A deaconess has been prepared by the church for public ministry of Word and Service. The work of those called to the diaconate is not always very clearly articulated, and deaconesses are often asked in what ways they are called to ministry.

All baptized members of the Christian faith are called into lives of love and service. Rostered deaconesses (called by an ELCA or ELCIC church) and others who are called to the diaconate are called to leadership in the formation, education, and empowerment of the baptized.

As deaconesses, we have discerned our call as one that engages people of the church and world together. We work in a wide variety of settings, depending on spiritual gifts and training.

We serve out this vocation as teachers, counselors, administrators, health professionals, Christian educators, youth workers, information specialists, ecumenists, and more.

We serve in congregations, synod offices, hospitals, social service agencies, outdoor ministries, caring institutions, universities, and beyond.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Deaconess Community, please contact Liz.Colver@elca.org.

Here are some of our stories: