What is a Deaconess?

A woman who:

  • is consecrated by the Church to a ministry of service.
  • is part of a Community which offers vision, encouragement and guidance
  • is professionally trained
  • has a solid understanding of Christian theology.

She comes from a variety of ethnic groups, ages, backgrounds, and places. She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).

Most importantly, she has a heart for diakonia - for loving service to all in need, because of the love of Christ. A deaconess is a bridge connecting the Church with the needs of the world.

Deaconesses, along with other diaconal ministries, are the church outside the church and, often times, are the church’s face in society.

Goal

The Deaconess Community supports and develops skilled and committed Lutheran women to offer servant leadership to all of God’s people through service in church and society.

Vision

The Deaconess Community supports a life:

  • In service to the creation of vital, healthy and whole communities in witness to the love of Christ.
  • Of service to Church and society, grounded in the Biblical witness and the Lutheran Confessions.
  • Of intercessory prayer, corporate worship and spiritual discipline and direction.
  • Strengthened through a community that nurtures and empowers its members.
  • That affirms and appreciates the diversity and gifts of all people.
  • Compelled by the love of Christ and sustained by a community that is devoted to proclaiming the Gospel through ministries of mercy and servant leadership.

Mission Statement

"Compelled by the love of Christ and sustained by community, we devote our lives to proclaiming the Gospel through ministries of mercy and servant leadership."

Learn About the Community