Williamson joins Missouri Synod as new chief mission officer
ST. LOUIS—January 19, 2012—The Rev. Gregory K. Williamson began serving The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as chief mission officer, effective Jan. 3. He accepted a call to serve this three-year term position in spring 2011.
As chief mission officer, Williamson is responsible to the LCMS president for the mission, ministry and programmatic functions of the Synod’s national office — serving as the President’s liaison to the Synod’s corporate entities; working closely with the Synod’s chief financial officer and chief administrative officer in carrying out their respective responsibilities; supervising the work of the Office of National Mission, Office of International Mission, fund development and communications departments; and providing leadership, coordination and oversight for pre-seminary, seminary and post-seminary education and advocacy for pastoral education and health within the Synod.
“We rejoice that God has brought Rev. Williamson to lead and serve among us as we carry out our mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in witness and mercy to a world in need of the Savior,” said LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.
Prior to joining the LCMS, Williamson served as command chaplain for United Nations Command (UNC), Combined Forces Command (CFC), and United States Forces Korea Command (USFK) at the U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan, Seoul, where he advised the UNC/CFC/USFK commander on matters of religion, morale, morals and quality of life. He also coordinated policy and activities with Army, Navy and Air Force chaplains, and with staff and command chaplains at Combatant Commands and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Williamson is a 1980 graduate of Concordia College (now University), Portland, Ore., and a 1983 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He was commissioned in the Army in 1982 and served as a reserve chaplain and civilian pastor until receiving a call to active duty in 1986. Since then, Williamson has served on active duty and will retire with the rank of colonel later this month.
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