Gregory D. Jans

Six-year term. Three two-day in-person meetings (in St. Louis) and one one-day internet conference meeting per year. Some work of the board is done through committees, which meet as needed by internet conference; each board member is expected to participate in at least one committee. The board is charged with developing and determining policies in support of mission and ministry in foreign countries and with overseeing the Office of International Mission (OIM) implementation of its policies. The board assists in identifying specific goals for the OIM, annually reviews and endorses the OIM strategic plan, and annually reviews and provides input on the OIM budget proposal. In its work, the board embraces and applies the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the Synod national convention. It serves as the only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas of the Synod, including the calling, appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries and other workers for ministries in foreign areas. (2023 Handbook, pp. 23, 103–5, 123, 144–46)

Nominees for election to the Board for International Mission should possess familiarity with and express strong leadership and support for LCMS mission and ministry activities, particularly in contexts outside the United States. Experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas is especially desirable: ministry and theology; extended church work on or interaction with one or more foreign mission fields; mercy work and human care; international relations; business, law, or finance; prior

service on national or district boards of the Synod; policy writing;

administration of complex organizations; education; stewardship and donor relations; or human resources. Board members are expected to work collaboratively under individual and committee assignments, actively speak and listen to one another in board and staff interactions, faithfully review and evaluate board-related working materials offered by other board members and Synod staff, provide constructive comments, honor confidentiality, and maintain a spirit of mutual encouragement.

Board members occupy regional positions and must hold residence within the respective region to be eligible for election. Should they subsequently take residence outside of the region for which elected, they may continue in the present term but would not be eligible for a new term without resuming said residence. (As to these regional positions, see Bylaws 3.12.1 and 3.12.2.8.)

Gregory D. Jans, Somerset, NJ; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset NJ (NJ); LCMS 63; Pastor. S: Spkr.

MAF, Conv. Deleg., Adv. Com. on History and Archives CHI 5, MAF BIM 27, Bd. for Miss. Serv. 6, Chapl. USAF, CCN NJ. D: SI Bd. of Miss. 6, SI Continuing Ed. Rep. 7, SI Fl. Com. Stewp. & Fin., Spkr. SO Retreat, Spkr. Pastor’s Conf., Campus Min. 3, NJ Disaster Response Team Mem., SMP Supervisor 2, CV NJ 2. C: Pulpit Supply 5, Pastor 9.

With joy I served the Office of International Mission as an active-duty U.S. Air Force chaplain/missionary for over 27 years, proclaiming the risen Christ in Bahrain, Egypt, Italy, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkey. While teaching at both the USAF Chaplain School and Expeditionary Center (10,000 students/ year), I learned the strategic importance of cultural respect and partnerships. We press on (Phil. 3:14) with our Great Commission marching orders to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20)!

With vigor and urgency, I would bring to the Board for International Mission my international experience in complex organizations, high empathy for missionaries and families, and full support for our LCMS missionary emphases and partnerships.

VII. Report on Candidates for the Board for Inter

national Mission Elect 1 ordained or commissioned minister (East-Southeast

Region), 1 ordained or commissioned minister (Great Plains Region),

1 layperson (Central Region), 1 layperson (Great Lakes Region), 1 layperson (West-Southwest Region) (6-year term)

in our Lutheran Confessions is so strong. I will commit myself to a continued focus on our Scripture- and Confessions-based outreach.