Ministry to the Armed Forces

Serving those who serve

The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces supports almost 200 chaplains, who represent the church on active duty, the reserves, the National Guard, and Civil Air Patrol. Chaplains meet the needs of military personnel and their families.

The LCMS cares deeply for those who currently serve, for those who have donned the cloth of our nation in uniform, and for those who served our nation and live in our communities.

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• Our pastors of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod serve honorably and with distinction as military chaplains. From the Civil War through both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and current areas of conflict, our chaplains bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those protecting our great nation.

  Some chaplains serve on forward bases in harm’s way, others onboard ships maintaining vigilant watch over the seven seas, and others walk the flight line on isolated Air Bases engaging Airmen on faith and family as they load fighter aircraft for combat operations. These “pastors in uniform” provide Word and Sacrament ministry while enduring hardship, constant peril and danger.

  The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces assists and trains congregations through project Operation Barnabas. The goal is to equip and encourage local LCMS members in compassionate care and witness by training outreach to all military connected people (active, reserve, retired, veterans and their loved ones).

  Our LCMS Barnabas congregations and chapters reach out to these families through witness and mercy at the local level, whether it is the families of loved ones deployed or assisting those who have served to reintegrate back home with their family, their church and their community.

News and Stories

Ministry to the Armed Forces – Reporter		Headlines only
LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces – Second Quarter 2021 Newsletter The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces newsletter reflects on the importance of water in our lives and on how Jesus alone is the fount of life-giving water that saves us from the thirst of our sin. MDFL holds virtual gathering on wide range of topics Congregation members, workers and leaders from across the LCMS listened, shared and learned during the Making Disciples for Life gathering held via Zoom the evenings of Jan. 11–14. LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces – First Quarter 2021 Newsletter The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces newsletter encourages readers to consider the wonder of God and His love for us. God has transformed and redeemed our hearts, which we should guard through His Word.
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Articles

Called to Serve — An article from The Lutheran Witness on two vocations related to military service: the vocation of the soldier or chaplain to defend their country and care for others, and the vocation of congregations to care for and serve the military members and veterans in their midst.
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