Human Resources

Christ Is Risen Indeed! The LCMS Department of Human Resources (HR) holds Gal. 5:13, “through love serve one another,” as the pillar of our values. With that mindset, we are able to provide consummate HR services to over 350 employees, both domestic and internationally deployed, so that all may succeed in furthering the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. This is a wonderful opportunity and an immense challenge, for which we are grateful to serve. HR coordinates the development and administration of personnel policies, procedures, and supporting systems within and between boards, commissions, departments, entities, and other agencies of the Synod. The last triennium presented opportunities to concentrate on enhancing the employee experience at the International Center (IC) from a system and process standpoint. HR was successful in carrying out a number of accomplishments in this triennium, starting with the acquisition of a new human resources information system, implemented in October 2025. This system allowed our department to efficiently coordinate efforts and deliver comprehensive services to our employees at the IC. A restructured HR service delivery with IC entities has allowed HR to redirect more targeted services to our missionaries around the world, with specific focus on recruiting and talent development. This endeavor continues to bear fruit! From a recruiting standpoint, we have hired key leadership positions in the program areas including executive director of the Office of National Mission, a director of discipleship ministry, and a director of video production. Lastly, I am proud of our team’s efforts to create a best-in-class on boarding program to ensure employees are properly en cultura ted into the organization, enhancing engagement and long-term retention. HR is well positioned to execute on the strategy for the next triennium. Our objectives include: increasing efficiencies in service delivery with existing resources; creating a learning culture with the specific goal of developing leaders; enhancing engagement as long-tenured employees retire and new talent is hired; and providing support and education for employees that assists them in all stages of their vocational life cycle. Accomplishment of these objectives will lead to enhanced service delivery to the boards, commissions, agencies, departments, and corporate entities we support so that they can focus on their mission.