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 Feb. 11, 2022

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 provided 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 sought to raise an additional $1 million from LCEF investors and others.

The LCMS, through the efforts of LCMS Mission Advancement, sought 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.

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

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

The LCMS thanks all those who offered prayers and financial support for those in need.

• 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

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Ministerial Care Coalition holds annual meeting Ministerial Care Coalition holds annual meeting The coalition — a collection of representatives from around the Synod — supports and fosters conversations about church worker w... First respite retreat held for commissioned ministers First respite retreat held for commissioned ministers The retreat consisted of three days of worship, learning and fellowship offered at no cost to participants. LCMS mission boards hold first in-person meetings in more than a year LCMS mission boards hold first in-person meetings in more than a year The Board for International Mission met May 27–28, and the Board for National Mission met June 10–11.
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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.

Resources

• Information sheet — Soldiers and Veterans of the Cross
• Bulletin insert (Color) — Soldiers of the Cross 
• Bulletin insert (B&W) — Soldiers of the Cross

Contact Soldiers of the Cross

For information about the application or pastoral care process, please contact the LCMS Church Information Center:

• 888-843-5267

• infocenter@lcms.org