What is DORCAS?

Diaconal OutReach, Care and Services

PARISH DEACONESS

DESCRIPTIONS OF DIACONAL CARE

The following are descriptions of how a deaconess may serve.  However, the service of a deaconess is not limited to these areas; she may have special skills or interests beyond those mentioned here.  Notice that some of the line items could be developed into entire areas of responsibility.

 

A good job description details the needs and the vision of the congregation.  There is no way we can write one for YOUR congregation.  As a congregation lists the deaconess’ responsibilities in different areas, it may be helpful to estimate the percentage of time and effort she should spend in that area.  This helps the deaconess to prioritize her time.  The percentages are not set in concrete; they are a guide that may be readjusted.

%

HUMAN CARE

%

WOMEN'S PROGRAMS

%

EDUCATION

%

EVANGELISM

One possible scenario for distribution of duties.

%

WOMEN'S PROGRAMS

%

YOUTH PROGRAMS

%

HUMAN CARE

%

MUSIC

Another possible scenario for distribution of duties

What is a Deaconess?

The Lutheran deaconess is an auxiliary office in which women are called and commissioned by the church to provide diaconal care with special emphasis in works of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching the Faith, by which they guide others to the Word and Sacraments provided by the Office of the Public Ministry.

 

The service of a deaconess finds expression in diverse settings and specializations as she shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of human care.  She brings a uniquely feminine care, serving by using her skills and theological training to embody Christ’s incarnational care in the midst of suffering.

She was always doing good works

and giving things to the poor.


Acts 9:36

HUMAN CARE

Develop and/or coordinate programs that seek to:

  • Initiate telephone contact and visitation with the homebound.
  • Make regular visits to people who are homebound or hospitalized.
  • Follow up initially when people return home from the hospital.
  • Support individuals and families who are suffering from the effects of divorce, grief, or a lingering illness.
  • Provide counsel and support to those individuals and families with special physical needs.
  • Train Stephen Ministry
  • Support the formation of groups for singles, couples, families, and senior adults.
  • Initiate telephone contact and visitation with inactive members.
  • Provide community outreach and support to serve the hungry and homeless, the disabled, and destitute (ex: food pantry, clothing bank).
  • Offer multi-cultural support appropriate to the community’s population.
  • Refer people to community agencies and social service organizations.

ADMINISTRATION

  • Supervise and coordinate community programs for women.
  • Supervise and coordinate community programs for youth.
  • Direct and manage the operation of a Lutheran school.
  • Direct and manage the operation of a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) or a department within an RSO (ex: hospitals, nursing homes, hospice organizations).
  • Coordinate activities and information exchanges between congregation and school.

EVANGELISM

  • Develop and lead evangelism groups and teams in order to call on visitors.
  • Make follow-up calls on interested contacts.
  • Develop and keep current a welcome packet for visitors and newcomers.
  • Organize a team to visit newcomers to the community.
  • Make contact with un-churched families of the school.
  • Develop a child evangelism program within the Sunday School.
  • Develop public relations materials in order to promote the life and activity of the congregation to the community.
  • Develop activities, open to the community, in the areas of family education, fellowship, youth, social issues, family activities, and Christian education.

EDUCATION

  • Teach and assist with confirmation instruction.
  • Supervise the selection and training of Sunday School teachers.
  • Develop and teach Bible classes for women and children.
  • Coordinate a small group Bible study program.
  • Coordinate Vacation Bible School.

WOMEN'S PROGRAM

  • Support and provide resources for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and Ladies Guild.
  • Train and supervise the Altar Guild.
  • Encourage and help to implement group activities and projects.
  • Provide unmarried mothers and women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion appropriate resources.
  • Coordinate programs to address women’s wellness issues.
  • Support opportunities for hospitality toward both church and world.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

  • Be a resource for the Youth Board.
  • Organize and lead well-rounded retreats and service projects.
  • Develop and lead Bible studies.
  • Be a leader, mentor, and motivator of our youth in Christian living.

PARISH NURSE

  • Provide resources and assistance with physical care needs.
  • Develop and implement wellness and exercise programs.
  • Support ongoing home and hospice care.

MUSIC

  • Direct vocal choirs and ensembles.
  • Direct instrumental choirs and ensembles.
  • Play organ/piano for services.
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