Lutheran Diaconal Association

A Deaconess or Deacon is someone one who serves. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, and instructed them to do the same for others. Sometimes Deaconesses and Deacons do actual foot-washing like Jesus did; but more widely, they serve Christ by walking with those the world easily forgets; the marginalized, the poor, the powerless, the sick. People who reach out to others in this way—with care and compassion in a hurting world—are practicing diaconal service. Some of them desire to do this as a professional in ministry, and enter a more formal training and formation process to become Deaconesses and Deacons. Traditionally, LDA Deaconesses were nurses or teachers, but as the organization has evolved, deaconess/deacon ministry has come to mean many things: it means serving others on bended knee, and from positions of leadership. It means entering the hurt parts of society and carrying the light and love of Christ in service to others. It means telling the story of God’s love, and helping others to hear God in their own story. It means welcoming the stranger in our midst. The LDA has consecrated over 760 deaconesses and deacons since 1919. If you wonder if you are called to serve God in this way, please visit our website, thelda.org, for more information or contact us at deacserv@valpo.edu or 219-464-6925. We would love to hear from you!