Grand Canyon Synod

Diakonia Graduation 2019

The Diakonia program was started in the Grand Canyon Synod as a means to train and develop lay persons to assist rostered leaders in doing the work of the church. This national program is rooted in faith formation and shaped by the local Synod. It is a means to enhance discipleship through a 2 year educational process which increases biblical knowledge and Lutheran understanding and also provides opportunities for exploring spiritual disciplines and practices. The program also encourages self examination which helps students discern what God is calling them to do personally as members of the body of Christ.

With its emphasis on “freely-responsible servanthood” the Diakonia program seeks to train leaders who are capable of handling the many diverse and ever evolving situations the Christians of today encounter on a daily basis. The Grand Canyon Synod Diakonia program is a means to prepare lay leaders in changing times to support the mission of the church with wisdom and understanding in accordance with our Lutheran understanding of who God is and how God works. The Diakonia program seeks to expand the preparation and abilities of lay leaders so that they can partner with rostered leaders and support the local church.

Graduates receive the basic training to teach confirmation, lead adult bible studies, organize welcoming and outreach efforts and become social justice advocates. Towards that end, the Diakonia program provides training in these core courses, which are taught by rostered leaders in the church:
• Old and New Testament
• Lutheran Confessions with emphasis on creeds, confessions, Book of Concord and
Means of Grace
• Lutheran Theology including what is theology, how to apply it and specific Lutheran
theology
• Early Church History with emphasis on early church leaders
• Early Lutheran American Church History including the development of modern day
synods
• Christian Ethics
• Practical Ministry including visitation, roles and functions of the synod and Evangelical
Church in America, basic preaching and worship planning

There are no prerequisites for those attending classes. The cost for courses is $60.00 per course or $360 per year. Books and other materials will not exceed an average of $30.00 per course (some classes may be higher while others will be lower.)
Course schedule, class, location and dates is available to view at www.diakoniaaz.org.
Click on the ‘Class Schedule’ button at the top to view the class schedules for the
communities (each in their local time zone).
The course are offered at four communities across the synod:

• Las Vegas, NV  series A courses, Mondays 6-9pm
• Phoenix, AZ  series B courses, Mondays 6:30-9:30pm
• Rio Salado (East Valley of Maricopa county)  series A courses Tuesdays 6-9pm
• Tucson, AZ  series B courses Saturdays 9-noon

*These courses will be offered using the ZOOM app and are available to anyone interested in any location across the country.

View Diakonia Brochure Here