The Order of Deaconess/Home Missioner roots its work in Romans 16:1–2 and the deaconess movement begun by Lucy Rider Meyer, whose first training school opened in Chicago in 1885; the Office of Deaconess was officially recognized by the General Conference in 1888. Deaconesses and Home Missioners continue this legacy of serving in cutting-edge ministries of love, justice, and service.
The North Georgia Conference has eleven active Deaconess/Home Missioners serving under appointment and three in retired relationship, plus one active and one retired Deaconess from other conferences living within its bounds. Their ministries this year included counseling those facing economic or immigration hardship, senior home health services, food-insecurity efforts, and advocacy against injustice. One retired North Georgia DHM represents the Order in DIAKONIA, the international ecumenical diaconal community, which gathered in Tanzania in July 2025 and celebrated the consecration of 15 Africa Region deaconess/home missioners. Submitted by L. Susan Stroup.