Title: ELCA First Diaconal Minister Consecrated ELCA NEWS SERVICE NEWSBRIEF July 30, 1996 FIRST DIACONAL MINISTER CONSECRATED Margaret Schmitt Ajer became the first diaconal minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on June 15. The Rev. Paul W. Egertson, bishop of the ELCA's Southern California (West) Synod, consecrated her during a Saturday morning worship service at Bethania Lutheran Church, Solvang, Calif. The ELCA's consecration ceremony was used for its first time, on a provisional basis. Ajer serves as regional staff of the ELCA's Division for Ministry and as staff of Bethania Lutheran Church; and she continues in those positions as a diaconal minister. The ELCA's 1993 Churchwide Assembly approved the new form of lay ministry after a five-year study of ministry. The church now has four "rosters" for its professional leaders -- pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers. The ELCA ordains pastors; and the others are lay ministers. Diaconal ministers have at least a master's degree in theology and participate in a diaconal formation program. The focus of diaconal ministry is on extending the church's ministry of care and service into the world. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955; Lia Christiansen, Asst. Dir., (312) 380-2956