The LCMS affirms that military service is a permissible vocation for Christians and that participation in warfare, under just war conditions, is not sinful. Christians are not commanded to pacifism; rather, military service is regarded as a legitimate profession and calling within a Christian worldview.

The LCMS operates within the just war tradition, which recognizes that governments have the right and responsibility to defend their citizens and to protect justice and order. War may be just when fought for a just cause (such as defending innocent lives against aggression), declared by proper authority, and conducted with right intention and reasonable prospect of success. Violence is not inherently sinful if employed for legitimate governmental purposes.

Christians serving in the military are not required to abandon their faith or compromise their conscience. LCMS military chaplains serve in the armed forces, providing pastoral care and worship leadership to service members. While the LCMS respects the conscientious objector position on grounds of individual conscience in certain circumstances, it does not teach pacifism as a binding Christian doctrine. Military service is honored as one legitimate way Christians can serve their nation and protect the innocent.