The Concordia Deaconess Conference (CDC) took place June 15–18, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio. This annual conference allows deaconesses to gather for worship and fellowship, confession and absolution, celebration, conversation, and collective rest. “Oftentimes, it can be difficult for caregivers to slow down and become the recipients of selfless care. Being at St. John’s was such a gift, as the people there cared for the deaconesses (and their guests) in many and various ways. This was done via meals, childcare, and providing spaces for worship and learning,” says Deaconess Amanda Mumm, who works for the CDC in Illinois.
The theme for this year’s conference was In View of God’s Mercy: The Devotional Life in Christ, based on Romans 12:1–2. Approximately 100 deaconess sisters from all over the world came together for the Conference, where they studied the book of Psalms together with Dr. Reed Lessing. The chaplain was CDC’s Spiritual Counselor, Pastor Adam Steinbrenner. Of special note this year was the variety of breakout sessions offered.
Deaconess student Jenny Jaroneski described how the conference blessed her: “This year’s CDC was such a gift to me as a deaconess student. Deaconesses young and old, from near and far, came together to rejoice in the gifts God gives and the privilege we have to serve others in our vocations. The relationships formed with women whose wisdom, experience, and deep love for mercy work provide lasting encouragement to me on this formational journey. I learned so much from hearing deaconesses share the different ways God has led them to serve—congregational ministry, service organizations, even grant writing. Worshipping, singing, and participating in corporate confession together deepened the experience. It was a wonderful chance to grow, learn, and simply be together in the blessings of this merciful vocation. I am already looking forward to next year’s conference where, God‑willing, I will have the privilege of signing the constitution and officially joining the CDC.”
Michigan District Commissioned Minister Advocate, Luke Esselman, remarks: “The Deaconess ministry in the Michigan District continues to be one of the pillars of our LCMS commissioned workers-ministry specialists. They always exemplify the humble attitude of Christ-like servants in all they do. The sisterhood they share within the District, as well as the fellowship and growth in organizations like the CDC, are examples all our workers could benefit from emulating.”
Deaconess Christie Hansard, RN, BSN, the Michigan District Mental Health Case Manager and Parish Nurse Coordinator, added: “The conference provided valuable opportunities for us to grow professionally and spiritually through presentations focused on mercy work, congregational care, and being faithful women serving within the Church. One of the greatest blessings was reconnecting with fellow deaconesses, sharing ideas and resources, vocational blessings and challenges, and being reminded that we are not alone. I came home encouraged, equipped with new practical tools for ministry through our Bible Study on the Psalms, and renewed in my calling to serve Christ and His people through Parish Nursing, mental health support, and works of mercy.”
Michigan District Director of Leadership Development, Rev. Dr. Paul Biber, says, “In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of the variety of gifts and service in the church. We are so blessed in the Michigan District to have many deaconesses using their gifts and talents to advance the Kingdom and we are thankful for opportunities like this for them and for all our church workers to grow in faith and service. As we work together, we want to celebrate and encourage continued growth for our church workers and our lay leaders, who God may be leading to consider one the many avenues of service in our Church.”
Deaconess training programs are available at Concordia University Chicago, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. To learn more about Deaconess Ministry and the Concordia Deaconess Conference, visit concordiadeaconessconference.org
Photo of Michigan group courtesy of Deaconess Christie Hansard. Full group photo courtesy of Deaconess Amanda Mumm.