The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) in Diaconal Ministry is designed to prepare men and women for diaconal ministries in the ELCIC. Other denominations may recognize this degree as valuable preparation for ministry in their denomination.
The diaconal minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is called by, and publicly serves, the church. The primary responsibility of the diaconal minister is for witnessing to the gospel through a ministry of service, mandated by the Word and Sacraments, that enables and equips the people of God in their ministry. Diaconal ministers work in intentional partnerships with bishops, pastors, other diaconal minsters and lay leaders.
Program Goal
The aim of the MTS in Diaconal Ministry focusses on four areas:
- Enable all participants to appropriate an introductory understanding of the primary sources and classic traditions of the Christian faith.
- Assist participants in the program to grow in a deeper understanding of and commitment to the liberating Gospel of Christ and the life of the church and in society.
- Develop and foster in all students the specific practical skills necessary to relate the Gospel of Christ effectively to the challenges of diaconal ministries in our church and society.
- Produce not only well-trained diaconal ministers, but also curious students, encouraging participants to commit to build upon the basic foundations of this program, and develop an ongoing process of ministry and reflection in their work and service to the church and society.
Curriculum
The MTS-Diaconal curriculum is comprised of 45 credits, which include courses, seminars, colloquiums and capstones. The program is at minimum, a two-year program (full time).
The curriculum is comprised of:
- Course work (students are required to choose a major and minor area of study)
- A field placement (6 to 9 months)
- Clinical Pastoral Education (3 months, usually during summer) (students must arrange for this)
- Thesis or Comprehensive Exam
- Note: students are also required to participate in one Diaconal Ministry retreat/formation sponsored by the ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada).
Requirements for Admission
- Synodical Candidacy Committee endorsement, if a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC).
- Completion of the online MTS Application for Admission, plus
- submission of supporting documents as outlined in the application form (such as transcripts, references (3), autobiographical statement, etc.), and
- submission of the application fee.
- Attainment of the Bachelor of Arts degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized college or university.
- A World Religions course is strongly recommended.
- For those over the age of 31 and without a BA or its equivalent, LTS will consider successful completion of a LTS “Prior Learning Assessment” (PLAR) application (pdf).
- Documentation of criminal record and vulnerable sector record checks.
- For those whose first language is not English, they must successfully complete one of two options: 1) a DUOLINGO English overall test score of 120, OR 2) a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IBT score (including the speaking component) of 88 with no component less than 20, or if the TOEFL IBT is not available, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) is a prerequisite.
Tuition / Fees
Please visit our Tuition page for a summary of tuition and other program fees.
Admissions
Please visit our Admissions Page to learn how to apply.
It is important to note that the online application form must be completed in full (or near to full), and the application fee must be paid before we can begin processing your application.
Learn More About the Program
2023-24 Handbook.... coming
Time Frame to Apply
Please visit our "How to Apply" page.
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Students must apply online: