Deaconesses gather for learning, renewal

Attendees at the 2026 Concordia Deaconess Conference (CDC) take part in “Conversation Cafe,” an activity in which participants periodically change table groups in order to get to know each other better and to discuss topics of shared concern. (Courtesy of CDC)

The 2026 Concordia Deaconess Conference (CDC) was held June 15–18 in Dublin, Ohio. Deaconess Amanda Mumm, the CDC’s chair of spiritual and professional growth, wrote in a recent update:

“What a blessing it was to bring nearly 100 deaconess sisters from all over the world together. … Here, they studied the Book of Psalms together with [the Rev.] Dr. Reed Lessing and were fed in Word and Sacrament ministry by CDC Spiritual Counselor Pastor Adam Steinbrenner. The group met for their business meeting and enjoyed various social events. A truly special opportunity was the variety of the breakout sessions offered this year from sister deaconesses.”

The conference was hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dublin, with St. John’s members providing meals, child care and conference space. The LCMS supported the event with a generous grant. The conference theme verses were Romans 12:1–2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Worship included Evening Prayer, Matins, a hymn sing, Divine Service and the praying of the Deaconess Litany. The latter, written by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Korby, gives thanks to God for the opportunity to “unite our hearts to praise Your name” and, as those “who work in isolated places,” to gather in person for mutual encouragement.

Wrote Mumm: “Thanks be to God for LCMS Deaconess Ministry, the Concordia Deaconess Conference, and the deaconess training programs at Concordia University Chicago; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.”

Learn more about deaconess ministry and the Concordia Deaconess Conference.

Posted Aug. 24, 2026