Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 168

2026 Convention Workbook
133
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Trusting in God’s provision, the district is placing a strong empha-
sis 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 conven-
tion 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 res-
urrection 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 congrega-
tions 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 vis-
itation. 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 op-
portunities. 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 ini-
tiative 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 ser-
vice 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. De-
spite 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, teach-
ers, 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 sys-
tems for pastors and church workers, encourage the use of Synod 
resources, and promote practices that sustain long-term ministry. In-
vestment in worker care is both pastoral and strategic, strengthening 
congregational life and Gospel proclamation.
For over 50 years, the district has operated largely through vol-
unteer leadership, with administrative costs underwritten primarily 
by local congregations. In this season of expanding mission and 
increasing responsibility, the district continues to evaluate its gov-
ernance and staffing structures to ensure faithful stewardship, effec-
tive 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 dis-
trict 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
R49
South Dakota District
The 2026 Synod convention theme, Christ Is Risen, Indeed, is 
a powerful promise of hope couched in the reality that death, the 
devil, and sin are defeated by God’s own Son, our Savior. This re-
ality guides our congregations forward in a sure and certain hope, 
which results in love of God and service to those around us.
A. Hope, to Support Immigrant, Native, Deaf, 
and School Ministry
Our congregations continue to support many ethnic ministries. 
Pastors trained through the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theol -
ogy preach primarily in English, but they also use Swahili, Lu-
ba-kasi, French Amharic, Oromo, and Kunama. Native American 
ministry remains active on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reserva-
tions. Deaf ministry is offered through a Sioux Falls congregation, 
and the pastor travels to give the gifts of Christ to those in other 
communities.
The district has 18 preschools, 5 elementary schools, and 1 
high school. Sioux Falls Lutheran School is our most compre -
hensive school, nurturing faith in students from infants to twelfth 
graders in the sure and certain hope that Christ is risen, indeed!