Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 173

2026 Convention Workbook
138 
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Res. 12-04A: Provided support to Lutheran schools in Texas 
through faculty development, training, encouragement, and assis-
tance with establishing new schools.
We thank God for all the church workers in the district who 
daily proclaim the Gospel and serve Christ’s people. Since the 2023 
Synod convention, the Texas District has experienced transitions 
and powerful expressions of Christ’s love among us. At our 2025 
district convention, we bid farewell to Rev. Michael Newman, who 
retired after faithful service as district president. When the tragic 
July 4th flood of 2025 devastated communities in Central Texas, 
the Body of Christ responded with generosity, raising more than 
$1 million to support those affected by this natural disaster. We are 
grateful for our Texas District Church Extension Fund, which dis-
bursed $42 million in loans to assist 39 churches in their kingdom 
work. Because Christ is risen indeed, we rejoice in the countless 
lives touched by His grace in our congregations and schools. May 
He continue to strengthen us for the work ahead as we proclaim the 
Good News of the risen Savior to all.
Jon M. Braunersreuther, President
R55
Wyoming District
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he him-
self likewise partook of the same things, that through death 
he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, 
the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were 
subject to lifelong slavery.” (Heb. 2:14–15)
In this great passage on the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus 
performs two works: the destruction of the devil with all his works 
and ways, and our liberation from the fear of death. The devil is our 
enemy, but he is destroyed, together with the power of death. Our 
fear of death enslaved us, but we have been delivered from that fear. 
Christ is risen! We live in the victory of Christ’s resurrection as the 
free children of God.
The Wyoming District is composed of 60 congregations in 
Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle and 1 congregation in Col-
orado. These congregations are organized into 44 parishes and 6 
visitation circuits. Each congregation was formally visited in the 
past triennium.
With thanksgiving to God, I report that the Word of God and 
the administration of the Holy Sacraments has been preserved in 
all our congregations in truth and purity. Furthermore, despite the 
challenges of our aging and shrinking demographics in many plac-
es, our congregations continue to thrive. No district congregation 
has closed in more than a decade.
The district places a high priority on Christian education and 
formation. District congregations have five classical Lutheran ele -
mentary (K–8) schools, two of which also include high school. The 
district offers an annual classical homeschool conference to support 
and encourage the homeschooling members of our congregations.
The two district congregations in Casper, Wyo., have coordinat-
ed with congregations, pastors, and laymen across the Synod to es-
tablish and support Luther Classical College in Casper. The college 
opened in the fall semester of 2025 with 38 students. The district in 
convention has asked the district president to exercise ecclesiastical 
supervision over the college and has asked the Synod in convention 
to create a pathway to ecclesiastical recognition by the Synod.
fice of International Mission as they are investigating international 
mission work.
Res. 2-07A: District and district congregations actively support 
and participate in the Lutheran Synod of Mexico FORO, advocat -
ing for and contributing to key projects.
Res. 3-01: Actively encouraged congregational involvement in 
life ministry through resources and training opportunities to equip 
them to proclaim and promote a culture of life in their communities.
Res. 4-02: Making Disciples for Life emphases continue to be 
implemented and publicized throughout the district.
Res. 4-03: Mission priorities continue to be emphasized and im-
plemented in the district.
Res. 4-04: Promoted the use of Himnario Luterano among 
Spanish-language congregations and missions, providing resources 
and encouragement for its implementation in worship and congre-
gational life.
Res. 5-08A: The district president worked with local pastors, 
congregations, and circuit visitors to affirm and encourage in-per -
son Communion.
Res. 5-09: Engaged in conversation and study on guidance on 
admission to the Lord’s Supper with circuit visitors who then share 
with their circuits.
Res. 6-01: Encouraged congregation support and participation 
in Set Apart to Serve.
Res. 6-02A: Provided more than $350,000 annually in finan-
cial aid to support students from Texas in pastoral formation at our 
seminaries. Hosted annual barbecue at both seminaries to encour -
age residential students from Texas. Directed and supported 25 men 
into the traditional residential pastoral routes at our beloved semi-
naries. Disbursed more than $1 million in financial aid to support 
men and women pursuing ministry training.
Res. 6-04: Affirms the proper and full service of laity in the 
Church while upholding the distinctive nature of the pastoral of-
fice. Established lead trainers in district areas to provide training in 
outreach and encourage evangelism to the unchurched. Spent more 
than $700,000 in support of evangelist development.
Res. 6-06A: Maintained a vibrant participation in Post-semi-
nary Applied Learning and Support and encouraged use of Preach 
the Word at the local circuit level.
Res. 6-07A: Provided circuit visitor training according to the 
Circuit Visitors’ Manual and provided material at circuit visitors’ 
meetings for use at circuit gatherings.
Res. 6-09: Supports the annual gathering of pastors’ wives 
through resources, including financial support, to enable them to 
enjoy a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Special recognition is 
given to these women for their vital role in pastors’ lives at the 
district convention.
Res. 7-03: With respect to Concordia University Texas, imple -
mented ongoing discussions, visits, exhortation, and appropriate 
ecclesiastical discipline.
Res. 7-06B: Encouraged Concordia University System colleges 
and universities to attend district conventions and conferences, fos-
tering collaboration and partnership, and to increase awareness of 
educational opportunities.
Res. 9-08A: Continues to maximize nonvoting advisory partic-
ipation at conventions with recruitment and funding.