Soldiers of the Cross
Emergency financial support and pastoral care for church workers
Soldiers of the Cross has provided emergency financial support and pastoral care for Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod church workers since 2004.
Today, the program stands ready to assist church workers who need short-term support and care from their Synod. Why operate Soldiers of the Cross?
Among the Synod’s seven mission priorities is No. 5:
“Promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of pastors and professional church workers.”
As with Veterans of the Cross, Soldiers of the Cross plays a significant role in fulfilling that mission priority.
“One of our Synod’s top priorities must be helping our church workers in their time of need,” said the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, LCMS president. “Many have given a large portion of their lives to serve, very often in modest circumstances. While these are challenging times for many families, we must make every attempt to help our servants of the Church.”
Demand for such help is greater than many people may realize, as affected workers endure in uncomplaining silence.
Since its inception, Soldiers of the Cross has seen the number of requests for assistance exceed the funds available each year. By God’s grace, caring people in the LCMS continue to respond with compassion and generosity, even though the identity and privacy of those helped is protected.
Soldiers of the Cross depends totally on donor-designated contributions to deliver this vital care to workers and their families who are in crisis situations.
Concerned for an LCMS church worker?
To refer a rostered church worker to the program, please contact your district president. Information about specific beneficiaries is confidential, and privacy is respected.
Application
Soldiers of the Cross provides assistance for rostered church workers who face specific financial challenges. If you are applying for assistance through Soldiers of the Cross, please complete an online form.
Apply online
Please note that prior to applying, you must speak to your district president to explain the reason for needing assistance. He or his representative will review your application.
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Contact Soldiers of the Cross
For information about the application or pastoral care process, please contact the LCMS Church Information Center:
How to help
The Soldiers of the Cross program is supported by direct donations. Your donations are necessary to continue providing emergency support to our church workers in their times of need.
Give now
Give by mail:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Attn: Soldiers of the Cross
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
Give by phone: 888-930-4438