In reply to Sally Williams.

Dear Sally,

Thank you for your comment. The response below comes from the Rev. Dr. James A. Baneck, director of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education.

I give thanks to God for you and the many others who humbly serve in Christ’s church in various ways as baptized children of God in Christ Jesus. I have served as a church secretary myself and do not forget all of the work that takes place each and every day to operate a local congregation. People like secretaries and custodians have a significant role in the life of the local congregation. Indeed, countless people serve one way or another throughout our Synod, especially in our congregations and schools. While we are thankful of how the Body of Christ serves within the church, it would be difficult to thank them all. We most certainly pray that takes place at the local level.

The LCMS has eight specific professional church work vocations, which we call ordained and commissioned workers. The pastor is specifically called to preach and teach God’s Word and administer the Sacraments. The seven specific commissioned workers in the LCMS support the Office of the Holy Ministry and assist the faithful in their God-given vocations. These workers are formed and educated, especially at our Concordia universities and seminaries. They are then certified and called to serve our congregations and schools in specific ways.

This story specifically addresses these beloved ordained and commissioned church workers and the many ways that we are blessed by their service, especially as they preach, teach and witness to the Word of Christ for the life and salvation of God’s people.

The self-governing congregations of the LCMS have great freedom in the selection, employment, encouragement and recognition of their local workers — employed and volunteer. All of these workers in the church, including secretaries, facilities staff, IT personnel, volunteer youth workers, musicians and others may also be recognized and appreciated during the month of October, and certainly throughout the year.

Our communication efforts encourage this widespread thankfulness to our Lord for the people that He has given to serve among us. However, our intention here is to give particular focus to our pastors and commissioned workers.

Thank you for your service and for sharing your thoughts with us.

Rev. Dr. James A. Baneck, executive director, LCMS Office of Pastoral Education