Anglican Deaconess Ministries

Mary Andrews College is a ministry of Anglican Deaconess Ministries, or ADM.

ADM began 130 years ago when an Anglican Minister Rev. Mervyn Archdall and his wife, Martha, set aside a quarter of his stipend for the equipping of Christian women. The Archdalls set up a lay order, the “deaconesses”, modelled on a similar order in Germany, and in 1891 ADM was born.

‘Mrs Archdall was content to take up teaching and her equally devoted husband cheerfully surrendered one-fourth of his income that Sydney might have the benefit of a suitably trained body of Christian women workers.’

– The Vision Unfolding. Deaconess Institution 1891-1991

ADM’s Strategic Priorities:

Every woman equipped and engaged in serving Christ in the Church, the community and the world

In every church an integrated discipleship-focused mercy ministry

Through every endeavour a sustainable, innovative and effective organisation capable of achieving our goals

Through prayer and partnership, sacrificial serving and giving, the work of ADM grew from small beginnings over many years to include hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Always at the centre has been a foundation built on Jesus Christ and serving him.

As our society has changed over the years, so has the shape of ADM’s work. ADM continues our legacy through a diverse range of innovative programs for Christian women, to see them equipped and encouraged for gospel work in its broadest sense.

As a Christian organisation, ADM’s highest priority is to see people come to know Christ and grow in him. NCLS Research tells us that 60% of the Australian church is female. ADM works to see every Christian woman using their gifts so that God’s kingdom would grow across Australia and the world. ADM is committed to seeing women growing in Christ, being built up as they serve the Lord and being provided with the resources they need to reach the world for Jesus.

ADM is proudly a member organisation, with members drawn from a diverse range of settings and interests. All members share a common desire to see women equipped and encouraged to serve Christ and his Church.

For a closer look at the work of ADM watch the ABC Compass episode on ADM ‘Women Who Do’

ABC Compass – Women Who Do shares the story of how ADM has carried out its vision of seeing women flourish since 1891. From the work of early deaconesses in hospitals, schools and children’s homes to the current initiatives like meal delivery services and theatre performances that ADM supports, Compass captures how ADM has responded to changing contexts and needs to raise up women with theological formation for practical and public engagement. This documentary originally aired on the ABC on Sunday 13th October 2019, 6:30pm.