I’m feeling a little humbled at the moment……
As a Diaconal Minister in the ELCA, I’ve always seen it as very important for me to be a voice; to be a voice for a new roster that so many dont understand or even know what it is!Too often I find myself fighting for those that will come after me and the others just like those that came before us did for those of us that came after them. (Ok does that make any sense at all?)Today I attempted to make a step that I felt was important for all of us who serve in this roster and the other two rosters of this church; Deacons/Deaconesses and Associates in Ministry! And the cool thing is it was accepted/passed! I’m not sure what this means for our future but I feel it will be a vital and important step.
I’m humbled at the voices who rose in light of this action. Thank you for showing me that I do have gifts for ministry and am a gift to this church. Most of the time I know that but sometimes I forget that when the pain, doubt, etc creeps in! You are all blessings in my life! Thank you!
Please explain more when you are able.
Hey PS. Sorry it has taken me awhile to get to your question. Basically I/the church I serve at submitted a resolution asking the ELCA to change some documents to make language more inclusive of all rosters; putting them under one category. The resolution also was worded in such a way that it will allow for more lay delegates/non-church professionals to attend local and churchwide gatherings. I think that should answer your question!
Thanks for the reply. I don't know much about Diaconal ministers, except that my mom's sisters, now near 80 years old, went to nursing school at Deaconess Hospital in Milwaukee. They always spoke highly of the deaconesses. I'd guess, however, that few Lutherans know anything about them. I'm died in the wool Lutheran, Lutheran college, yada yada, and I've rarely heard of them.
I DO know about AIMs, however, as a dear friend is an AIM. She serves just like a pastor in a church 30 miles from here. But I know that most don't have that type of job. One friend, who is certified as an AIM, went to an AIM convention and was so disappointed to find that most AIMS are secretaries or music directors, etc. She had a hard time finding a position because the synod office wouldn't give out her name because churches didn't know enough to ask for an AIM. Catch 22.
My son-in-law is thinking of getting to be an official AIM. He is actually a seminary graduate and works in a church related ministry and administrative job, but he hasn't done an internship or CPE. He can't do these while supporting his family.
So that's why I'm interested. And from what you said, that sounds good. Sounds like these people need more recognition.