Workbook page: 136
PDF page: 171
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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 171
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2026 Convention Workbook 136 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS Initiative 1: Focused Outreach Activity Our Lord Jesus has called us to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20). This hard work requires vision, leadership, training, and the calling of new laborers for the Lord’s harvest (Matt. 9:38). We are pursuing this by: • developing plans and funds to call district missionaries in partnership with congregations/circuits (several profiles: cir- cuit rider, church planter, outreach pastor, etc.); • utilizing the Synod’s Church Planting office to assist us with research and planning; • creating an ongoing, district-wide outreach program, Come Home for Christmas; and • issuing Outreach Grants to congregations to inspire and fund outreach efforts on the front lines of ministry (applications for 2026 are now live for $30,000 in grants!). Initiative 2: Matrix of Support for Lutheran Schools With one school for every three parishes, the district is at the forefront of Synod districts when it comes to Christian education. The Synod operates the largest network of Protestant schools in America and the district has more students in its schools (3,600+) than do many public school districts. Our schools today face nu- merous challenges, and the district is addressing these needs by: • developing training, support, and mentoring for teachers who need to step into the role of administrator (a pilot pro- gram has already begun in one location); • partnering with congregations and teachers to get more teachers trained and rostered as certified Lutheran teachers through colloquy (five approved applications for colloquy grants already); • ongoing support for accreditation procedures; • assisting in debt relief for church workers; • promoting competitive salaries and benefits for Lutheran school teachers; • working with the Faith Coalition to advocate and lobby for Christian schools in Illinois; and • participating in Set Apart to Serve to recruit more teachers. Initiative 3: Spiritual Care of Remote Congregations All across the district, and especially outside the Metro East, there are smaller congregations in need of full-time, ordained pas- toral care. Many of these churches are in rural areas that have limit- ed financial resources because they are small in size, but their love of God is anything but small. Indeed, they are on the forefront of mission precisely because they are located in areas without a large Lutheran presence. The district is focused on providing these con- gregations with a dependable means of receiving Word and Sacra- ment ministry by: • walking alongside congregations as they explore forming multi-point parishes (three new partnerships were piloted this year); a triennium. I am out in the district almost every Sunday preaching, teaching, ordaining, installing, and connecting with pastors and con- gregations. A. Congregations The district has 149 congregations with 28,000 baptized mem - bers. Our average congregation worships with fewer than 50 people in attendance. Of the 22 historic Black congregations in the district, 12 cannot afford a full-time pastor and are in danger of closing. Cir- cuit 12, centered in Selma, Ala., has 7 historic Black congregations being served by 2 pastors. The challenges are great, but so is our God. B. Schools The district has 18 early childhood development centers, 9 K–8 schools, and 1 high school. C. Missions There is more work to do in mission than we have money or trained people to support. We are currently working to train 500 lay missionaries that will help revitalize the ministry and mission of their home congregations as well as act as core groups for future church plants. Our newest church plant is happening in Helena, Ala., just outside of Birmingham. We are also seeing congregations begin to grow with new families from their area. We are also seeing young men in their 20s beginning to seek out our churches and pastors, desiring greater theological, biblical, confessional, and liturgical depth. One common denomina- tor, though, is the pastor and congregation being welcoming of new people. To God alone belongs all glory, honor, dominion, and kingdom in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Eric C. Johnson, President R53 Southern Illinois District Since 1907, the Southern Illinois District has served and en- couraged workers, ministries, and members of the LCMS across the southern third of Illinois. Today the district includes 91 congre- gations, 20 K–8 schools, 2 high schools, 7 stand-alone preschools, more than 300 professional church workers, and more than 33,000 baptized members. The district exists to serve and support these local ministries by planning, coordinating, and executing our joint Ministry, Mission, and Mercy. Ministry is what the Church does for her members. We make dis- ciples: we baptize, teach, feed, and support our people. The end goal of ministry is a stronger Lutheran. Mission is the task of reaching out and inviting new people to become disciples. The end goal of mission work is a new Lutheran who faithfully attends one of our congregations. Mercy work is kindness done in Jesus’ name. Mercy work in the Church is always done in support of and in connection to ministry and/or mission. The district’s plan for Mission, Ministry, and Mercy focuses on five critical initiatives: