Assistant Director, Ministry to the Armed Forces

The LCMS Mission
"In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world."

Department Profile

In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches,
communities, and the world.

The Office of International Mission, which relates to the Board for International Mission and implements its policies, is
responsible to the President of the Synod through the Chief Mission Officer for the work of the Synod in foreign countries as stated in the Bylaws.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Director for Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF).
• Consults with and is accountable to the MAF Director and functions in accordance with policies established.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports the Director in the development and execution of all policies, plans, and operations of the Ministry to the Armed Forces.
• Represents the Director in all administrative matters in their absence.
• Serves as the primary author of Ministry to the Armed Forces publications, including the “So Help Me God” newsletter, “Pass in Review,” and the “WARNO.”
• Assists the Director in conducting official endorser visits with Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, VA Hospital Chaplains, and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) chaplains.
• Provides support to VA chaplains during professional training seminars and as needed.
• Assists in the planning and execution of LCMS Lutheran Chaplain professional development training seminars and Operation Barnabas events.
• Manages special projects as assigned by the Director, including the oversight and execution of periodic programs in support of military ministry.
• Works collaboratively within a team environment to achieve the goals of the Ministry to the Armed Forces, particularly in the Director’s absence.
• Actively supports the chaplain candidate program at both seminaries by mentoring chaplain seminarian candidates and networking with seminary recruiters and faculty in accordance with the LCMS Chaplain Handbook.
• Collaborates effectively with both the Ministry to the Armed Forces and the Office of International Mission teams.
• Complies with any revisions to this position description and perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Active member of a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod’s Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
• Ordained pastor of the LCMS.
• Holds a Master of Divinity degree or higher.
• Possesses extensive active-duty military experience.
• Has served in a leadership role as a military chaplain preferably at the O5 level or higher.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Demonstrates strong theological proficiency and knowledge of current issues and trends relevant to ministry in the Armed Forces.
• Highly respected by peers in the chaplaincy with a demonstrated ability to build strong, positive relationships and rapport.
• Possesses a thorough working knowledge of the various branches of the U.S. military.
• Able and willing to travel extensively outside the St. Louis metropolitan area.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills; able to evaluate information, arguments, and evidence to form sound judgments and make informed decisions.
• Excellent professional writing, preaching, public speaking, and training facilitation skills relevant to military ministry.
• Skilled at coordinating with congregations, pastors, organizations, and Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) to advance the mission of the Ministry to the Armed Forces.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None 

Additional Requirements:

• Must reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area and work from the International Center