“Working in Faith, Laboring in Love, Remaining Steadfast
in the Hope of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
About Us
Concordia Deaconess Conference (CDC) is a free association of LCMS-rostered deaconesses (members) and LCMS-certified deaconess candidates (affiliates) who subscribe to and live by the confessional position of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) and who hold membership in a congregation or partner church of the same.
The conference works to provide opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional growth and fellowship for deaconesses and support for diaconal service in Christ within the parishes, institutions, and missions of the LCMS. CDC members gather annually for a three-day conference filled with presentations related to deaconess work, Bible study and worship, and just plain fun, while reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.
On August 8, 2009, CDC was designated as a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS, under the auspices of the Board for University Education, Concordia University System. If we can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us!
The official objectives of CDC are:
- To give all glory to God
- To extend the kingdom of God
- To aid the LCMS in upholding and promoting deaconess ministry
- To provide spiritual, personal, and professional growth and fellowship for LCMS deaconesses
CDC members and affiliates are committed to these objectives and voluntarily abide by the CDC Code of Ethics. They offer support and encouragement to one another within a geographically diverse community. Members gather for an annual conference; serve through various offices and committees; and promote understanding of the office of deaconess within the LCMS.
The CDC Uniform and Cross
The Concordia Deaconess Conference uniform identifies its members as certified and commissioned deaconesses who are on the roster of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and who support and carry out their vocation in accord with the confessional position of the Synod.
The CDC uniform is a solid navy blue dress or a two-piece navy blue business suit worn with a white blouse. Whichever navy blue outfit is chosen, the uniform includes a specially designed gold cross pin worn on the left lapel and a similar cross insignia worn on the left shoulder. The crosses worn on the uniform are a reminder that the deaconess serves Jesus Christ, the center of her faith and life. The cross also reminds a deaconess that we love because He first loved us, and that Christ has chosen her to show love and mercy in His name.
The arms of the CDC cross stretch out to the four directions of the compass and are each inscribed with fish symbols that meet in the center. The letters of the Greek word “fish” are an acrostic for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” Early Christians used this symbol as a means of identifying one another during times of persecution. The arms of the cross also flare into the shapes of Easter Lilly blossoms, symbolizing the radiant joy of the resurrection of Christ, the source of Christian hope.