Journey to the Diaconate - August 2024
As the season changes from summertime to school year, it feels fitting for another update on my diaconal journey. If you’re new to the updates and are interested in some background, you can view previous updates here: https://www.derekluther.com/blog.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
CPE is a professional training path for people called to hospital chaplaincy. People on that track must complete four CPE units (300 hours each) and a residency to become a Board-Certified Chaplain. The episcopal church requires a single CPE unit for those seeking ordination as priests or deacons. It’s a powerful experience. It’s part ministry to others and part learning about oneself. I would call it 50/50, but the blend seems different with each patient encounter.
This part of the process requires 10-12 hours weekly in the hospital. In addition, there are group and individual supervision meetings and lots of reflection. I’ll be honest. It’s a lot. When my Parish Discernment Committee called out a concern about having enough time for the formation process while balancing family, work, etc. - this is what they were thinking about. Fortunately, Mercy Hospital has been gracious in accommodating my schedule, and if I can stay on track, I’ll finish my hours on time at the end of October.
Preaching
The Diocese of North Carolina continues to emphasize the development of future deacons as good preachers in the formation process. While deacons are not called to preach regularly like priests, it’s still seen as an important skill. Preaching was a requirement of my internship at St. Martin’s and a CPE requirement.
I’ll preach next at Christ Church on August 25th at the 8:30am and 10:30 am services in the Sanctuary. As I know many of you are not local to Charlotte, the service can also be live-streamed via the links below:
What’s next?
I’ll continue with my time at Mercy Hospital through October. Once my CPE unit is complete, I’ll have a respite before coursework starts in the new year. Potential deacons take three courses from Duke Divinity School: Old Testament, New Testament, and Church History. If things remain on schedule, I could be ordinated in January 2026.
As I’ve stated, this process continues as one of prayer and reflection. Nothing is assumed. I approach and hold it with open hands.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive energy!
DML
