Chevrons or Chevrolets? "A Look at the Wisconsin Synod's Ministry to Its People in the Armed Forces, Especially During the Two World Wars

Abstract

Michael Woldt’s essay, Chevrons or Chevrolets?, examines the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) ministry to its members in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially during World War I and II. Woldt traces the Synod’s consistent preference for civilian ministry over military chaplaincy, citing doctrinal concerns about church-state separation and unionism. During WWI, WELS partnered with Missouri Synod’s Army and Navy Board, contributing financially and through camp pastors. In WWII, WELS formed its own Spiritual Welfare Commission, maintaining contact with servicemen through mailings and civilian chaplains. The essay details internal debates over chaplaincy, government pressure, and the Synod’s resolve to uphold confessional principles. Later conflicts, including Korea and Vietnam, saw expanded civilian chaplaincy efforts, including overseas service. Woldt concludes that WELS’s civilian approach has allowed greater doctrinal integrity and broader outreach to its members in uniform.

—Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)