Teaching the faith, Preaching the Gospel, Comforting consciences, spiritual Leadership and Caring for souls all have eternal implications.
How to care for those called to church careers?
Through partnerships with other Synod entities and Recognized Service Organizations.
“Promoting and nurturing the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of pastors and professional church works” is an LCMS mission priority. The Synod’s Office of National Mission continues to grant financial support to three key partners in this work: DOXOLOGY, Grace Place Lutheran Wellness Ministries and Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat.
These unique RSOs play a major part in supporting LCMS workers. Another partner is Concordia Plan Services, which offers a number of programs through its Employee Assistance Program. The Synod also remains committed to its Soldiers and Veterans of the Cross ministries. Soldiers of the Cross and Veterans of the Cross are two LCMS mercy programs that help faithful pastors, teachers and other church workers in financial crisis.
Soldiers of the Cross provides financial support for the spiritual and physical well-being of current church workers. In partnership with the worker’s district, Soldiers of the Cross provides transitional or emergency financial assistance and pastoral care to current church workers affected by health problems, employment interruptions and other emergencies.
Veterans of the Cross supplements low or inadequate pensions of retired church workers or their widowed spouses to help them afford the cost of necessities such as medication, food and utility bills. Veterans of the Cross is funded by the LCMS Office of National Mission and is administered by Concordia Plan Services.
But it is key for churches, schools and members to also embrace their responsibility to act in love and mercy toward those they have called to serve.
Together, we live this mission priority for the Church and the world. Healthy workers will, with the Lord’s blessing, reap a great harvest, Rev. Bart Day, interim LCMS chief mission officer.
