Lutheran Services in America

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries are part of Lutheran Services in America—or LSA—a network of more than 300 independent Lutheran health care and human service organizations that serve in thousands of communities across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Diakon also is a member of the regional LSA group, Lutheran Services in Pennsylvania.

LSA is one of the largest not-for-profit human-service networks in the country, annually serving approximately one in every 50 persons in the United States. Collectively, the member organizations of LSA have budgets that total more than $8 billion.

LSA builds on a century-and-a-half of Lutheran social ministry efforts to serve the neighbor. Today, new ministries and organizations develop continually as needs are identified. Staff members and volunteers in LSA organizations treat acute and chronic illnesses of body and mind, provide care for the whole person in need, and strengthen and empower individuals and families to care for themselves, for one another, and for their communities.

Of course, these organizations are not alone in caring for those in need. Local Lutheran congregations are very active in providing food, shelter, education, mentoring, and a wide range of other services in their local communities.

“LSA is a national advocate for Lutheran social ministry and a clearinghouse for bold ideas and visions,” says Mark T. Pile, Diakon president/CEO. “In dialogue with other social ministry organizations, synods, seminaries, and colleges, LSA brings fresh ideas and broader views to our discussions. LSA is that little voice that constantly reminds and encourages us to be the church in word and service as we conduct the business that allows us to fulfill the ministry to which we have been called.”