course content to determine whether it matches LDA requirements.
www.selectlearning.org
(ELCA program of continuing theological education designed for small groups).
SELECT courses are appropriate for clergy, deaconesses, deacons, diaconal ministers, associates in ministry and other serious students. They now have courses on-line, in a study group, with a theology professor. In addition, students could create their own group of at least three and manage the course locally. However, while these courses may provide a certificate for the LDA, they do not always provide academic credit. Cost is about
$200 for an on-line course or CD packet for use in small groups. Books are additional costs. Check out the website above.
Implications for the LDA:
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Specific courses meet competency requirements for LDA.
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Many classes are available on-line in groups, making distance learning possible. LDA limits the number of non-classroom learning courses. SELECT classes, which may involve learning in a group, offers the opportunity for dialog between instructors and students.
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Both ELCA and LCMS students have taken some of these courses.
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Completion of a course and 10-15 page paper results in a “Certificate of Completion,” and credit toward LDA competency.
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No college credit, which might be a barrier for some people.
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Information is easy to access. Some books and DVD’s are floating around the diaconal communities, and might be shared.
www.cuenet.edu
(Concordia Network, look under “colloquy.”) LCMS professors prepare courses. They offer two courses per month, and repeat the basic classes three times per year. CUEnet’s 8-class program is for teachers who wish to become rostered as “Ministers of Religion Commissioned – Teacher” via colloquy. But it is possible to take the classes without enrolling in the certification process. Cost is $650 per course, with additional cost for textbooks. It’s possible to obtain a compact disc containing some course material (in lieu of textbooks) for an additional fee (about $300). They also have exams for those who want to skip a course – cost is $250 to take the exam.
Implications for the LDA:
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Specific courses meet competency requirements for LDA.
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LCMS resource for theology classes.
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Exams are available. LDA may wish to use these exams for students to demonstrate competency.
 Credit for the course might be given to student’s current college. Check it out.
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Most CUEnet courses create learning communities. LDA limits the number of non-classroom learning courses. CUEnet classes which involve learning in a group offers the opportunity for dialog between instructors and students.
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Website seems very user-friendly. Information is easy to access.
May 2014

http://online.cuw.edu/programs/certificate/lay-ministry Concordia University Wisconsin, offers a Level I
Theological Foundation Certificate, and Level II Practice of Lay Ministry Certificate. There is also a Level III
Certificate, which may lead to roster as “Minister of Religion Commissioned – Lay Minister.” With additional coursework, students can earn a BA in theology. Classes are by extension, and must be taken with a group of at least 4 other students. These are once-a-month intensive sessions during a weekend, using videocassettes and direct study materials, along with the guidance of local congregational pastors and professional theological staff. Cost is $250 per credit, and most are 3 credit courses, so one course costs $750.
Implications for the LDA:
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LCMS resource for theology; may be done within a group and includes interaction with faculty.
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College credit is possible.
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Some of our students have taken all the courses, and are rostered in this category.
www.thediakoniaprogram.org
. ELCA offers this course for everyday Christians. It is not an on-line course of study, but… The diakonia program through trains people over a two-year period. Classes meet 3 hr. /wk., five weeks, per course. Theology topics are similar to LDA requirements, but are equivalent to a one-credit course, rather than BA level (3 credits per course, which the LDA requires). Cost is about $200 per year.
Several LDA students have completed this program, and used the courses as part of “competency demonstration” in theology. Places in NW Indiana, Chicago, and Milwaukee title their programs, diakonia .
However, similar synodically authorized programs are available around the country. Contact your ELCA synod office.
LCMS often has a counter-part to diakonia , and there are many programs around the Church that offer great
Bible and theology studies. www.LBIC.org
is housed at Concordia University, Irvine, CA. Do some exploring and see what you find.
www.acpe.edu
FYI: here’s the website for clinical pastoral education. Check it out! Our students are required to complete one quarter of CPE. You may find sites in your own area via this website. Deaconesses and deacons have info about some sites and supervisors, so using your community for feedback is a good idea.
May 2014