Released in February 2023, “CTSFW Deaconess Formation: Knowledge, Skills & Virtues” is a white paper written by James G. Bushur, director of Deaconess Formation at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. (CTSFW).

“The mission of Concordia Theological Seminary is to form servants of Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.”

CTSFW fulfills this mission in two ways—the formation of pastors to baptize, to preach, and to administer the Lord’s Supper, and the formation of deaconesses to serve the church through mercy toward those in need.


LCMS Deaconess Ministry