Official Workbook report source text
Official Workbook source-navigation report record. No analysis has been added.
- Report number/id
- R41
- Report title
- R41 North Wisconsin District
- Workbook start page
- 125
- Workbook end page
- 126
- Source pages
- 125, 126
- Source status
- source_checked
- Committee
- Not available
R41 North Wisconsin District Jesus appeared to His disciples behind locked doors. They were afraid. He said, “Peace be with you.” What next? He showed them His hands. There’s the peace! The work of the North Wisconsin District reflects our 2026 Synod convention theme: Christ Is Risen Indeed! It is my honor, on behalf of 80,000 baptized children of God in northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan, to report on His work in our midst. 2026 Convention Workbook 126 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS We rejoice that the Word of God works and the Gospel is the power of God to salvation! Our congregations are rich in a life of Word and Sacrament! We are grateful for our called church workers in the district; men and women who are coworkers for the kingdom of God (Col. 4:17–17). At its 2025 convention, the district reaffirmed its focus on God’s Word, Wellness of workers and ministries, and Witness to the Gospel inside and outside the Church. In this work, we have: • 216 active pastors • 285 active commissioned workers • 809 active non-rostered workers • 98 ordained pastors emeriti • 324 commissioned workers emeriti Next Gen: The district is actively involved in the LCMS initia- tive Set Apart to Serve, with its desire to raise up the next genera - tion of called church workers under the blessing of the Holy Spirit. We also are deeply grateful for the leadership and participation of Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support in the district, which works with each new pastor and their spouse during the first three years of called ministry. The district is grateful that its support for students preparing for church work has increased by over 160 per - cent since 2023. The district’s initiative is called Workers of the Word. Priesthood of the Baptized: This includes the lay women and men in our congregations, schools, and ministries who serve in re- sponse to the Gospel and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. We thank God for the thousands upon thousands of faithful Christians who serve in the Church and in the community. As district presi- dent, it has been an honor to meet committed, prayerful, thoughtful, generous women and men in every part of the district. Lay Leadership: In response to the question of a lay leader in one of our congregations, we initiated a “Lay Leadership Summit” in August 2024 at Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park. This event included worship and Bible study, singing (very much appreciated by those gathered), and workshops on topics of interest to lay leaders serving on the frontlines of ministry in congregations and the community. This event reached maximum capacity, with over 350 attending. Future summits are planned. Partnership Gatherings: Several times a year, district staff and circuit visitors gather at individual circuit or circuits together. These gatherings include the pastor, chair and vice-chair, elders, treasurers, and other interested lay leaders. It is a joy for people to meet their neighbors, gather around Word and prayer, talk about op- portunities and challenges, and more fully understand the blessings of the district and the Synod. From this type of gathering comes en- couragement, relationships, new ministry and service, mergers, and new congregational partnerships. We hear many comments like, “We are not alone,” and “When can we do this again?” Back to School: For the last several years, the district has spon- sored a “Back to School Worship” gathering in one of our larger churches to accommodate the hundreds (350–400) who serve in our Lutheran schools as the school year approaches. After Word, prayer, and song, a plenary speaker engages and edifies those pre- paring for their important work of teaching in our schools and es- pecially communicating the Good News of Jesus. These speakers have come from our Concordia Universities. Belize Mission: In partnership with the LCMS missionaries Freeing Them to Live in God’s Image—to Serve We know God is the one who serves, protects, provides, sacrific- es, and saves. We know He created us in His image. The stewardship initiative will work to set people free through the Gospel to reflect God’s image at home, at work, and in their communities and congre- gations. We plan to host workshops and introduce simple material accessible by social media. Revitalizing Congregations Ninety-nine district congregations have fewer than 50 people in worship each week. Church Clarity is a ministry tool to help congre- gations reclaim their purpose, identify their current ministry actions and needs, assess facility and financial limitations and capabilities, and establish a ministry plan for the sake of the Gospel. We believe a number of district congregations, by God’s blessing, can grow in faith and accomplish more with a plan in place. Expanding Our Missions Footprint The district participates in a FORO in Peru and supports French African Missions, and a number of congregations support missionar- ies directly. The goal is to expand the missions impact the district is making across our district and to facilitate personal, congregational, and district participation in our Synod’s national and international missions. One avenue will be the sending of one or more people from this committee to a FORO. It is my honor for the district to have elected me to serve as president. It is my prayer that He will well use us working together to bring Christ and His Word to people every day. The One who showed them His hands and side is the One who claims us, forgives us, and promises never to lose us, for He is risen indeed! Timothy J. Shoup, President