Michael Paul Schuermann

Regional Vice-President (Central Reg.)

VI. Report on Candidates for the Board for National Mission

Elect 1 ordained or commissioned minister (Central Region), 1 ordained or commissioned minister (Great Lakes Region), 1 ordained or commissioned minister (West-Southwest Region), 1 layperson (East-Southeast Region), 1 layperson (Great Plains Region) (6-year term)

Six-year term. Three two-day in-person meetings (in St. Louis) and one one-day internet conference meeting per year. Significant work is done between meetings, especially in communication with the districts of the Synod as to how the Office of National Mission (ONM) can serve effectively and consistently in “coordination and support of district ministries which support congregations and schools.” The board is charged with developing and determining policies and with overseeing ONM implementation of these policies. The board assists in identification of specific goals for the ONM, annually reviews and endorses the ONM strategic plan, and annually reviews and provides input on the ONM budget proposal.

In its work, the board embraces and applies the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the Synod national convention and communicates with district representatives to build cohesion and unity in the Synod’s domestic mission activities. It serves as the calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non-foreign specialized ministers after consultation with the appropriate district president. (2023 Handbook, pp. 23, 103–4, 123, 142–44)

Nominees for election to the Board for National Mission should possess familiarity with and express strong leadership in and support for LCMS mission and ministry activities, particularly in contexts within the United States. Experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas is especially desirable: ministry and theology, witness and outreach, education and catechesis, human care, stewardship, policy writing, extended church work on or interaction with one or more domestic mission fields or focused ministry areas, prior service on national or district boards of the Synod, administration of complex organizations, business, law, finance, human resources, and donor relations. 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 and reliance on the Word of Christ that is reflected in worship and devotion together during meetings.

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.)

Michael Paul Schuermann+, Champaign, IL; University Lutheran Church, Champaign IL (CI); LCMS 23; Pastor. S: LCMS BNM 3, LCMS Fl. Com. 2, Conv. Deleg. 2. D: CV 3, CID Nom. Com. 1, CID BOD 4, Chm. Human Care and Worker Wellness Com. C: Campus Pastor 6. O:

Religious Workers Assoc. 6.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).

Serving the Synod is a privilege. I’m honored to be nominated to continue serving on the Board for National Mission. The fields are ripe for harvest throughout our land:

in town, in the country, on campus, in our schools, amongst all ages and ethnicities. It is a joy to use my campus ministry, parish, and leadership experience to help shape the important work of bringing the rich words and promises of God into the lives of people both inside and outside of the church.

c. West-Southwest Region Ordained/

Commissioned Candidates for the Board for National Mission

ORDAINED OR COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

Elect 1 ordained or commissioned minister (West-Southwest

Region) (6-year term)