Friday, May 05, 2006

My Adopted Niece Answers Question From A Previous Post

This post is in response to a couple of questions that I received when I posted that my adopted niece was accepted into the deaconess program at Concordia University River Forest with this post. I asked Valerie if she would be so kind as be a guest poster to answer the questions herself. So, heeeeere's Valerie...

What is a Deaconess, what does one do and why they cannot become pastors ?
A Deaconess provides diaconal care, with special emphasis in mercy, spiritual care and teaching the faith. A Deaconess guides people to the Word of God and the Sacraments, provided by a pastor, to receive forgiveness of sins and strengthening of their faith. Some areas that a Deaconess can work in as far as Spiritual care, Education, Human care, Women’s ministry, Worship (Training Altar Guild, and Acolytes), Youth, Evangelism, and Music. Deaconess can also work in hospitals as social workers, in schools, missionary work and even as psychologists. Personally I am thinking about something along the lines of social work and or psychology.
A Deaconess is NOT a pastor nor should they ever become one. If they do then they are going against what they were taught and what they believe. The reason why I or any other woman cannot become a priest is right here in the Bible. Just read it and you can find it for yourself.
1 Corinthians 14:33-35;37
33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, 34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.37If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.
1 Timothy 2:11-12
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
1 Timothy 3:1-2
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach
Thank you Uncle Frank and Aunt Laura, I love you guys very much as well. I have worked hard to get to where I am now.
Valerie

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