Official Workbook report source text
Official Workbook source-navigation report record. No analysis has been added.
- Report number/id
- R30
- Report title
- R30 Kansas District
- Workbook start page
- 114
- Workbook end page
- 115
- Source pages
- 114, 115
- Source status
- source_checked
- Committee
- Not available
R30 Kansas District Our work in the Kansas District is aptly reflected in the theme of our 2025 convention: “Abiding in the Word” (John 8:31–32). The baptized “abide in the word” as we are gathered at the pulpit, font, and altar to receive the gifts of Christ in Word and Sacrament. This is real, life-sustaining food. Receiving these gifts gives you a good conscience before Christ (Heb. 10:22; 1 Tim. 1:5). With sins forgiven and faith in Christ strengthened, we are set on the path to serve the living God. We have the privilege of supporting and encouraging the members of the district—155 congregations, 14 elementary schools, 1 high school, 35 preschools, and nearly 400 workers—in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church. We’re also thankful for the opportunities we’ve had to maintain and enhance our work with other valued partners, including the Synod, recognized service organizations, auxiliaries, and related agencies. Goals If you click on “About Us” on the home page of our website, you’ll see the phrase “Synod in this Place.” It’s a nod to Bylaw 4.1.1.1. Our “common work” in the district—captured in our mission statement, goals, and priorities—strongly aligns with the Synod’s constitutional objectives, bylaw purpose, and convention priorities while also taking into account directives from our district 2026 Convention Workbook 115 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS dismantling the main campus ministry and restricted the remnant of the school to an auxiliary nearby university-owned facility. The 2025 district convention was bittersweet, as our delegates realized it would be our last convention held on the beloved campus on the Huron River. As a whole, the district has experienced disappoint - ment in life together in the Synod. B. Addressing Synod Priorities District congregations supported a strong program of mental health and care for district church workers (Res. 1-07, Res. 1-06A). The district employs a mental health case manager, an experienced deaconess who helps church workers find the care they need in times of personal crisis. The Committee for Church Worker Care is very active in support of new church workers (Res. 6-06A, Res. 6-02A) and encouraging and guiding those entering church work training. The district also provides a regular conference for new workers in the district. In addition, the district provides support for the wives and families of pastors (Res. 6-09) through an annual wives’ conference (The Katie Conference) and retreats at Camp Arcadia. Our circuit visitors report strong participation in circuit life (Res. 6-07A, Res. 4-03), where our pastors are built up togeth - er and continue to learn from one another. Some of our circuits have formed subcommittees for church planting (Res. 1-01A, Res. 1-05A) as part of a Harvest Partner Network, and some are becom- ing connected directly to International Mission through a FORO (Res. 2-07A) or other means. In addition, the district provides on- line training in personal witness, as well as conferences (“Beyond the Breakwater”) designed to train individuals and congregations in outreach to their communities. During the last triennium we held 26 circuit convocations (Bylaw section 5.4) focused on mission outreach. In addition to our circuit visitors, the district provides regional facilitators who guide, resource, and encourage congregations, es- pecially smaller and multi-point ministries (Res. 1-02A). C. Mission/Ministry Initiatives In an effort to move ahead in college-age ministry without the presence of Concordia, the district is dedicating resources to net- work and expand campus ministries at colleges around the state. We have also begun work on a vocational education ministry. We have built a robust granting program to support the initiation of new community-focused ministries through existing congregations. We have seen growth in key urban and ethnic ministries that are fo- cused on neighborhood engagement. Expansion of homeschool support has grown alongside the growth of many of our day schools and high schools. D. Michigan District Convention Our convention theme was Nourished for the Journey: Re- member, Renew, Return. Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann served as keynote speaker. President Matthew C. Harrison gave a report for the Synod and a review of the Augsburg Confession. Rev. Dr. Jeff Schrank assisted various congregations to provide food and hospitality. The convention adopted resolutions expressing dismay over the han- dling of Concordia Ann Arbor, a request for the publication of the Council of Presidents Manual, a commitment to an every-congre - gation visitation, questions about the term Lutheran Identity, a call for clarity on the prior approval process, encouragement for per - sonal witness, and an affirmation of our deacon training program. sought to advance the mission and vision of the district, strength- ening our partnership with the Synod and other organizations since the last convention. • Annual visits by the district president (DP) and assistant to the DP for congregational and school services to monthly circuit conferences for pastors, DCE clusters, and schools. • Congregational treasurers’ workshops • Church planting and church revitalization • District disaster response efforts through district disaster re- sponse coordinator and Lutheran Early Response Teams • Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support for pastors in first three years of ministry • “Church Worker Care Manual” and the implementation of Church Worker Care Teams across the district • Partnership with the LCMS Foundation for planned giving services Looking Ahead Our strategic plan to guide our work as we “Abide in the Word” in the coming triennium, involves these key aims: 1. “Abiding in the W ord” as a mission and ministry focus 2. Cultivating a culture of life in our congregations and schools 3. Encouraging National Lutheran School Accreditation 4. Planting schools, Lutheran early childhood centers, and churches 5. Promoting partnership in the Gospel 6. Actively engaging in training for witness and outreach W e have His charge to live as His baptized priests, confessing His Word and living it out in word and deed to all whom we come into contact with, so that they may know that “Christ is risen in- deed!” Justin A. Panzer, President