# Deaconess Studies

- Link: https://www.ctsfw.edu/academics/programs/deaconess-studies/
- Published: 2025-09-05T10:35:29-04:00
- Author: Stephen Bornheimer

#  Deaconess Studies

CTSFW’s Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies programs prepare women to serve in congregations,
service organizations, and mission settings as motivators of mercy and leaders in
human care. The programs, which blend deep study of theology with practical experiences,
are designed for women who want to serve God’s people with an advanced understanding
of theology, particularly the theology of mercy. Deaconesses formed at CTSFW are
well-equipped to embody the love of Christ, to quickly recognize and respond to 
suffering around them, and to encourage strong bonds of fellowship in the organizations
they serve and in the larger community around them.

CTSFW offers two master’s-level deaconess formation programs, the **MA in Deaconess
Studies (Residential)** and the **MA in Deaconess Studies (Distance)**, which is
ordinarily reserved for women who have experience in human or spiritual care. CTSFW
also offers a **Deaconess Certification Program** for women who have a master’s 
degree in theology.

_Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and
God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able
to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves
are comforted by God_ (2 Cor. 1:3–4).

![white_paper](https://www.ctsfw.edu/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=wpmf-download-
file&local_id=12227&id=1PF2oVVBLqHpl8ipn0mAvz2lk3kEcdlXc&link=true&dl=0&sz=w574)

Released in February 2023, “CTSFW Deaconess Formation: Knowledge, Skills & Virtues”
is a white paper written by James G. Bushur, former director of Deaconess Formation
at CTSFW.

 [READ THE WHITE PAPER](https://resources.lcms.org/general/white-paper-ctsfw-deaconess-formation-knowledge-skills-virtues/)