To Empower and Equip Servant Leaders for Mission and Ministry

For more information contact Rev. Dr. Marvin Bergman, Program Coordinator

What is the purpose?

Is There a Need?

What is the Rationale?

What Will Be Taught?

What Are the Levels?

What is DELTO?

What is the Licensed Deacon Program?

Who May Participate?

When are Courses Offered?

What is the Cost

Who is the Sponsor?

Whom can I Contact?

What is the Purpose?

The mission of the program is to offer a series of courses, using qualified LCMS pastors and teachers, to empower and to equip servant leaders. The Nebraska District certifies equipped leaders to assist pastors and congregations in carrying out the Great Commission and to enable those who are qualified to enter the DELTO program.

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Is There a Need?

There is a recognized need to involve lay leaders in providing pastoral care and assistance to congregations under appropriate supervision.

• God has gifted individuals with the potential to provide leadership and pastoral services in congregations to fulfill their mission and ministry
• Some vacant congregations cannot support the ministry of a full-time seminary-educated pastor
• Congregations served by a pastor may seek the assistance of equipped lay leaders to fulfill their mission and ministry
• Immigrant and ethnic groups need spiritual leadership that fits their special circumstances

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What is the Rationale?

The rationale for offering this Lay Leadership Program is based on a recognition of opportunities and needs:

• Developing outreach ministry
• Teaching biblical stewardship
• Leading small group ministries
• Participating in a care-giving ministry, including hospital and home visits
• Providing leadership in various ministry areas
• Administering a congregation
• Leading worship, preaching the Word, and administering the Sacraments (following certification)

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What Will Be Taught?

• New Testament Bible
• Old Testament Bible
• Christian Doctrine Summary
• Interpreting the Bible
• Basic Preaching*
• Lutheran Worship
• Fundamental Pastoral Care
• Teaching the Faith
• Mission Outreach
• Church History

*This course is offered only to those enrolled in DELTO and the Deacon Ministry Program.

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On What Level May People Participate in this Program?

This educational program seeks to foster the development of personal and leadership competencies on four levels.

LEVEL ONE focuses on PERSONAL GROWTH, such as growing in one’s discipleship while not intending to assume a leadership role in a congregation.

LEVEL TWO encourages congregations to engage gifted lay men and women from within their membership to serve as lay ministry assistants in evangelism, education, music, human care, and other ministries. A goal of the Lay Leadership Program of the Nebraska District is to promote educational events that equip laity for such ministries.

LEVEL THREE is a WORD AND SACRAMENT MINISTRY in which a male candidate will be working toward certification as a licensed deacon who serves under supervision during all pastoral functions, including leading worship, administering the sacraments, and preaching. The District President grants certification at an appropriate time.

LEVEL FOUR involves completing an educational program that qualifies one to be an ORDAINED or COMMISSIONED ROSTER MEMBER of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through DELTO (Distance Education Leading To Ordination) or the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy Program.

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What is DELTO?

DELTO is a pastoral education program offered by the seminaries of the LCMS. DELTO means Distance Education Leading To Ordination. The first ten courses of this 30-course program can be taught by Districts through Lay Leadership Programs. 

For more information on the DELTO Program, visit one of the seminary websites; Concordia Seminary in St. Louis , http://www.csl.edu/delto.htm or Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne , http://www.ctsfw.edu/academics/delto/.  

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What is the Licensed Deacon Program?

A licensed deacon is one who has completed the requirements of the program and is certified by the President of The Nebraska District. He will serve under the supervision of an ordained pastor in assuming pastoral responsibilities as described in the guidelines approved by the LCMS.

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Who May Participate?

The primary constituency of this program is the membership of the Nebraska District—LCMS, with the thrust being the development of congregational leaders. This program will partner with the DELTO program of the seminaries of the LCMS, Concordia University-Seward, and with other districts of the LCMS.

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When are Courses Offered?

Courses are offered on Saturdays in the fall and spring or at other times and locations determined by the students and the instructor.

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What is the Cost?

The cost of a course is $200.  Course texts will be purchased by each student.

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Who is the Sponsor?

The Lay Leadership Program of the Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is administered by the LUTHERAN CENTER FOR LAY LEADERSHIP located in the Nebraska District Office, Seward , Nebraska .

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Whom can I Contact?

For more information, contact the Program Coordinator, Pastor Marvin Bergman mbergman@cune.edu, or call Julie at the District Office toll free at 1-888-643-2961.

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