A Deaconess is... a Lutheran woman formed in community educated in Lutheran theology set apart to serve people in church or the world.

When Jesus took the towel and basin and stooped to wash the disciples' feet, he provided a most vivid picture of servanthood and a model for deaconess ministry. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:14

In New Testament times deaconesses and deacons were set apart to assist and lead the church in caring for the poor, marginalized, powerless people whom it would have been so easy to forget. You may have heard of Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2), Lydia (Acts 16: 13-15, 40), and Dorcas (Acts 9:36-41), women of the early church whom were identified by the apostles for their examples of diakonia.

Throughout the ages the diaconate has shaped itself in various ways, but the central heartbeat has always been the same -- to reach out in Christian love to those in need.

A deaconess uses her gifts in her chosen vocation in service to Christ. She has formed her servant-leader identity through education in theology, support from an international community, intentional spiritual reflection and experience in ministry. God calls these women to a ministry of word and service (diakonia), having a different emphasis from ordained ministry.

A deaconess may do ministry through a variety of jobs. Her work cannot be classified into any one category. But through the application of her deaconess identity, she uses her gifts in service to Christ.  A deaconess expresses her servant identity always, applying it to all aspects of her life. She respects the history of those before her and bonds with the community for support and affirmation.