Synod moves to protect trademarked ministry name

In 2007, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) adopted the name and trademark “Operation Barnabas” for the network of congregations through which LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) provides support and care to U.S. military members, reservists, veterans and their families. The biblical Barnabas — whose name means “son of encouragement” — was a companion of the apostle Paul, helping Paul in his missionary journey. Through its “Operation Barnabas” program, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces works to provide that same Gospel-centered encouragement, in word and deed, to those who serve our country in the military. Over the last 18 years, the LCMS has developed a rich and wide-ranging ministry, complete with a web presence, organizational and governing documents, a workbook and publicity materials, all under the banner and protected trademark “Operation Barnabas.”

Ten years after the LCMS started using the name and trademark “Operation Barnabas,” another organization, based in Orange Park, Fla., began using the name for its work with veterans. “Operation Barnabas Incorporated,” or OBI, is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that identifies itself as Christian but is not affiliated with a specific denomination. Its mission, as stated on its website, is to “ignite a positive transformation in the lives of veterans and first responders through faith, action, and encouragement” and to “eliminate veteran homelessness, addiction, and suicide by acting strategically and timely to make veterans whole again.” Initially, OBI’s work was limited to a single location within the state of Florida, but more recently it has been expanding its operations throughout the U.S.

The LCMS appreciates any organization that is attempting to assist those in need, particularly one that is based in Christ. However, it is important for those served by any organization to know who is serving them. OBI’s use of a name and trademark that was, for 10 years prior, well-established under the LCMS banner, creates a serious point of confusion. LCMS individuals and groups looking for their church body’s “Operation Barnabas” program can easily find this group and mistake it for being LCMS, especially now that its operations have expanded beyond its single location in Florida. The same can happen in reverse: OBI’s clients and supporters might accidentally mistake the LCMS “Operation Barnabas” program for their own.

Although OBI was organized in 2017, the LCMS did not become aware of the organization or its use of the name “Operation Barnabas” until Spring 2024. At that time, in light of the potential for confusion and of the Synod’s decade of prior rights to the trademark (for which the LCMS received a federal registration in 2019), LCMS leaders contacted the leadership of OBI to seek a solution that would best serve both organizations. Unfortunately, OBI has not been receptive to the LCMS’ multiple attempts at resolution. As a result, the LCMS has no choice but to take additional steps to protect its valuable intellectual property and preserve the integrity of its ministry.

Earlier this month, the LCMS filed a complaint for trademark infringement against OBI. LCMS Chief Administrative Officer Felix Loc said, “We wish OBI only the best in its worthwhile goals. However, we believe that it is in the best interests of both OBI and the LCMS to have the kind of clarity of identity and mission that can only come with maintaining different names, trademarks and branding. Since the LCMS has longstanding, legal rights to the trademark “Operation Barnabas” — which is now deemed Incontestable by the United States Patent and Trademark Office — it is necessary for OBI, the newer organization, to rebrand itself. The LCMS prays for a God-pleasing resolution to this matter, one that allows both organizations to fulfill its goals and serve its constituents as effectively as possible.”

In 2010, the LCMS convention adopted Res. 1-06, “To Encourage Participation in Operation Barnabas,” calling for all LCMS congregations to join and take part in the work that began in 2007. While “Operation Barnabas” was started with a specific mission to provide support for the Synod’s reserve chaplains — and their families and congregations when they were called into active service — it quickly moved to the wider mission of providing support for all who are military-connected. It remains unique as a denominationally based Armed Forces ministry. Today there are 638 LCMS congregations from all over the U.S. that are part of the “Operation Barnabas” network, working diligently in the name of Christ to serve those who have sacrificed so much to serve their country.

Posted Sept. 22, 2025