Soldiers of the Cross Amplified

A collaborative COVID-19 response initiative

“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one
member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Cor. 12:26).

Updated June 26, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), Lutheran Church Extension Fund, the 35 districts of the LCMS, and other entities are providing an opportunity for concerned, caring people to help those serving full- or part-time in LCMS congregations, schools, universities, Recognized Service Organizations and other organizations who have been confronted with ministry-disrupting personal crises.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) provided each LCMS district with rapid response funds totaling $1 million and is seeking to raise an additional $1 million from LCEF investors and others.

The LCMS, through the efforts of LCMS Mission Advancement, is seeking to raise $1.5 million to supplement an allocated $1.5 million of donations previously given to fund this kind of mercy/humanitarian assistance work.

To date, God’s people have responded to that call by providing $200,000 in additional funds for this effort, and another $300,000 to provide the “after care” services that will be needed by some LCMS clergy when the pandemic is over.

Through the Synod’s long-standing “Soldiers of the Cross” (Soldiers) grant assistance program, which is administered by the LCMS Office of National Mission, a worker in crisis can apply for help with short-term financial needs through their district office. Workers in crisis are encouraged to contact their district office for an application and guidance.

Unlike traditional Soldiers grants, lay workers who are not on the Synod’s roster of professional church workers are eligible for these “amplified” Soldiers of the Cross grants.

This response initiative isn’t just about taking care of pastors and rostered teachers — important as that is. Other church workers such as church and school secretaries, administrators, bookkeepers and janitors can also apply for a Soldiers of the Cross Amplified grant to get through this crisis.

Funding for Soldiers of the Cross grants (and Soldiers Amplified grants) depends entirely on generous designated gifts. (Regular Sunday morning worship offerings are not used to fund these grants.)

Dollars for the Soldiers Amplified grants can come from donations directed to LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Some LCMS districts also are appealing for donations with the aim of underwriting at least 20 percent of each Soldiers Amplified grant given to workers in crisis.

• Reporter story — Grants assist church workers impacted by pandemic

Contribute to Soldiers of the Cross grants

You can help fund 80 percent of each Soldiers-Amplified grant through a donation to any of the following:

Donate to Your District

To help your district provide its 20 percent share, contact your district office.

For additional Information, visit our Transparency Resources page.

Recent News

Soldiers of the Cross – Reporter		Headlines only
In difficult times, Synod boards continue work In difficult times, Synod boards continue work The LCMS Boards for International and National Mission held online meetings on May 29 and June 5, respectively. Read More Soldiers of the Cross—Amplified grants aid rostered and non-rostered church workers Soldiers of the Cross—Amplified grants aid rostered and non-rostered church workers The Synod’s long-time Soldiers of the Cross grant assistance program has been “amplified” so that not only those workers who are on the Synod’s roster, but also lay workers in LCMS churches, schools and organizations, may apply for assistance.  Read More BOD adopts first-quarter budget for FY21 BOD adopts first-quarter budget for FY21 Due to near-term COVID-related challenges, the Board in April had endorsed a proposal from the Operations Team to prepare spending forecasts through the end of the current fiscal year and abbreviated budget proposals for just the first quarter of the next.   Read More
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Soldiers of the Cross is a mercy (humanitarian) effort of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and is separate from LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces. Grants through Soldiers of the Cross provide financial support to pastors, teachers, DCEs, missionaries and other rostered workers of the LCMS facing a ministry-disrupting personal crisis. Grants through Soldiers Amplified may also assist full- and part-time employees of LCMS congregations, schools, RSOs, universities, seminaries and other LCMS agencies on the recommendation and endorsement of the respective district. Positions must be essential to the ongoing ministry of the worker’s employer organization.