To Strengthen the Synod’s Digital Witness and Congregational Connections

To Strengthen the Synod’s Digital Witness and Congregational Connections

RESOLUTION 1-13 Reports R1.2.5–1.3 (CW, 32–37); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:26)

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded His Church to make disciples of all nations through the proclamation of the Gospel (Matt. 28:19–20); and

WHEREAS, Since the days when Martin Luther employed the printing press to spread the message of the Reformation, Lutherans have sought to use available means of communication in service to Christ ’s command to make disciples of all nations; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod (LCMS) has continued this tradition through publications, radio broadcasting, and digital communications, including such ministries as The Lutheran Witness , KFUO Radio, Synod ’s online resources, and auxiliaries such as Lutheran Hour Ministries; and

WHEREAS, The Church receives such technologies as useful tools that may serve the proclamation of God ’s Word while recognizing that these tools must remain servants of the Church’s mission and never replace the gathering of God’s people around Word and Sacrament; and

WHEREAS, Many people today first encounter the Church and seek information about Christianity through online resources, such as young adults finding—through lcms.org and Lutheran podcasts—faithful Lutheran congregations where they may hear God’s Word and receive His gifts; and

WHEREAS, A strong and accessible online presence provides opportunities to connect such individuals with faithful Lutheran congregations where they may hear God ’s Word, receive His gifts, and be gathered into the life of Christ ’s Church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage the Office of National Mission (ONM) and LCMS Communications to develop a coordinated strategy to strengthen our Synod’s online witness to assist those seeking a Lutheran church in locating nearby congregations of the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the ONM and LCMS Communications be encouraged to coordinate their efforts in support of evangelism, outreach, and connection to local congregations; and be it finally

Resolved, That the ONM and LCMS Communications report their progress to the Council of Presidents during the 2026–2029 triennium.

The Chief Financial Officer and LCMS Accounting and Financial Services staff, in consultation with the Finance Committee, anticipate no incremental costs as this work is already underway to strengthen lcms.org (estimate required by Bylaw 3.1.7 [g]).