Since 9/11, the nation has called upon our military reservists in numbers unknown since World War II. And our reservists and their families have responded, serving their nation with honor and determination. Often times, they feel very alone. The Churches of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) would like to help.
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is the second largest Lutheran church body in the United States. For more information, click here.
Operation Barnabas consists of two initiatives: The first initiative is to help congregations whose pastors are recalled to active duty as chaplains. The LCMS has over 100 reserve chaplains who serve congregations, and many of those pastors have been recalled to active duty.
Operation Barnabas works with these congregations to create a deployment plan that cares for the deploying pastor, his family, and the congregation. Each District has an Operation Barnabas Counselor to lead this effort.
The second initiative is to help all military families during deployment, especially those families who live far from military services. Our congregations are uniquely positioned to be able to assist with anything from child care to assistance with meals, and someone to listen. Many of our members either currently serve in the Armed Forces, or are veterans. Not every congregation will offer the same services. Each one is unique, with its own unique resources of talent and personnel.
What kind of services do you offer to congregations and military families?
Operation Barnabas seeks to supplement local military units. If, for example, an Army Reserve Unit has a Family Readiness Group (FRG), our congregations may offer to host the meetings at its facilities. If there is not an FRG in the area, the congregation may step up to provide pre-deployment counseling, and be available for other supports such as child care, and help finding military resources. We may not have all the answers, but we know someone who does. And we’ll help you get the help you need.
Many of our congregations have support structures for Military Reservists and their families. If you would like to find out more about help in your area, choose the the “Military Families” image above.
This is an excellent opportunity for ministry! If your congregation would like to investigate ways it can start a military ministry, please choose the “congregations” image above.
If you are a reserve Chaplain, we have resources and information for you! Just choose “Reserve Chaplain” image above for access.
If you are a Operation Barnabas Counselor, choose the “District Counselors” image above for access to presentation materials.
Disclaimer: Comments and other material posted to this site reflect the personal opinions of individuals and may not necessarily reflect the beliefs and practices of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Material posted from sources other than The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod may appear on this site. Such appearances do not imply an endorsement of the theological, moral, or ethical position of the source.
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