Life Ministry

Life Ministry

Advocating, educating and caring for all human life


Through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry, the Body of Christ comes together to value all human life — from conception to natural death.

LCMS Life Ministry speaks up for life, cares for people in body and soul, and teaches about the sanctity of human life.

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  • The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry network is comprised of thousands of people throughout the LCMS who are passionate about and engaged in sanctity of human life efforts, both in our church body and the culture at large.

    • We speak for human life by witnessing to our Lord’s creation of life and His design for marriage and the family, and by advocating for the God-given value of all human life in the public square.
    • We care for human life by sharing Christ’s love and mercy, caring for people in body and soul by sponsoring human care efforts in local communities through districts and congregations, and internationally through our missionaries and partner church bodies.
    • We educate by providing resources and events for people of all ages.

    Learn more: View information sheet >>


Marching for life in 2023

Marching for life in 2024

Join LCMS Life Ministry and fellow Lutherans as we stand together for life. View a schedule of life marches around the U.S. to find a march near you.

Million Dollar Life Match

To support local pro-life efforts, the LCMS will offer $1 million in matching grants to LCMS congregations, starting in 2022.


Life Ministry - Library

Life Library

Papers, articles and information on life issues.

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Life Ministry - Library

Life Apparel & Gear

Branded merchandise.

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Life Ministry - Library

Groups & Supplies

Signs and hats for marches.

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Recent Stories & Articles



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Featured Resources



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Friends for Life Podcast



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Additional Resources

Synod Resources

  • Life Library — Papers, articles, and information on life issues.
  • Ultrasound Curriculum — Email lifeministry@lcms.org to obtain access to the written school curricula and supporting videos
  • 40 Prayers for Life — This prayer booklet has been prepared for use by individuals or groups — laypeople, pastors and church workers — during pro-life prayer vigils. Peaceful times of prayer, abiding by ordinances and laws and using public rights-of-way, occurs near abortion clinics in local communities throughout the U.S.


Worship

  • Worship Resources for Life Ministry — LCMS Worship and LCMS Life Ministry created this resource to assist congregations, schools, and families in marking special occasions with an emphasis on the sanctity of human life. The resource includes Scripture passages, prayers, hymns, and sermons to assist in preparing for worship services, prayer gatherings, and group meetings.


LCMS Convention Resolutions

on Life Issues — 1941-2019

Based on its national convention resolutions from 1941 to 2019, the LCMS has compiled a compendium document of the Synod’s action on life-related topics. The content ranges from Christian marriage and the family to abortion and sexuality. Other life issues addressed in the document include stem cell research, organ donation, human trafficking, domestic and child abuse, mental health, disabilities, euthanasia and assisted suicide.


Documents and Writings

Letters and Statements

The gift of life: A letter from President Harrison — In a January 2022 letter, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, shares thoughts about the sanctity of life.

LCMS statement on Roe v. Wade anniversary — LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison offers a continued confession of the LCMS’ position opposing abortion. The statement is available for proper use in your congregation and community.

LCMS and Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis Joint Statement on Planned Parenthood — LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison and The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, released a joint statement denouncing Planned Parenthood’s purported harvesting of organs from aborted babies for medical research.


‘I Will Grieve for the Suicide’

In this book, the Rev. Peter Preus provides Gospel comfort for those who are left behind after a Christian commits suicide. He addresses the stigma, psychology and theology of suicide, as well as the grieving process that follows it, and the hope Christians can find in Christ.


Audio

  • Life Conference audio presentations: 
    2017, 2015


Translated Pro-Life Materials

  • A Small Catechism on Human Life by John T. Pless — Examine abortion, bioethics, end-of-life and sexuality issues through the Biblical eyeglasses of Luther’s Small Catechism. Each chapter is followed by thoughtful discussion questions and Bible references.
    Spanish version   •   Russian version


Newsletters

News and Notes is a newsletter from LCMS Life Ministry.

 

 


Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor
Managing Director
Human Care and Ministerial Support

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor - Managing Director, Human Care and Ministerial Support

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Contact the LCMS

Ask a question    1-888-843-5267




Ministry Overview

Through numerous domestic and international programs, LCMS Life Ministry speaks up for life, cares for people in body and soul, and teaches about the sanctity of human life.

Download information sheet

 

Support LCMS Life Ministry

Your generous gift to the international and domestic work of LCMS Life Ministry will make a tremendous difference and help to uphold the message of Christ’s mercy to all in body and soul.

Give now

 


Life Ministry Emails

Complete our easy sign-up form to receive free newsletters and resources from LCMS Life Ministry.

Also, select other LCMS ministry topics to receive related information.

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LCMS World Relief and Human Care

Join us on the journey

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Mission and Vision

Seven Mission Priorities

The Lutheran Witness Magazine

Lutheran Witness February 2024

MDFL Resource Center

Making Disciples for Life - Resource Center

Million Dollar Life Match

Ready to expland your congrgation's pro-life ministry? Apply now for the Million Dollar Life Match.

Church Work Recruitment Initiative

Set Apart to Serve

Caring for Ukraine

Ukraine Support

Contact Us
 

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  Church Info Center: 888-843-5267
  Staff Switchboard: 800-248-1930
  Donor Care Line: 888-930-4438
 

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The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Inc., including Mission Central (in Mapleton, Iowa), is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.

A contribution designated (restricted) for a specific purpose, when accepted, will be used only to fund expenses related to that purpose. Occasionally, we may receive more in contributions for a particular purpose than can be wisely applied to it in the foreseeable future or the purpose may cease to be feasible. In these situations, the LCMS will make reasonable attempts to contact contributors to apply their contribution toward another aspect of ministry that aligns closely the contributor’s goals and values. If a contributor cannot be contacted, the LCMS will use the gift to meet a similar pressing need that most closely matches the contributor's original intent.

Consistent with Synod Board policy and in recognition of a more challenging economic and philanthropic/fundraising environment due to inflationary pressure, not more than 12.5 percent of any charitable contribution will be allocated to administering gifts and communicating with contributors (compared to a not-more-than ceiling of 10.5 percent the previous fiscal year). Contributions received and accepted by the LCMS are deemed to be in agreement with this statement.

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