Official Workbook report source text
Official Workbook source-navigation report record. No analysis has been added.
- Report number/id
- R1.2.4
- Report title
- R1.2.4 Mission Advancement
- Workbook start page
- 31
- Workbook end page
- 32
- Source pages
- 31, 32
- Source status
- source_checked
- Committee
- Not available
R1.2.4 Mission Advancement Mission Advancement (MADV) exists to do exactly what its name declares—to advance God’ s mission as entrusted to His Church. Our team of 44 dedicated employees serves as a bridge into the programs and projects approved by the Synod’s boards. Because of this linkage, contributors of the Synod can more ful- ly engage with the work of their church body—whether it’s hear - ing a mission advocate give a presentation at your church’s Bible study hour, a quick email sent to Mission.Advancement@lcms.org regarding a recent story you read about in Lutheran’ s Engage the World, or calling the donor care line at 888-930-4438. We are here to connect, inform, and serve you. In the book of Mark, God calls each of us to love our neighbor, “The second [commandment] is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” 2026 Convention Workbook 32 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS A. Editorial The editorial team serves the ministries, congregations, and church workers of the Synod by establishing and maintaining a common and consistent editorial standard for all materials pro- duced by LCMS ministries. The editorial team, in conjunction with the design team, also publishes four periodicals. A.1. The Lutheran Witness As one of the oldest denominational magazines, The Lutheran Witness (LW) continues into its 144th year of publishing theological content for laity that helps them interpret the world from a Luther - an perspective. Despite challenges (see the end of this report) and declining subscriptions, the overall subscription rate sits around 57,000 copies. LW has expanded online offerings this triennium (witness.lcms.org), which has resulted in an overall increase in the online audience: • Over 500,000 active LW website users; • Over one million page views; and • Notable increases in search engine optimization value. Top online articles over the last triennium include: • “Come, Lord Jesus” by Gene Edward Veith • “Reclaiming the Marriage Bed” by David Petersen • “A Lutheran Perspective on the ELCA” by LW staff • “Cohabitation Hurts More Than a Couple” by Joshua Hayes LW also re-released several issues that were particularly ap- preciated by readers as standalone pamphlets (witness.lcms.org/ resources). One pamphlet, “The Divine Service: A Guide,” a reprint of the January 2024 issue of LW, has been downloaded over 13,000 times and sold over 3,800 copies. A.2. Reporter Last year, Reporter celebrated 50 years of sharing the news of the church with church workers and congregations. Currently, Re- porter sends out just under 30,000 copies of each issue. There are 12 issues per year. Last year, Reporter surveyed readers and found broad appreciation for the content of the magazine, with particular interest in breaking news that impacts the church (disasters, etc.) and matters related to church and state. Earlier this year, Reporter began the process of moving to an online-first format. This reduces the lag time between events and reporting. While the readership of the print edition remains robust, there are also many readers who only encounter Reporter content online. Currently, Reporter has: • An email list of 13,500 subscribers; • Over 600,000 active online users in the last triennium; and • 1.4 million page views from those users. To address some of the desires expressed by survey respondents, Reporter has published articles on recent legislation that might af- fect LCMS congregations and schools. Additionally, in-depth stud- ies on topics such as the Concordia University System are in the works for future editions. A.3. Lutherans Engage the World Started in 2012, Lutherans Engage the World (Engage) is a quarterly magazine that serves the LCMS with the stories of the church’s work both in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to high-qual- er, highly restricted contributions has begun to shift, making way for larger, more flexible gifts that allow the church to di- rect resources where they are most needed. Over the past tri- ennium, giving to these least-restrictive designations has re- mained steady, reinforcing donors’ confidence in the mission of the Church (especially toward Together As Synod; see below). In the spring of 2023, MADV underwent a comprehensive as- sessment conducted by Langley Innovations. In response, the Board of Directors made significant investments in MADV to expand ser- vices to the Church—further strengthening a culture that prioritizes Lutheran identity and theology above dollars raised. Throughout this triennium, MADV has made meaningful improvements, partic- ularly in caring for recurring givers, stewarding those who support the Church through legacy gifts, and adding staff to ensure every donor is valued, regardless of giving level. MADV also continues to host an annual interorganizational summit, creating a collaborative space for LCMS development teams and congregations. This gathering provides opportunities to share best practices, strengthen professional networks, and high- light corporate Synod’s appreciative response model—all with the goal of equipping and uplifting those who support Christ’s mission. We, in MADV , give thanks to God for you. You and the Holy Spirit enable us to share the Good News throughout the 2023–26 triennium and beyond. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia! Shane Smithson, Interim Executive Director