A chaplain is either an ordained Pastor of Word and Sacrament or a Commissioned Diaconal minister of Word and Service who facilitates the spiritual journey of individuals and groups and provides spiritual and pastoral care in times of transition or crisis. Chaplains walk with individuals in the spiritual journey.

Pastors are called to shepherd a congregation. Chaplains serve institutions that are not congregations. Chaplains will, whenever possible, connect people to a pastor and a congregation for ongoing spiritual care.

It is appropriate to contact the Chaplain whenever you want to. However, certain times make calling the chaplain even more meaningful. Call the chaplain if you have spiritual questions or concerns. Call the chaplain if you are discerning God's will for your life. Call the chaplain if you are ill or hospitalized. Call the chaplain if you feel down and overwhelmed. The chaplain is there to walk with you and to help you see God's presence in your life.

Yes! Campus Ministry is open to people of all Christian backgrounds. There are certain roles that are limited to those who are members of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (i.e. serving communion) but all other opportunities are available to members of any Christian community.

No, chapel is not mandatory. Chapel is a privilege of the Christian community that has the opportunity to come together for prayer and resting in the Word.

All are welcome to chapel. Wherever you might be on your spiritual journey you are welcome. Maybe you are not yet a believer and are just curious; feel free to join us. You are welcome at any time.

A congregation is a community of believers organized to proclaim the Word of God and to administer the sacraments. Congregational ministry is the base group of all ministry and can exist whenever two or three have come together. In The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod a congregation is recognized as such when it has applied for membership in the Synod and agrees to certain doctrinal points. A congregation must have a pastor to be a congregation.

Campus Ministry is an extension of congregational ministry. Concordia does not have a congregation recognized as such and therefore works in partnership with local congregations. Concordia Campus Ministry does not offer communion. Holy Communion is offered through Campus Ministry as an extension of local congregations who sponsor and administer communion in our midst. Campus Ministry, when not a congregation, does not have to have a pastor. In Concordia's situation, the Commissioned Diaconal minister serving as chaplain works in partnership with local congregations and clergy for all official acts of a congregation.

Concordia, St. Paul Acronym Guide:

Student Clubs
CMS = Concordia Mission Society
UMOJA = United Minds Of Joint Action
SEASA = South East Asian Student Association
SAC = Student Activities Council
SAAC = Student Athletic Advisory Council
StAC = Student Alumni Council
CAB = Concordia Activities Board
AEX = Adelphoi En Xristou (that's Greek for Brothers and Sisters in Christ)
FCA = Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Locations on Campus
RLC = Residence Life Center
LTC = Library Technology Center
LMC = Lutheran Memorial Center
CMC = Campus Ministry Center

Student Programs or Majors
DCE = Director of Christian Education
DCO = Director of Christian Outreach
LCT = Lutheran Classroom Teacher
DPM = Director of Parish Music

Other...
CSP = Concordia, St. Paul
CU = Concordia University
HI = Hoffmann Institute
LCMS = Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
ELCA = Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
PK = Pastor's Kid
MK = Missionary's Kid