Diakonia is an exciting opportunity which provides a spiritual journey to lay individuals who wish to become more involved in their church or who want to better understand their faith.
Diakonia meets once each week for two years during the school year (September through April or early May). Individuals are joined by other students and teaching pastors from around the Northern Illinois Synod to talk about the Bible, Christian Doctrine, Christian Ethics, Lutheran Faith in the American Context, and other topics. Students are also given the opportunity to discern what spiritual gifts they might have to use in service to God’s people.
This course of study prepares students for the task of showing God’s love in their workplaces, neighborhoods, families, and schools, as well as their local churches. Diakonia graduates are called to share the light of Christ in the world.
Anyone who is looking for a deeper spiritual connection with Christ is encouraged to try diakonia. The Northern Illinois Synod currently offers classes in several locations:
- St. John, Joliet, on Tuesdays (location manager: Trenton Ferro)
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Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry, on Thursdays (location manager: Ellen Arthur)
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St. Mark, Rockford, on Thursdays (location manager: Don Long)
- First, Mount Carroll, dates TBA (location manager: Barbara Stark)
- First, DeKalb, on Mondays (location manager Denise Rode)
- St. Paul, Dixon on Mondays (contact Pr. Joseph O’Donnell)
All sites require a minimum number of students for operation.
Use the link below to download a registration form for the Diakonia program. Diakonia graduates, current students, or I would be glad to talk with you about our experiences in the program and how they have influenced our spiritual growth and fellowship with our instructors and peers. I can be reached at home (815-756-8321) or by cell (815-751-8256) but the easiest way to contact me is via e-mail at drode1@niu.edu.
Many of us in the Northern Illinois Synod have felt called to the diakonia program, and we hope to share its benefits with others who want to deepen their faith and have a closer relationship with God. I hope you will give prayerful consideration to this unique opportunity.
Sincerely in Christ,
Denise L. Rode, Ed.D.
Northern Illinois Synod Diakonia Chairperson