First, LCMS World Relief is a wholistic ministry where we intentionally respond to people's physical and spiritual needs through local congregations, social ministry organizations and missionaries. Second, LCMS World Relief strives to exercise good financial stewardship of donors' money. LIRS, based in Baltimore, serves refugees and those requesting asylum in the United States for the first time. LWR provides emergency relief and support for sustainable development projects internationally. These two organizations are guided by boards which are made up of both LCMS and ELCA laypeople and clergy.
LCMS support comes as a result of mandates from synodical conventions.
LDR assists in emergency response in times of disasters in the United States. Disaster survivors receive immediate and long-term assistance through congregations, districts, social ministry organizations and authorized disaster response agencies. World Mission emphasizes leadership training and church planting in the mission fields overseas and in North America. It also works with partner churches in other countries. World Relief offers hope through disaster relief and self-help ministries on behalf of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.