Official Workbook PDF page source text

2026 Convention Workbook 118

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

Jesus goes first to heal, forgive, and restore broken sinners. The district 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 visitation, 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 defining 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 collaborative spirit is evident in mission partnerships, multiethnic outreach, theological convocations, and the strengthening of relationships with recognized service organizations and Synod partners. By fostering 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 district 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 under 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 shortages, 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 financial 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 soberly 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 encouragement 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 rooted 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 between 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