R47 Rocky Mountain District

R47

Rocky Mountain District Christ Is Risen! Indeed, as the largest contiguous district of the LCMS, with 164 congregations, 47 preschools, 28 elementary schools, and 2 high school across the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, Arizona, and Nebraska, we pray daily for faith to move mountains as we seek to remain confessionally faithful amidst our western frontier, proclaiming to the ends of the earth, Christ Is Risen!

Indeed, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. In all our visitation, a lot of discussions happen regarding both recruitment and retention of our workers. How congregations, schools, and other ministries treat and care for their current workers directly impacts the perception future workers have toward this work: Will it be a joy or a burden (Heb. 13:17)? Thus, in our walk together, we prioritize worker care so that our youth or any others led to aspire to this ser - vice may see those who labor in the harvest field going joyfully to their work and singing out the Easter proclamation, Christ Is Risen!

Indeed, we have a vast amount of work to do both in the planting of new congregations and ministries as well as strengthening established ones. Strategic conversations happen on a regular basis to ensure that ministry can continue in our cities, mountain towns, and rural settings with varying levels of congregational partnerships.

The Office of National Mission continues to be a huge blessing, especially as we have begun to take purposeful steps to further our mission presence in Utah, which in many ways for us is “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As droves continue to leave Mormonism, Lord willing, we will baptize and teach them to say, Christ Is Risen!

Indeed, as a district with cultures and age demographics as diverse as our climate and topography, being our Lord’s witnesses to the ends of the earth to us means confessing Christ to all people. As we have seen white supremacy surfacing anew across our country, we in district convention reminded ourselves that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female” (Gal. 3:28). And be they in the womb or blessed with years, be they rich or poor, be they of many and various ancestry, our Lord “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). The truth that Christ Is Risen!

Indeed, I am confident that even amid our challenges, the Lord will be faithful. After all, He excels in redemption and resurrection!

Christ Is Risen!

2026 Convention Workbook 133 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS Trusting in God’s provision, the district is placing a strong emphasis on starting micro-schools.

B. Hope, to Support Others in the Kingdom God’s people, living in resurrection hope, are generous with their gifts to further the kingdom of God. The district in convention chose three LCMS missionaries to support with Together In Mission funds. Last year, funds received were over double what was pledged! God’s people generously share His gifts and offerings to help support our seminary students and church work students at our Concordias.

Out of the generosity of God’s people, grants are given to church workers to help reduce their educational debt. The district president has a modest fund for Mercy Grants. The fund is grown through a sure and certain hope that results in God’s people being very generous with what God has blessed them with. Mercy Grants are given when a worker has unexpected financial challenges. We are developing a FORO with Spain and Romania to further the resurrection hope given for all people.

C. Hope, to Be Healthier Healthy Church Workers, Healthy Church Worker Families, and Healthy Congregations is a strong emphasis in the 105 congregations of the district. It is imperative that the district work to identify obstacles that result in poor mental and physical health for church workers and congregations. That begins with district president visitation. Personal conversations with the worker and family often reveal areas where the district can provide resources for help and hope. The district’s partnership with Lutheran Family Service of Iowa has been instrumental in helping church workers, as well as congregation and community members, work through challenging issues while being grounded in our identity in Christ and His gifts to each of us.

Encouraging work-life balance for all our church workers is an ongoing challenge. Church workers love to serve, sometimes to the detriment of their family and their health. The district is encour - aging congregations to offer sabbatical leave more frequently to give pastors time to decompress and be refreshed in rest from their labors. Pastors are encouraged to find a father confessor, attend DOXOLOGY , and make frequent use of continuing education opportunities. Congregations are strongly encouraged to be generous with vacation time and to help pastors protect their days off. We are in the process of developing district chaplains for our pastors. Soul care for the ones who care for souls is desperately needed to keep the pastor and his family grounded in the forgiveness of sins and the encouragement of Christ is risen, indeed.

The district has implemented Small Church Clarity. It is an initiative facilitated by LCEF to help small churches evaluate threats and obstacles and develop healthy Christ-centered momentum moving forward.

D. Hope, as God Continues to Lead His People President Scott Sailer chose to retire and did not let his name stand for reelection at the February 2025 District convention. The Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher was elected district president on the first ballot. Julie Pike, the district president’s administrative assistant, also chose to retire. We thank them for all the years of faithful service to our Lord and His redeemed people.

congregation would see itself as a mission-planting congregation.

The district’s commitment to being a “district without borders” is especially evident in its support of mission work in India. Despite persecution and hardship, the Gospel continues to bear fruit in the northern part of the country. Congregations throughout the district participate directly through prayer and designated gifts supporting church construction and leadership development in these emerging mission fields.

Care for Church Workers Recognizing the growing demands placed upon pastors, teachers, and church workers, the district is prioritizing worker wellness.

Healthy church workers are essential for healthy congregations.

The district has engaged additional staff in an effort to support systems for pastors and church workers, encourage the use of Synod resources, and promote practices that sustain long-term ministry. Investment in worker care is both pastoral and strategic, strengthening congregational life and Gospel proclamation.

For over 50 years, the district has operated largely through volunteer leadership, with administrative costs underwritten primarily by local congregations. In this season of expanding mission and increasing responsibility, the district continues to evaluate its governance and staffing structures to ensure faithful stewardship, effective administration, and sustainable growth. Plans are underway to explore a capital campaign to support ongoing mission expansion and infrastructure needs.

While mindful of demographic and cultural challenges, the district stands confident in the Lord, who sends His Church. Anchored in Holy Scripture, united in confession, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we press forward in our calling to be a light to the nations.

Trusting the promise of Acts 13:47, we move ahead together— bringing the saving light of Christ to the ends of the earth until He comes again in glory.

Waldemar R. Vinovskis, President