Dr. Jennie Asher, a seasoned educator, deaconess and missionary, has accepted the call to serve as the Director of Deaconess Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. She will assume her new role Monday, Jan. 20, and will be installed Wednesday, Jan. 29, during a Divine Service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

“We thank God for the provision of Dr. Asher as director for Concordia Seminary’s Deaconess Studies Program, now entering its third decade. The service of deaconesses in so many different settings greatly enriches the life and ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS),” said Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger. “Jennie brings with her a wealth of expertise and experience. Her love for our Savior and our Lutheran theology is evident, and her cheerful willingness to serve will leave its stamp on our future deaconesses.”

Most recently, Asher has been teaching special education at New Discoveries Montessori Academy in Hutchinson, Minn., where she has served since 2020. Previously, Asher served as a deaconess and missionary for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), with assignments in Kaiserslautern, Germany (2016-20), and a primarily Muslim country in Eurasia (2014-16). From 2005 to 2014, Asher managed and directed the deaconess program as assistant professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. She also served as a deaconess at Zion Lutheran Church in Marshall, Mich., (2002-05) and as Deaf Ministry Facilitator in the New England District (1993-97). 

In 1983, Asher earned a Bachelor of Science in special education from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minn. She completed the courses required for elementary teacher certification at the University of Wisconsin, River, Falls, Wis., (1986); earned a Master of Science in Special Education from St. Cloud State University (1992) and completed a certificate of Advanced Studies and Deaconess Certification from Concordia University, River Forest, Ill., (1993). In 2015, she earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology, Research and Assessment from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Ill.

“We live in a world that is in desperate need of Jesus, and the LCMS is blessed with so many women who, in their varied vocations, faithfully proclaim Christ’s love and mercy,” said Asher. “I’m honored and humbled to be called to teach, guide and mentor women who desire to serve their Savior professionally in the church. I am also eager to be a part of helping our Synod’s congregations, districts, RSOs and others see how deaconesses fulfill an essential role in sharing God’s cross-centered mercy in our communities and world, teaching the faith with active and living discipleship to those both in and outside of the church, and offering spiritual care to those in need of Christ’s mercy and love.”

Asher succeeds the service of Dr. Gillian Bond who retired July 31, 2024, after serving 11 years as the director of Deaconess Studies.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.