God calls every Christian to service or, in Greek, diakonia.  As Jesus took a towel and washed the feet of His disciples, God calls each of us to share His love by serving others.  The towel and basin are symbols of this service.

The mission of the LDA is to prepare and support women and men for ministries of service, and advance the church's diaconal mission.  We also encourage and support all Christians' service and provide resources for you.

Servant work has been the focus of the ministries of deaconesses educated and supported by the LDA since 1919.  In our 90+ year history, the LDA has consecrated over 750 deaconesses.  They have served throughout the world in roles such as parish staff, missionaries, social workers, lawyers, nurses, teachers, administrators, and more!  Today, the LDA educates women and men for wide-reaching ministries of service both in the church and in the community.

Mission Statement 

The Lutheran Deaconess Association

• Prepares women and men for ministries of service to those in need in the church and world.
• Supports deaconesses and deacons in their varies ministries,
• Affirms the whole people of God in their own diaconal service, and
• Assists the church in its diaconal mission.