Welcome to the LDA series on the five images of Diaconate.

The images of the diaconate were developed by scholar Antonia Lynn in an article she wrote in the book "The Deacon's Ministry.

The definitions we use here are interpretations of Lynn's work by LDA Emeritus Executive Director, Deaconess E. Louise Williams.

In this preview, we hear the definition of Doorkeeper.

To hear how members of the LDA Diaconate relate their current and past ministries to this image. Full length interviews at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7g8yoAdL3je8XwScsHhvQP?si=207db9708a6e4a66

Photos by Bengray.com

In this episode, We speak with Deaconess Diana Iltzsche about how running the homeless ministry at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana reflects the diaconal image of "Table Server."

We talk about the practical side of serving meals to guests who sleep 6 months out of the year in the church, and the training she gives to volunteers on how to serve mutually.

Deaconess Diana was consecrated by the LDA in 1977 and has spent most of her career in public service. She has worked for several non-profits, was a child care advocate, a youth director, and a public school teacher for children with learning differences.

Mentioned in the show:

* PADS Program https://www.journeystheroadhome.org/

* "Nickel and Dimed: On (NOT) Getting by in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation.

Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv

In this episode, we speak with Deaconess Rayanne Woodruff about how her work as a teacher reflects the diaconal image of "Light Bearer."

Deaconess Rayanne shines a light on racial bias, injustices in education, cumulative social & economic disadvantages and calls for neuro-friendly learning. We also talk about how the prophetic voice of the Lightbearer comes with risks.

Deaconess Rayanne was consecrated December 2017 and lives in Lakeland, Florida.

She is the neuro-educational specialist at Excel Christian Academy.

To get in touch with Deaconess Rayanne:

LightbearerLearning.com

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation.

Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv

In this episode, we speak with Deacon Steve Arnold about how his ministry teaching Ukrainian students English reflects the diaconal image of "Doorkeeper."

We talk about war, the resilience, thoughtfulness and ingenuity of youth and how the church should honor, love and protect them.

Deacon Steve was one of the first men consecrated by the LDA in 2014. He is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN where he lives. He also served as the president of the LDA's Community of Lutheran Deacons.

Deacon Steve has served for over 52 years in various roles as spiritual director, professor at Concordia St. Paul, a chaplain, a retreat leader and now a teacher.

Mentioned in the show:

https://ca.linkedin.com/company/foreign-teachers-org

To get in touch with Deacon Steve:

PivotPointMinistries.org

Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation.

Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv