Official Workbook report source text
Official Workbook source-navigation report record. No analysis has been added.
- Report number/id
- R34
- Report title
- R34 Minnesota South District
- Workbook start page
- 117
- Workbook end page
- 119
- Source pages
- 117, 118, 119
- Source status
- source_checked
- Committee
- Not available
R34 Minnesota South District In 2022, the 79th convention of the Minnesota South District was convened under the theme of “Everything in the Name of Je- sus.” Delegates gathered together to partner in the district’s mission to “cultivate leaders intentionally engaged in the mission of God.” • Reaffirming Church Planting • Continuation of Our Relationship with the SELVD in Tan- zania • Commending Support of Trinity HOPE in Haiti • Maintaining Accountability and Transparency of Financial Gifts from God’s Stewards • Encouraging Financial Support for Professional Church Workers • Establishing Locum Tenens Ministries for the District • Establishing an LCMS Men’s Ministry • To Shape the Faith Formation Paradigm for Generation to Generation • To Encourage Generational Ministry • To Evaluate, Study, and Use Biblically-Based Stewardship Services • To Encourage and Facilitate Personal Evangelism • To Encourage Further Consideration of Successful Comple- tion of Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Coursework before Ordination and Placement • Regularizing SMP Classification • To Extend Overture to the 2026 Synod Convention Concern- ing Specific Ministry Pastoral Training • To Direct Offices of National and International Mission to Decline Applications of Recognized Service Organization Status from Organizations Currently Supporting, Advocat- ing, or Otherwise Promoting LGBTQIA+ Agenda and Life - style and To Direct Offices of National and International Mission to Revoke RSO Status of the Same • To Participate in Building a Culture of Church Work Forma- tion and Recruitment While we recognize an overall trend of declining congregational membership and support for congregations and the church at large, the district has focused attention on the many external factors that impact our vitality and effectiveness. The large geographic size of our district and our relatively small number of congregations re- quires us to be strategic in the services we provide to our congre- gations, schools, early childhood centers, and church workers. As a result, our strategic initiatives will include the following goals: • Reestablish the Small and Rural Congregation Council • Continue the Education, Family, and Youth Ministry Exec - utive position • Develop efficiencies and accountability in church planting to maximize use of limited and valuable resources under the church planting covenant • Continue to expand the fundraising efforts to support the es- sential services of the district to its membership • Continue and encourage participation in the pastors’ wives’ retreats • Celebrate the district’s 60th anniversary Following the 2025 district convention, we are committed more than ever to increase our size, abilities, and resources in the ongo- ing privilege of serving our member congregations, church work- 2026 Convention Workbook 118 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS Jesus goes first to heal, forgive, and restore broken sinners. The dis- trict president and staff have devoted significant time to caring for pastors, church workers, congregations, and families experiencing conflict, crisis, burnout, or moral failure. This care acknowledges both guilt and shame, offering the forgiveness of sins won by Christ and delivered through the Means of Grace. Whether through visita- tion, mediation, counseling, or encouragement, the district contin - ues to emphasize that authentic human care flows from the Gospel itself and is vital in a world marked by brokenness and inhumanity. 4. Collaborate with LCMS Members and Partners to Enhance Mission Effectiveness Collaboration has been intentionally emphasized as a defin- ing characteristic of district life, reflecting the conviction that the church is called to complete rather than compete with one another. Through shared resources, networking, and cooperative ministry, congregations and leaders have worked together to unleash their collective potential for the sake of God’s kingdom. This collabora- tive spirit is evident in mission partnerships, multiethnic outreach, theological convocations, and the strengthening of relationships with recognized service organizations and Synod partners. By fos- tering a culture of “trust and inspire” rather than “command and control,” the district continues to seek creative and faithful ways to engage together in mission, asking not merely what we can do for one another but what we can do together for the glory of Christ. As part of the Go First initiative, a Go First Conference was held in a Best Practices format that allowed the various ministries of the dis- trict an opportunity to share and encourage one another in joyfully serving together in making disciples of Jesus Christ. 5. Promote and Nurture the Well-Being of Pastors and Professional Church Workers Recognizing that pastors and church workers need pastors, the district has placed strong emphasis on spiritual, emotional, and vocational well-being. The district president, executive assistants, and circuit visitors have provided intentional pastoral care through visits, communication, mediation, and mutual consolation. Worker wellness initiatives, conflict resolution efforts, and ongoing support during times of hardship reflect the conviction that healthy servants are essential for healthy congregations. In an era of increasing demands, cultural hostility, and workforce shortages, the district continues to advocate for care that strengthens resilience, guards against burnout, and sustains church workers in joyful service un- der Christ. In that spirit, the district wishes to express its thanks to the many partners that help make this care possible, especial - ly: Concordia Plan Services, Shepherd’s Canyon, DOXOLOGY , Grace Place, Christian Family Solutions, and many local Christian counselors. 6. Enhance Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary Education, and Youth Ministry The district remains deeply committed to Lutheran education as a vital expression of mission and catechesis. Through strong support of Lutheran early childhood centers, day schools, and high schools, the district continues to nurture young people in the faith while serving families and communities. Leadership in education, in accreditation support, and in encouragement of commissioned workers has been central to this effort. In response to teacher short- ages, the district has supported pathways for public school teachers to transition into Lutheran education through colloquy programs, During the convention, President Woodford announced the Go First initiative as the framework that would guide the mission and ministry of the district for the next triennium. He explained that history shows that culture-changing movements are often led by those willing to go first. That, of course, was the foundation of the New Testament Church. It was made up of those who were willing to go first. However, they were simply the first to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself was always ready to go first. Jesus goes first. That’s who He is. His was a life and ministry of going first. He went first from eternity in heaven to time here on earth. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, so He could save us. To rescue sinners, Jesus goes first. The Go First initiative is based upon the Gospel joy that since Jesus goes first to the cross to win for us forgiveness, life, and salvation, we can trust Him. And because we trust Him, He inspires us to go first and inspire others in His name. The ministries of the district were encouraged throughout the triennium to Go First around four ministry areas: Life Together, Soul Care, Collaboration, and Outreach. What follows is the work of this district initiative outlined by the seven mission priorities of the Synod. 1. Plant, Sustain, and Revitalize Lutheran Churches Guided by the Christ-centered Go First initiative, the district has intentionally sought to plant, sustain, and revitalize congrega - tions by trusting Jesus, who always goes first, to inspire faithful action. Even amid cultural transition, declining attendance, and fi- nancial strain, the district received three new congregations during the triennium, including multiethnic and immigrant church plants, while also supporting an additional Ethiopian mission through the New Church Incubator Fund. At the same time, the district has so- berly addressed the reality of congregation closures, recognizing both the grief such moments bring and the necessity of proactive intervention. Through diagnostic tools, early engagement, and en- couragement of mergers, partnerships, restarts, and revitalization efforts, the district continues to stress Gospel-centered collabora - tion over competition, seeking to bless rather than impress, grow rather than show, and intervene early so that congregations may flourish in their God-given mission. 2. Support and Expand Theological Education The district has prioritized robust theological education root- ed in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, recognizing that faithful doctrine is not opposed to mission but essential to it. Through theological convocations addressing ecclesiology, wor - ship, the Office of the Ministry, and the Lord’s Supper, pastors were invited into collegial, fraternal dialogue marked by clarity, charity, and conviction. These gatherings intentionally distinguished be- tween preferences, convictions, and binding absolutes, fostering greater unity while allowing appropriate latitude. In a cultural “gray zone” marked by moral confusion and uncertainty, such theologi - cal formation equips pastors, teachers, and other church workers to speak the Law and Gospel with confidence, maintain a non-anxious presence, and proclaim Christ boldly for the sake of the lost and the found. 3. Perform Human Care in Close Proximity to Word and Sacrament Ministries Human care within the district has been deliberately grounded in Christ’s own compassion, expressed through Word and Sacrament. Soul care remains central to the district’s mission, recognizing that 2026 Convention Workbook 119 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS also adopted Res. 3-01, celebrating the upcoming 500th anniversa- ry of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism (2029) by encouraging con- gregations, and especially heads of households, to teach the faith in the home. The resolution affirms the Small Catechism’s vital role in faith formation and commends its use as part of the Church’s ongoing educational mission. Res. 1-03 encouraged and celebrat - ed multiethnic ministry by recognizing Missouri’s historic legacy of outreach to diverse communities and by calling congregations to renew their commitment to reaching people of all backgrounds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Delegates also adopted Res. 3-06, which publicly opposed Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3, which legalizes abortion up to fetal viability. The resolution affirms the LCMS’ long-standing stance in defense of the unborn and urges congregations to advocate for life in faithful, peaceful, and proac- tive ways within their communities. Finally, Res. 2-01 approved the district’s Strategic Plan Critical Targets for the 2025–28 trienni- um, providing a road map for ministry priorities and mission focus across congregations, schools, and ministries in the district. The convention reelected Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan to his fourth term as district president. Also elected were Rev. Craig Otto as first vice-president, Rev. Randy Asburry as second vice-president, Rev. Samuel Powell as third vice-president, and Rev. Rick Cody as fourth vice-president. B. Strategic Plan The district’s strategic plan for the 2025–28 triennium has four critical targets: 1. Church W orker Recruitment and Retention—The congrega- tions and schools of the district have been richly blessed with faithful pastors, teachers, and other servants. As we look to- gether at the challenges facing the Church, we recognize the need to be intentional about recruiting servants for the future and providing support to care for those who serve. This tar - get remains a top priority for the district. 2. Discipleship in the Home—The Scriptures and the Confes- sions teach that the home is the primary place of faith for - mation. The district will continue this emphasis by working with congregations, schools, pastors, and school adminis - trators to provide training and resources, so that each home can be a place where Christ is at the center and families are growing through learning God’s Word and the Small Cate- chism. 3. Mission Field: Missouri—We live in a mission field of more than three million people who are not connected to any church. This critical target establishes the priority of provid- ing resources and training for congregations to collaborate in reaching the lost with the Gospel. 4. Leadership Development—Congregations and schools are in need of leadership training for both staff and lay leaders. Governance models of the past are not serving our existing structures well. The district will provide training and sup- port related to governance models and for various leadership roles in congregations and schools for both rostered workers and laity. C. Key Initiatives Supporting these four critical targets, the district has several key initiatives in the works. The Tomorrow’ s Teachers and Preachers initiative focuses on building the district’s church worker endow- ment fund to support the education of aspiring church workers in while also encouraging youth to consider church work vocations. These efforts reflect the conviction that Lutheran schools are strate- gic mission fields, forming faithful disciples and future leaders in a rapidly changing world. 7. Strengthen and Support the Lutheran Family in Living Out God’s Design Amid cultural upheaval and challenges to marriage, family, and human identity, the district has clearly articulated what it stands for: the preciousness of human life, faithful marriages, active fami- lies, and robust vocational living grounded in God’s Word. Through teaching, public policy engagement, education, and congregational life, the district has sought to strengthen Lutheran families as they live out God’s design in home, church, and community. Rather than retreating in uncertainty, the district continues to speak with confi- dence and compassion, proclaiming the Gospel, caring for neigh- bors, and equipping families to live faithfully in a gray-zone world. With Christ as Lord and His Word as guide, the district moves for- ward unashamed, hopeful, and united in love for God and neighbor. Lucas V . Woodford, President