by Sarah Maney

Dr. Jennie Asher’s journey of faith and service

The path to deaconess ministry for Dr. Jennie Asher, the Seminary’s new director of Deaconess Studies, was anything but ordinary. Growing up in the heart of northwest Iowa, she was immersed in a community rich in Lutheran tradition. Her maternal grandparents were devout Lutherans, and she had two uncles who were pastors, one of whom served as a missionary.

“I was very familiar with the church, and from the time I was confirmed, I was actively involved in teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school,” she says. Her early involvement in the church laid the foundation for a fulfilling career in public education, during which she continued to engage with her faith in several ways, including teaching Sunday school, serving on the board of education and interpreting for people who are deaf.

Despite her rewarding career, Asher was experiencing a growing frustration within the public school system. “I had special education students with high needs and I wanted to share my faith more openly,” she reflected. “I longed to bring the Gospel to people on a more regular basis.”

Her pastor, Rev. John Fehrmann at  Lutheran Church of the Triune God in Brooklyn Center, Minn., encouraged her to explore the path to becoming a deaconess. “I had always been interested in studying theology, so everything naturally led me in that direction,” Asher explained.

Finding her calling through the deaconess program

After further prayer and discussion with her pastor, Asher made the decision to attend Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. “This was before the establishment of deaconess programs at the seminaries,” she said. She loved studying God’s Word and initially thought that the study of theology would make her a better Sunday school teacher. But by the end of her first year, Asher realized she wanted to take a more active role in ministry. “I resigned from my teaching position and decided to pursue the deaconess internship and the full program,” she said.

A heart for theology and Deaf ministry

For Asher, studying theology was not just an intellectual pursuit; it was a personal desire to grow in her faith and deepen her understanding of God’s Word. Her first call as a deaconess took her into Deaf ministry in the LCMS New England District, where she traveled to Portland, Maine, once a month. During her visits, she had the privilege of staying with Helen Kraus, the widow of Rev. George Kraus, a pioneer in Deaf ministry.

“Helen was an incredible saint of the Lord,” Asher remembered. “She said, ‘One of the worst things about getting old is realizing there’s so much more to learn about God’s Word and running out of time.’” Helen’s words resonated deeply with Asher, reinforcing her commitment to continually seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

In her Deaf ministry work, Asher traveled door-to-door, reaching out to the Deaf community in New England. She connected with people through the TTY (text telephone) system, building lasting relationships and sharing the Gospel with people who might not have encountered it otherwise.

The significance of deaconess ministry

Asher sees deaconess ministry as an essential and unique component of the church’s work, providing a nurturing and compassionate presence. “Women have so much to offer the church, and we bring a sensitive, nurturing side,” she explains. “Deaconess ministry is a powerful way to show God’s mercy and love while also sharing His Word.”

She experienced this firsthand during her missionary work in Turkey, where she and her husband formed a friendship with a local chef of a five-star restaurant. He would come to their home to teach her how to cook Turkish foods. One time, as they were sitting down to enjoy the fruit of their labors, the chef said, “You guys are different than other Americans,” Asher recalled. “I had the opportunity to share with him that we believe in Christ, and that it’s a way of love. We were able to share the message of the Gospel with him.”

Supporting the pastor and pointing to Christ

The role of a deaconess is to complement the pastor and support the ministry. “Deaconesses often take on aspects of ministry that the pastor might not have time to focus on,” Asher explained. “Our primary role is always to point people to Christ and His gifts of Word and Sacrament.

Through their work, deaconesses help foster deeper relationships within the congregation, offering individuals a space to share personal concerns. This unique role helps support the broader mission of the church.

Mentoring future deaconesses

Asher is enthusiastic about mentoring future deaconesses. “There are so many gifted women in our church, with a wide range of talents,” she said. “It’s exciting to watch them grow in their knowledge and skills, equipping them to serve God in new and impactful ways.” Her role at the Seminary involves helping these women develop their unique abilities, whether in their current roles or in future ministry opportunities.

For women considering a call to deaconess ministry, Asher offers words of encouragement: “Talk to other deaconesses, pray about it and discern where the Lord might be leading you.” She emphasizes that there are many avenues to explore, and the Seminary is always ready to provide guidance. “We want to help women explore this calling and provide support as they navigate their next steps.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Asher is deeply grateful for the opportunities she has had to serve God through deaconess ministry. From her early days teaching Sunday school to her current role mentoring future deaconesses, her passion for sharing God’s Word and serving others is clear. “It’s all about growing in our faith and serving others,” she said. “I believe that women have a unique ability to bring God’s love and mercy to people in ways that truly make a difference in their lives.”

Sarah Maney is the manager of communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.