Soldiers of the Cross

Ministerial Care Coalition holds annual meeting

The coalition — a collection of representatives from around the Synod — supports and fosters conversations about church worker wellness.

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

The Board for International Mission met May 27–28, and the Board for National Mission met June 10–11. 

ONM grants support resiliency programs for the Synod’s workers

Funds for the grants came from the Soldiers of the Cross—Amplified program.

‘Take Heart’ retreats uplift, refresh pastors during COVID-19

The LCMS Office of National Mission is partnering with DOXOLOGY on a series of retreats to help pastors and the souls in their care rest in the Gospel.

Upcoming retreats offer pastors respite from pandemic

The LCMS Office of National Mission has partnered with DOXOLOGY on the retreats, which are planned for Sept. 28–30 in Bel Aire, Kan., and Oct. 5–7 in Donaldson, Ind.

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.

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. 

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.  

Grants assist church workers impacted by pandemic

As of April 30, $321,452 had been distributed in 229 grants to workers across the Synod.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund partners with Synod to assist church workers during pandemic

As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LCMS will use Soldiers of the Cross as one means to continue to assist LCMS church workers and their families. 

KFUO Audio: LCMS Soldiers and Veterans of the Cross programs

The Rev. Dr. Carlos Hernandez, director of Church and Community Engagement for the LCMS Office of National Mission, talks with KFUO Radio host Andy Bates about the LCMS Soldiers of the Cross and Veterans of the Cross mercy programs.

Soldiers of the Cross: caring for caregivers

The LCMS mercy program works in cooperation with districts to provide emergency grants to church workers in crisis.

Audio: KFUO Interview with Rev. Carlos Hernandez on Veterans/Soldiers of the Cross and Gospel Seeds

Rev. Dr. Carlos Hernandez, director, Church and Community Engagement for the LCMS Office of National Mission, talked on Oct. 22, 2014, on KFUO Radio about the Veterans of the Cross ministry, the Soldiers of the Cross ministry and the Gospel Seeds ministry.