LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces is vitally important to supporting chaplains in the United States military. In this episode Rev. Craig Muehler, director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, discusses the importance of this ministry, current projects, and what you can do to support military chaplains and their families.

The Ministry to the Armed Forces is the mission arm of the LCMS to support and serve military chaplains — active and reserve — their families and the veteran population. Learn more at: https://www.lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces 

Show Notes:

Have you heard of an army chaplain? Do you know the importance of having LCMS pastors be chaplains in the US military. During this episode hear from the director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, Rev. Muehler, as he discusses this important ministry. Discover how the ministry was started and learn what route military chaplians take. Rev. Muehler knows first-hand how chaplains serve the armed forces and why this specific ministry needs to be supported. Be encouraged to prayerfully support this ministry.

 Questions Covered:

• How did Rev Muehler end up in this position with the Ministry to the Armed Forces?
• Why do we need chaplains?
• How was the Ministry to the Armed Forces started?
• Why is the office of the two kingdoms important to this ministry and does this interact with freedom to exercise religion?
• What does chaplaincy to military “nones” look like?
• How are the chaplains spiritually fed?
• How do chaplains become chaplains?
• What impact may the war in Ukraine have on our chaplains?
• Who can we contact to start the process to enter chaplaincy?
• Are there any services for veterans?
• What tools do congregations have to support our military-connected populations?
• What can we do to support this ministry?

 About the Guest:

Chaplain Craig Muehler, a retired U.S. Navy captain, serves as the director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces. After retiring as deputy chaplain of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 2011-14, Rev Muehler stepped into this position.. He received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He also has earned his Master of Theology in Pastoral Counseling from Trinity International University. Muehler and his wife, Kristen, have four children; Seth, Jesse, Faith and Hope.