Clergy

What are the type of clergy that the Lutheran church has? For example does it have popes, deacons, nuns, monks, priests, etc. Sorry if this was a bother I have a project to do and I cant find this answer anywhere on the Internet. I will be glad if you can return the answer as soon as possible! Thanks!
                            Warm Regards, Carroll Sanchez. : )


Carol,

Lutherans confess that God has technically only established one office in the church, the Office of Holy Ministry. This is most commonly known in the modern United States as a pastor. The bible word for this is Poy-ay-may (shepherd). Other bible words such as Pres-bute-er-os (elder/old man) and e-pis-sco-pos (bishop/overseer/supervisor) also refer to this same office or position. This is the only thing we would call "clergy".

Within this one office, we may chose to have a variety of "polities" or organizations, but any differences we establish are not "ranks" or a hierarchy but simply human-made distinctions for the sake of good order. For example, some Lutheran churches have "bishops" to help oversee groups of pastors or congregations, but they are known as "first among equals" and are in the same "office" as other pastors.

There is also a bible word di-a-ko-nos (deacon) which is not part of the ordained clergy. This is a human-made position and valuable tradition began in the time of Paul. They are lay men and women, usally called Deacons and Deaconesses, who assist the pastor is day to day tasks of the congregation; what the bible calls "waiting tables".  Deacons are sort of like modern  "lay-leaders" (most commonly called "elders") who assist with communion, help organize church finances, visit the sick and so forth. Deaconesses often serves as counselors, social workers, and teachers.

I hope this helps in your project,
Pastor Harris