office of national mission

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.

Synod provides facts and counsel on COVID-19 vaccines

On Jan. 21, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison sent an email to all workers on the Synod roster addressing questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines.

‘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.

New ‘Making Disciples for Life’ Bible studies to address wide range of topics

The Bible studies are particularly suited to the difficulties of COVID-19.

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. 

Encouragement and resources for reopening churches

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison encourages and suggests resources for congregations as they begin or plan for resuming in-person worship.

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. 

‘Mission Field: USA’ partners with the LCMS Southeastern District to bring Christ’s Gospel to Baltimore

As part of ‘Mission Field: Baltimore,’ the Rev. Martin and Kathy Schultheis will serve the community of Sandtown-Winchester.

BNM, BIM, COP hold first meetings of new triennium

Among other business, the boards discussed the triennial mission emphasis established at the convention, “Making Disciples for Life.”

National Offering tops $400,000 to bring ‘Joy to the World’

Gifts made throughout the 2019–22 National Offering cycle will bolster efforts to proclaim Christ in word and deed in challenging urban areas, to new immigrants, among college-age students, alongside partner-church missionaries, and in church-planting efforts both at home and abroad.

‘Making Disciples for Life’ Initial Gathering set for January

The event, which will take place Jan. 9–11 at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod International Center in St. Louis, is open to all LCMS laypeople, pastors and church workers.

LCMS Board of Directors welcomes new members

The LCMS Board of Directors met Sept. 12–13 in St. Louis.

Synod leaders meet to discuss church worker wellness

The Ministerial Care Coalition, a project of Concordia Plan Services, began in 2014 with the goal of fostering wide-ranging discussion and advocacy of worker wellness in the LCMS.

Weedon retires as International Center chaplain

The Rev. William Weedon, International Center chaplain and director of LCMS Worship, has served in the dual position since its inception in 2012.

Southern California life conference draws over 300 participants

The Southern California “Defending Life” Conference was held Sept. 6-7 in Gardena, Calif.