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Our History

Learn how Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries has served the IDD community since its foundation.

A brief History of BLDM




Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries began as Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary in California; it was formed in 1955, organized in 1956 and incorporated in 1958 to support the work and ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Home of the West (GSLHW) through time, treasures and talents. GSLHW was later renamed Good Shepherd Communities (GSC) and was dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live happy, productive lives and, more importantly, to grow in their faith and their connection with Jesus as their Savior.

In 2006, Good Shepherd Communities merged with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, creating a nationwide organization that provided services and supports for the physical and spiritual well-being of people living with IDD. A few years later, the name of the Auxiliary was changed to the Bethesda Lutheran Communities Auxiliary (Bethesda Auxiliary) and its focus shifted to supporting Bethesda’s mission and ministry.

In 2022, Bethesda changed its name to AbleLight. AbleLight changed its Lutheran focus to become a more ecumenical Christian organization. In July 2023, the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ended AbleLight’s recognition as an LCMS Recognized Service Organization.

With these changes, the leadership and members of the Bethesda Auxiliary realized that there is a tremendous need for Lutheran disability ministry that still needs to be filled. As a result, the Bethesda Auxiliary, a 501(c)(3), changed its name to Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries (BLDM). The Governing Board voted to continue and renew the mission of providing spiritual nurture and support to and with people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the LCMS and across the country.

This new ministry is built around the hundreds of former Bethesda Auxiliary supporters across the country. BLDM is an independent organization, but as part of development will explore possible collaborative, working relationships with other organizations who share the love of the Gospel and zeal to share the message of Jesus love to and with people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In May of 2025, BLDM became an RSO of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Learn more about the LCMS at www.lcms.org.