Official Workbook PDF page source text

2026 Convention Workbook 137

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

R54

Texas District Christ is risen indeed! This triumphant proclamation, grounded in 1 Cor. 15:20–22, where Paul declares Christ as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” echoes throughout the Texas District as we rejoice in the hope of the resurrection that transforms death into life and despair into victory. The mission of the district is to strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people locally and globally. To accomplish this mission, the district partners with nearly 400 congregations and mission stations, as well as nearly 120 Lutheran schools and early child - hood centers, to catalyze an exponential mission movement. As we share the Gospel of the risen Christ, we join to equip, send, and support church workers, church planters, educators, commissioned ministers, and laypeople to share the Good News of Jesus, to show His love. Because Christ is risen indeed, we press forward in faith, knowing that our labor in the name of the Lord is not in vain.

In its vibrant ministry, the district has been blessed to act upon the following resolutions from the 2023 Synod convention.

Res. 1-01A: Expanded a robust evangelist program that trains and equips members to share the Gospel. Training is available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. A total of 223 laypeople and church workers completed the program in 2023–25 and were sent to witness to others.

Res. 1-02A: Aided small congregations by ongoing efforts in Texas through a variety of planning, support, and training initia - tives.

Res. 1-03A: Encouraged and supported church planting in Texas, resulting in 27 new Word and Sacrament ministries, 2023–25.

Approximately $3.7 million was spent on church multiplication in the district.

Res. 1-05A: Strengthened multiethnic outreach by providing resources for pastoral training and outreach for new ethnic missionaries and church planters in Texas. A Hispanic Ministry Retreat was launched in 2023 and serves as an annual gathering for reflection, learning, and spiritual renewal. Nineteen multiethnic Word and Sacrament ministries were planted in this triennium.

Res. 1-06A: Supported workers and families through systems of care, counseling, and coaching. Fifty-seven coaching and care relationships were established to provide individualized care to workers and their families. Additionally, the district counseling team served dozens of workers and families.

Res. 1-07: Fosters positive mental well-being for all our church workers, having a Care and Coaching Team focused on this work as a free resource to workers and their families. The district spent more than $225,000 in the triennium on dedicated counseling for our workers. A trained pastor was appointed to serve as a mental health advocate for church workers, providing confidential support, resources, and guidance to pastors and professional church workers facing mental health challenges.

Res. 1-08A: Promoted and commended the Synod’s digital and online resources, incorporating them into district communications, sharing them with congregations, leaders, and ministry partners as appropriate.

Res. 2-01 and 2-02A: Continued to support the Alliance Missionary Program with significant financial gifts.

Res. 2-05: Made ongoing referrals of congregations to the Of- • establishing dedicated circuit riders to minister to truly remote congregations (working on funding and calling a district circuit rider/church planter by the end of 2027);

• maintaining a list of emeritus pastors who can help across the district; and • supporting circuit visitors as they assist vacant congregations in their circuits.

Initiative 4: Expansion of Campus Ministry The district partners with two congregations to support successful campus ministries at the flagship universities within our geographical boundaries (Southern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville). We can and should multiply this ministry across the 30+ institutions of higher learning within southern Illinois. We know that the transition from high school to whatever comes next (college, armed forces, trade school, workforce)

is a critical time in a young person’s journey of faith. The district seeks to serve our members and reach out on campus by:

• encouraging each congregation with a campus in their backyard to establish campus ministry (working on plans to use the same funding model we use so successfully for prison ministry);

• gathering pastors and lay leaders to learn from our flagship campus ministries at a Campus Ministry Summit;

• connecting pastors and lay leaders with LCMS U;

• specifically targeting and prioritizing large community college campuses (Southwestern Illinois, Lewis and Clark, Kaskaskia, etc.); and • providing “connection to church” assistance for students entering trade school, the workforce, and the armed forces.

Initiative 5: Extension of Current Ministry, Mission, and Mercy To one extent or another, all the above initiatives represent newly developed or developing work. The district has other long-standing, vital, and successful efforts that remain as touchstones of our shared Ministry, Mission, and Mercy. We will continue to support and extend these efforts by:

• providing funding, assistance, and coordination with our district mission school at Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School in East St. Louis;

• supporting prison ministry across southern Illinois;

• working with our foreign mission partner, Seminario Concordia El Reformador in the Dominican Republic;

• directing efforts in youth ministry, older adult ministry, and church worker scholarships; and • serving congregations, schools, and workers with the professional services, organization, leadership, and support expected of all districts.

The people of southern Illinois are excited to work together in God’s kingdom toward these goals! May the Lord grant us His grace and wisdom as we seek to respond to His mercy shown to us in the cross of His Son!

Heath R. Curtis, President