When second-year student Cathy Newman first began considering deaconess ministry, she did not imagine how profoundly that journey would shape her life, faith, vocation and care for others. Today, she reflects on how Concordia Seminary has prepared her for service in the church through rigorous study, Christian community and hands-on ministry.
“My time at Concordia Seminary has shaped me through trials, tears and spiritual warfare,” Newman says. “The Lord sustained me through Christian community at the Seminary, especially through the gift of my deaconess sisters.”
While academic formation is an essential part of preparation for ministry, Newman says the rhythms of Seminary life — especially daily chapel — have left the deepest impression. “There were days when chapel felt like one more thing on a long list,” she says. “Yet I know I will miss daily chapel most of all. It centers me in Christ and fills me with His Word.”
She often recalls a phrase attributed to Katie Luther: “I will cling to Christ like a burr to a dress.” That image, Newman says, captures what chapel life has cultivated in her heart — a continual return to Christ and His promises. Newman also reflects on the pattern of formation she experienced throughout her studies.
“‘Formation’ can sometimes sound like a buzzword,” she says. “But at the Seminary it is real. Semester after semester we are immersed in Luther’s Oratio, Meditatio and Tentatio: prayer, meditation and trial. Through that pattern, the Lord strengthens faith and deepens our understanding of His grace, which then flows outward in love toward our neighbor.”
These experiences have shaped Newman not only as a student but also as a servant of Christ’s church.
SHAPED IN COMMUNITY
Newman’s path toward deaconess ministry began when she was serving as a full-time foster parent. Seeking time for prayer and reflection, she attended a silent retreat for women.
While meditating on Gal. 2:19–20 during the retreat, she sensed the Lord leading her in a new direction focused on teaching and sharing the Gospel. “I surrendered to trusting God and asked Him to guide me about what was next for my family and me,” Newman says.
Conversations with several pastors and mentors helped confirm that sense of direction, including discussions with Pastors Paul Ernewein and Charles Truax, along with Dr. Gillian Bond, who at the time served as director of the Seminary’s Deaconess Studies program.
Together with her husband, Chip, Newman made the decision to relocate more than 600 miles so they could follow God’s direction for their lives. “We packed up and moved to St. Louis to begin this journey,” she says. “The community at the Seminary and at our Resident Field Education (RFE) congregation has helped us adjust to living away from family, home, church and friends.”
LEARNING FOR MINISTRY
Newman says the Seminary’s coursework has continued to equip her with practical tools for teaching and caring for others.
Dr. Samuel Eatherton, kantor and assistant professor of Practical Theology, taught the course “Teaching the Faith” that helped her develop skills for catechesis and classroom instruction. She also learned the “Hook–
Book–Look–Took” method for preparing Bible studies, a tool she believes will serve her well in future ministry.
Even stepping outside her comfort zone to take vocal lessons has played a role in her preparation. “I am grateful to my coach, Katie Vann, for her patience and extraordinary talent in helping me learn to sing with confidence,” Newman says.
Another formative experience came when she visited the Dominican Republic and spent time with individuals living with severe disabilities. “Even without speaking the same language, I could bring spiritual care,” she says. “The Gospel transcends barriers.”
SERVING THROUGH VISITATION
For Newman, visiting residents in care facilities and private homes has become one of the most meaningful parts of her formation, offering companionship and the comfort of Christ’s Word.
Taking the “Lutheran Visitation Education” course proved to be a significant part of her preparation. Through it, she began visiting residents at EverTrue Laclede Groves, St. Louis, Mo. “The transition from being primarily a physical caregiver in my earlier life to becoming a spiritual caregiver has been profound,” Newman says. “I often wish I had then the spiritual training I have now.” Today, she approaches each visit prayerfully. “A typical visit begins with prayer before and after,” she says. “I do not always know what conversations I will encounter, but I want to make sure Christ is always at the center.”
One encounter in a memory care unit remains especially meaningful to her. As she and another deaconess student were leaving, a resident stopped them and began expressing worry about children she remembered from her past. Using the active listening skills she learned in class, Newman listened carefully and then prayed with the woman.
“I cannot even remember exactly what I said,” Newman recalls. “But the Holy Spirit was comforting her. When we finished praying, she thanked me and said, ‘I will remember what you said.’”
Over time, Newman says she has learned that faithful care does not depend on having the perfect words prepared. “The visit is not about my performance but about Christ at work through His Word,” she says. “The Holy Spirit is faithful, even when I feel inadequate.”
WALKING WITH OTHERS
As Newman looks ahead to future ministry, she feels especially drawn to serving older adults and those in care facilities. During her visits at EverTrue Laclede Groves, she has come to treasure time spent with residents such as Pauline Ostermeyer.
In their time together, Newman might help her eat breakfast, read Scripture or spend time in prayer and conversation. “My heart is for serving communities with the aged,” she says.
In these simple moments of care, Newman sees the essence of her vocation. “Most of the time our conversations revolve around reminding Pauline that she is not forgotten,” Newman says. “She is a baptized and precious child of God.”
For Newman, that simple proclamation reflects the heart of deaconess ministry. “For any growth I have experienced,” she says, “I give all glory to God, who works through weak and willing servants for the comfort of His people.”