History
Founded in 1919 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, the LDA (Lutheran Deaconess Assoication) moved to Valparaiso in 1943. Our first deaconesses were nurses but now our deaconesses are joined by deacons and serve in a variety of roles in society. The name changed from Lutheran Deaconess Association to Lutheran Diaconal Association in 2018 because men are accepted into the program.
Specialties
The LDA is a Lutheran organization forming and training people to become Deaconesses or Deacons through a process of Education and Formation. LDA students study religion and theology, practice hands-on ministry, grow in their own spirituality, and become members of a lifelong community of other Deaconesses or Deacons.