Update

Supporting the Church’s Workers

Two LCMS programs provide financial assistance and pastoral care for church workers in crisis.

Story by Brianna Dehn | Photography by Erik M. Lunsford | Summer 2025

When a church worker experiences a crisis, he or she often doesn’t feel comfortable asking for assistance.

“You go into [ministry] with a servant attitude,” said an associate pastor who recently experienced a series of events that took a sudden and unexpected toll on his finances. “But there comes a point where you need to ask for help.”

The pastor talked to his district president, who directed him to Soldiers of the Cross, a ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) that helps care for current rostered workers during a financial crisis. The Soldiers of the Cross financial awards are shared between the district and the LCMS Office of National Mission.

Another related ministry, Veterans of the Cross, assists retired LCMS church workers who are struggling to pay for essential living expenses. Veterans of the Cross is a collaboration between the Office of National Mission’s Worker Wellness team and Concordia Plan Services, which provides case management services for retired workers.

The pastor noted that having a ministry like this that supports church workers “flows from the love of Jesus.”

This assistance is commonly used to help with an unexpected situation, such as to cover medical bills or remove mold from a home. For retired church workers, a Veterans of the Cross stipend might help supplement an inadequate pension so that a worker or surviving spouse can pay for medications, food and basic utilities.

A director of Christian education (DCE) who recently received a grant from Soldiers of the Cross said, “It’s the most I’ve felt cared for by the church, to know that the church body [supports me] and I’m not alone.”

“There was no guilt or shame, only love and support,” the DCE continued. “[I am] extremely grateful … [that] there are people who care for me even if they don’t know me.”

But it wasn’t just the financial assistance that made him feel loved. The program also includes pastoral care. In this case, a pastor on staff at the LCMS International Center took the time to call and pray with the DCE.

Since the beginning of these ministries, Soldiers of the Cross (started in 2004) and Veterans of the Cross (established in 1920) have become a vital way that the Synod cares for its workers. This ministry is made possible by the members of LCMS congregations who respond with compassion and generosity for our church workers. Though the identities of the recipients are confidential, the impact on people’s lives through this ministry cannot be denied.

“Like other Christians, rostered LCMS church workers have unexpected events in life that necessitate extraordinary expenditures,” said Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, managing director of the LCMS Office of National Mission. “However, the financial sacrifices that these workers make to serve in their sacred and joyful vocations can sometimes mean that they do not have enough ready cash when there is an unanticipated crisis or financial need. During our workers’ installations, we, [as] members of Christ’s church, make a promise to them and to our Lord that we will support them by our gifts and fervent prayer. [This] is one manifestation of our keeping that promise.”

Learn More

About Soldiers of the Cross

About Veterans of the Cross

Brianna Dehn

Former staff writer with LCMS Communications.