RSO

RSO Application

Recognized Service Organizations • The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

A Recognized Service Organization (RSO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization independent of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that:

Maintains operations fostering the mission and ministry of the church
Provides program activities in harmony with the Synod
Agrees to respect and not act contrary to the doctrine and practice of the Synod

RSO status may be granted to qualifying organizations for a period of five years. After five years, organizations must re-apply to retain their status.

Begin by browsing the application packet below to learn more about becoming an RSO. To submit an application, complete and return the application forms (as listed under “Forms to Complete”) along with the requested information listed on the “Checklist of Required Documents.”

Application packet

Information to read

Benefits of RSO status

Map of LCMS districts

LCMS RSO bylaws and policies

Sample agreement

Forms to complete

Checklist of required application documents

RSO application

District president statement form

You also may request a hard copy of the application packet by contacting the LCMS Office of the Secretary.

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The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Inc., including Mission Central (in Mapleton, Iowa), is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.

A contribution designated (restricted) for a specific purpose, when accepted, will be used only to fund expenses related to that purpose. Occasionally, we may receive more in contributions for a particular purpose than can be wisely applied to it in the foreseeable future or the purpose may cease to be feasible. In these situations, the LCMS will make reasonable attempts to contact contributors to apply their contribution toward another aspect of ministry that aligns closely the contributor’s goals and values. If a contributor cannot be contacted, the LCMS will use the gift to meet a similar pressing need that most closely matches the contributor's original intent.

Consistent with Synod Board policy and in recognition of a more challenging economic and philanthropic/fundraising environment due to inflationary pressure, not more than 13.5 percent of any charitable contribution will be allocated to administering gifts and communicating with contributors. Contributions received and accepted by the LCMS are deemed to be in agreement with this statement.

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