Campus Ministry — FAQs
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Q: What is LCMS U?
A: LCMS U is the official campus ministry network of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). It is the means the Synod has created to connect and support our students, congregations and campus ministries so that they may boldly bear witness to Christ on our nation’s college campuses.
Q: How can I connect a student to an LCMS U chapter on the campus where he or she is attending school?
A: Students, parents or supportive adults can submit the information of a student who hopes to connect with a local LCMS campus ministry via the LCMS U Student Information Form. The person providing the information should know the state and university where the student is headed before filling out and submitting the form. Once LCMS U staff receive the information, they will pass it to the LCMS pastor or campus ministry leader for the chapter indicated. It may take several days for someone to respond. If a quicker response is needed, please reach out directly to the email or phone number on the chapter listing or to a congregation near the campus, which can be found by using the Congregation Locator.
Q: What is required to register as an LCMS U chapter?
A: Any LCMS congregation or district support ministry that is intentionally serving in campus ministry can register. These campus ministries may be large or small. They may be dedicated campus ministries or campus ministries that are part of a young adult ministry in a congregation. If you can answer “yes” to the question “Are you actively carrying out an LCMS campus ministry?” you are encouraged to register as an LCMS U chapter.
The form itself is short and should not take long to fill out. It asks for the name and contact of a student leader, but if that is not possible, you are welcome to provide the name of an additional campus ministry leader. LCMS U chapters within LCMS congregations should register with the support of the pastor and other key leaders.
Q: Why should we register as an LCMS U chapter?
A: The most important function of LCMS U is to provide accurate and accessible information about where active LCMS campus ministry is happening. Everyone has a stake in helping students, parents, pastors, youth workers and others connect with those who are engaged in campus ministry throughout the Synod. This requires current and accurate information.
Registration allows us to include your campus ministry in the Student Information Form, on the map of chapters for easy finding, and in The Lutheran Annual. The leaders of registered chapters will receive periodic emails with information about what is happening around the Synod.
Q: What is a sponsor?
A: Campus ministry support comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Campus ministries are sponsored (i.e., supported and/or carried out) by individual congregations, congregations working as a team, circuits, districts or perhaps mission societies or Recognized Service Organizations.
Q: Are there dues or any other requirements associated with being registered with LCMS U?
A: There are no dues to join LCMS U. You are asked to keep your information current and to respond promptly to emails providing student information. And if your campus ministry ends, please let LCMS U know so that you can be removed from the list.
Q: Is there another way of submitting this information?
A: No. This is the only official way to register your campus ministry with the Synod. The LCMS Office of National Mission requests all campus ministries to utilize this LCMS U registration process.
Q: How do I update my LCMS U chapter information?
A: When you register your chapter, you will receive an email with a link that allows you to return to your listing and update it. This link will be sent to you annually (each August/September) to encourage you to keep your information current, which in turn enables the network to stay current. If you need a link sent to you again, please email lcmsu@lcms.org with that request.
Q: Is it possible to get a custom LCMS U logo incorporating our local school colors?
A: Yes. LCMS U developed a separate process for chapters to apply for a custom LCMS U logo utilizing official school colors. Please submit your request via this form.
Q: I still have questions; whom do I contact?
A: If you have any questions, please call the LCMS at 888-843-5267 (THE LCMS) or email lcmsu@lcms.org, where you will be connected to LCMS U staff.
Register an LCMS U Chapter