Deaconess Program
A deaconess is a professionally competent lay woman commissioned to ministries of love, justice, and service. The United Methodist Church has a rich history of over 100 years of "sending forth" deaconesses who have played and continue to play a vital role in the mission of the Church throughout the United States.
Deaconesses helped establish community centers, orphanages, schools, hospitals, and clinics. Homes for immigrant women and outreach ministries in both rural and urban settings were also part of the ministry. Whatever their professional training, deaconesses concentrate their efforts among those who are poor, oppressed, ostracized and geographically isolated.
Deaconesses are lay women who:
- Affirm being called by God to lifetime service through the church
- Are committed to Christ and dedicated to mission
- Are committed to ministries of love, justice, and service
- Are professionally trained in their chosen field
- Complete theological and missional studies
- Are commissioned by and have a relationship with the General Board of Global Ministries
Learn more about this program.