300 UNION AVENUE, SOMERVILLE, NJ 08876 Main Phone: 908.685.1660
A member of the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)
What is “Diakonia”?
Diakonia's Vision: “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12)
Our Mission: Diakonia is an education program to provide spiritual formation to men and women desiring to deepen their understanding of the faith so they might become empowered servants of the Lord.
Diakonia is a ministry that will help you...
* Serve those Jesus called "the least of these"
* Discover your spiritual gifts
* Respond to God’s urgings
* Develop strong relationships with other Christians
* Grow in Faith
How does it do that?
Through a series of 12 five- week courses offered every two years on a continuing basis. Courses can be taken in any order. Subjects include Biblical, theological and practical ministry focuses. Those who have participated found it an amazing opportunity to grow in their personal faith, learn about the Bible and our Lutheran heritage and explore their gifts of the spirit. Our students have come from many communities.
When and where are the classes?
* Good Shepherd Church in Somerville is one of several
congregations in New Jersey that offer this study program
* Good Shepherd Diakonia meets on Thursday evenings from
7:00 to 10:00 PM
* This is a 12 course study of 5 sessions each
* Classes are held from September thru June
* The program can be completed in as little as two years.
However, some students take several years to complete
the series
What are the classes?
Click here for a complete list and descriptions of these courses or scroll down this page to see the descriptions.
Is there homework?
Assignments are based on subject matter and may include: Reading of scripture and text book, oral presentation, written presentation, or practical experience
How much does it cost?
$25.00 one-time registration fee
$50.00 per course
Text book costs vary from class to class, but instructors are requested to keep cost below $20.
What if I can’t afford the costs?
Recognizing that some people may experience serious financial limitations, or encounter difficulty after enrolling, financial aid is available upon request and review. Aid may be awarded for tuition, books and/or retreats.
Who are the teachers?
Classes are taught by Lutheran pastors and others who are skilled in their area of instruction and anxious to share their
knowledge and love of the Lord.
Where do the students come from?
Diakonia is located at several churches throughout the state.
At Good Shepherd we have had men and women from many churches in the area, including:
*Good Shepherd, Somerville
*Zion, Oldwick
*St. Paul’s Elizabeth
*St. Paul’s, Edison
*Christ the King, Kendall Park
*Faith, Hillsborough
*St. Stephens, South Plainfield
*St. Andrew's, Parsippany
*St. Bartholomew's, Trenton
*St. Luke's, Dunellen
*Trinity, Dover
The church is less than 2 miles from Exit 13 off of Route 287, and is easily accessible.
Have the following questions been obstacles for you?
* “I don’t know if I can keep up with the work.”
* “I don’t think I know enough about the Bible to do this.”
* “My life is too crazy already…”
* “I don’t know where I would find the time to do this.”
Our students share their thoughts on how Diakonia changed their lives:
* “I became more connected with the Lord, strengthened my faith and developed a new spiritual direction.” …Linda
* "Learned a great deal and it was a wonderful experience." …Marilyn
* "Diakonia has provided me the spiritual nourishment that I have been seeking. In return, it has helped to empower me to go forth in service to others with joy"….Myla
* “The program provided a whole new world of experiences that deepened my faith”…Joan
* “What a wonderful gift – Diakonia gave me the opportunity to share and be supported on the faith journey with an awesome group of pilgrims.”…Amy
* "The depth with which we explored issues of faith was stimulating. It gave me a whole new perspective on what we believe and why and how it affects our day-to-day lives." ...Jeff
Are there other activities?
An annual retreat is offered and is open to all current and former students from all New Jersey locations. It includes time for worship, discussion, reflection, conversation, recreation and program planning.
At the end of each academic year a worship service recognizes graduates who have completed the course.
The Diakonia board is planning opportunities for continuing education on a synod level.
DIAKONIA COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
YEAR A
Church History - The First 400 Years
Students will study the development of Christian tradition in the first 4 centuries and the role of the theology and practice of this period in today’s church.
The Daily Life of A Christian
This practical theology course explores the meaning of discipleship in everyday experiences. Students will gain an under-standing of balancing family life, vocation in work, and ecclesiastical service.
Introduction to the New Testament
Students will learn how the Gospel, as reflected in the New Testament, has shaped our Christian lives
Lutheran Creeds and Confessions
The Book of Concord is the basis of this course, looking at topics of God and Sin, Justification by Grace alone, Sacraments, and others.
Practical Ministry I – Biblical Images in the Life of the Church
Studies the four major images of the Church, their biblical basis, theological uses and implication for the life of the Church and our individual daily life
Practical Ministry II - Visitation
Students will have an opportunity to make supervised visits to the homebound and/or hospital. Class sessions deal with needs of patients, grieving, as well as practical issues related to this ministry.
YEAR B
Basic Themes and Issues in Christian Ethics
Introduction to concepts and systems by which Christian tradition has taught personal and public morality. An opportunity to reflect on ethical issues
Christian Doctrine
Introduces students to Systematic Theology as well as other foundational doctrines and their scriptural foundations, to gain under-standing of orthodoxy and heresy, as well as how disciplined thought and faithful confession is crucial for church leaders.
Christian Worship
The course provides practical understanding of words, actions and items involved in worship, and ties the content of services to their Biblical roots
Introduction to the Old Testament
An overview of Hebrew scriptures and the relation between the Old Testament history and present practical theology.
Lutheran Faith in the American Context
A look at history of religions to understand basic developments and schism. Students will become more informed about the evangelical faith.
For more information, contact:
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
300 Union Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876 US
Email: office@gslutheranchurch.org
908-685-1660
Fax: 908-685-1667
Upcoming Events
Diakonia Event Open to Graduates, Students, & Teachers:
A Time for Renewal - A Time for Raising Up Leaders:
"Living Scripture"
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2010
Where: Christ the King Lutheran Church
3330 Route 27, Kendall Park, NJ 08824
Phone: 732-297-1200
Directions available at www.xtheking.org
Program Schedule:
10:00 AM Worship Service including Holy Communion
11:00 AM Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Robert Robinson
Professor of Old Testament and Greek
The Lutheran Theologoical Seminary at Phila.
Topic: "Living Scripture"
12:00 PM Hot Lunch and Fellowship
1:00 PM "Living Scripture" continues
Cost: $15.00
To register, contact NJdSC3@aol.com
Next Class
Christian Ethics
Led by Rev. Bruce Davidson - New Jersey Synod Director, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry
Class will meet:
Thursday, January 7 and 14, 7:00-10:00 PM
Saturday, January 23, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM (double session)
Thursday, January 28, 7:00-10:00 PM
Enrollment is open. Please contact the church office if you wish to participate.
