National Civilian Chaplaincy
ABOUT
As WELS’ national civilian chaplain and liaison to the military, Pastor Paul Horn
- maintains regular contact with WELS troops and their families,
- provides military families with a referral to Christian video counseling when needed,
- orients and mentors new WELS Military Contact Pastors (MCPs), and
- offers online training resources and training conferences for Military Contact Pastors.
REFERRALS
- Do you or someone you know serve in the Armed Forces? Military personnel (including National Guard and the Reserves) can receive devotions and other spiritual help materials in the mail or by e-mail. Submit the names of men and women in military service using the Service Member Referral or the Service Member Registration form.
Christian counseling
When WELS military families need Christian counseling, Pastor Horn provides a referral to Christian Family Solutions, where therapists with an understanding of military life provide video counseling. Most therapy sessions are covered by the Military Services Member Assistance Program, funded though a grant from Lutheran Military Support Group.
Military Contact Pastors
When you or a loved one is stationed stateside, a nearby WELS pastor and congregation are ready to serve with Word and sacrament.
More than one hundred WELS pastors serve area military installations as “Military Contact Pastors.”
Access a directory of Military Contact Pastors by location.
Stationed in the Pacific?
We currently serve those stationed in Guam, Japan, Okinawa, South Korea, and the Philippines. Pastor Paul Horn and Pastor Charles Gumm host a weekly live online Bible study and worship service for those stationed in the Pacific.
For information or assistance, contact:
- Paul Horn, national civilian chaplain to the military: [email protected]
- Pastor Charles Gumm: [email protected]
NEW: WELS Ministry to the Military – Spiritual Retreat in the Pacific
Worship, Bible study, sightseeing in Seoul, and fellowship with military families and WELS members in the Pacific.
Date: June 19-22, 2026
Location: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan – Seoul Dragon City, South Korea hotel link
95, Cheongpa-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04372, Korea
Hotel details:
- 20 Group rate rooms are reserved for June 19-22, 2026
- Superior Twin rooms
- KRW 253,000 + 10% VAT
- USD $198 per night
- Check in: 1500
- Check out: 1100
- Access to fitness and swimming pool
- Breakfast buffet is served at Food Exchange (2nd floor) or the 26th floor, not included in the price of the hotel.
- KRW 65,000 per adult, KRW 32,500 per child
If you would like to book additional nights before/after the booked dates, please contact the hotel directly or email Chaplain Horn at [email protected].
Transportation information to/from the airport will be sent after registration.
Agenda will be sent upon request or after registration.
Worship, Bible study, & retreats
When you register with WELS Ministry to the Military, through the Service Member Referral form or the Service Member Registration form, our national chaplain can connect you with other WELS members to gather for worship and Bible study. Our office will provide Christian Worship hymnals for individuals and families who are gathering in small groups.
If you are looking for a Bible study for small groups or a Bible study to go through on your own, contact the national chaplain at [email protected] for resources.
If you are stationed at a duty station that is geographically distant from a WELS congregation, the national chaplain can train and equip you to be a religious lay leader and lead Bible study, plan and lead worship, and administer the Lord’s Supper for your family and other families in a small group setting.
Upcoming events
SERVICE MEMBER REFERRAL
Family and friends can refer a military member or provide updated information to receive devotions or other spiritual growth materials in the mail or by e-mail.
CONTACT US
If you are in the military or know a military member who can benefit from the services of a WELS pastor, please contact us.
SERVICE MEMBER REGISTRATION
Military members can register themselves or update their information to receive devotions or other spiritual growth materials in the mail or by e-mail.