What is a Deaconess?  Find out as we journey along with Deaconess Alex Shick, Director at Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries in Sanford, FL.  This interview and others on our website were inspired by the LCMS Set Apart to Serve Initiative to recruit the next generation of church workers.

Alex, when did you first become aware of the Deaconess profession?

During my college internship at Concordia Ann Arbor, I met a Deaconess for the first time. I originally wanted to be a chaplain and work in Criminal Justice. 

What led you to want to become a Deaconess?

My childhood church, (St. Mark’s in Muskegon, MI) took me in and loved me. My life would be very different if it wasn’t for the people of the church.

Did your parents guide you in your decision to become a Deaconess? If not, what did they say when you told them what you wanted to study?

No! They told me it will be hard to make money. Here I am and I want for nothing.

Galations 1:10 is one of Alex's favorite scripture from the Bible!
How much did you have to study the bible? 
 
A lot! Seminary teaches you how to study the bible. We take most of the same classes (Old & New Testament, Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, etc.) as pastors except Homiletics and the Languages.
 
There are three pillars of Diaconal service: Spiritual Care, Mercy Work & Teaching the Faith.  The Deaconess Program has more elective opportunities because they serve specific ministries. I took Human Care electives because I wanted to explore Evangelism and Outreach.  If you want to teach Religion or lead bible studies, you’d focus on Teaching the Faith.
 
Do you know Greek and Hebrew? 
 
Greek & Hebrew aren’t required in the Deaconess curriculum, so no!
What kind of work are you doing at your current Call at Redeeming Life Outreach Ministry? Direct and Spiritual Care and Case Management.
I help the moms coordinate all the pieces of life so they can create a stable environment for their future. They’re required to work full-time or be enrolled in classes and work part time, save a portion of their earnings to build a nest egg, make a family meal once a week, and go to church on Sunday. We use Google classroom to help teach finances, life skills, and spiritual care.
 
What are your normal working hours? Full-time, 5 days a week. Sometimes on Saturdays we take the moms at the maternity home on fun outings (park, flea market, Parade of Lights, etc.).
The babies of RLOM Sanford <3
What are your favorite things to do outside of work? Our hobbies are our son!  We like to explore Downtown Sanford and local splash pads.
 
Now that you live in Florida, do you still like the Michigan Wolverines? Go, Blue!
 
What is your favorite cookie? Oatmeal Raisin
 
Is there anything else you’d like to share? This work is important and needs to get done. It’s difficult for all sorts of reasons and we need to advocate for it’s value. If there’s a need, you may have to ask for a position to be created and write a grant proposal to fund your salary. God will lead the way.

RLOM trains their moms in Conscious Discipline for knowledge, inspiration, and skills to self-regulate and create healthy relationships for generations. More information and free resources HERE!

Deaconess Alex recommends Stepping Stones and Safe Families for single, foster, and adoptive family support.  

Blessings to you!

This beautiful lighted stained glass is always on in honor of a special donor and their children.
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