Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 54

2026 Convention Workbook
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OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
R1.2.2
Office of International Mission
The death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ for sinners 
is not merely the cornerstone of our faith—it is the very foundation 
of the Church’s mission. Because Christ lives, we proclaim His tri-
umph over sin, death, and the devil to the ends of the earth. This 
proclamation is not by human creation, but by divine commission, 
entrusted to the Church through the Word and Sacraments.
Because Christ lives, the Church lives. And because He reigns, 
the Church is sent—to baptize, to preach, to teach, to administer the 
Sacraments, and to plant.
We who confess the one true faith—rooted in the Holy Scrip-
tures and articulated in the Book of Concord—go forth not with 
our own message, but with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel 
mission is never abstract. It takes shape in congregations—faithful 
assemblies gathered around the Means of Grace, where sinners are 
forgiven, saints are nourished, disciples are made, and the Church 
is built.
The Office of International Mission (OIM), under the guidance 
of the Board for International Mission and the leadership of the 
Synod President, carries out this Christ-given task to the nations. Its 
work is not driven by trends or strategies, but by the clear teaching 
of Scripture as it is expressed in the Book of Concord. Its goal is not 
merely to send workers, but to plant and strengthen faithful Luther-
an churches that will endure for generations.
The OIM’s threefold mission—spread the Gospel, plant Lu-
theran churches, and show mercy—is deeply incarnational and 
profoundly ecclesial. This work prepares pastors and deaconess-
es, equips lay workers, supports theological education, and fosters 
long-term relationships that lead to lasting, indigenous Lutheran 
congregations. Our goal is not to export American Christianity, but 
to plant Lutheran churches faithful to Christ and His Word.
A. Because Christ Is Risen, We Plant
The OIM’s stated overarching task to plant Lutheran church-
es is simple but not easy. To plant Lutheran churches that boldly 
confess Christ crucified and risen. Churches that preach justifica -
tion by grace through faith. Churches where pastors administer the 
Sacraments rightly and preach the Law and Gospel clearly, where 
catechesis is deep, and where liturgy shapes and forms the faithful. 
Planting such churches takes sacrifice. Our OIM missionaries, in 
sacrificial service to the Lord and the Church, often miss family 
gatherings, sell all earthly treasures, and forfeit quality time spent 
with a dying loved one. Our OIM missionaries, both pastoral and 
lay, deserve our deepest gratitude and support.
Today, over 100 LCMS missionaries serve in 34 countries. 
About half of OIM’s missionaries serve as pastors—men called 
and ordained to preach Christ and administer His Sacraments. The 
other half serve faithfully as educators, deaconesses, and skilled 
lay workers. These missionaries are joined by 15 alliance mission-
aries—workers from our sister Lutheran churches around the world 
who serve with us in unity of confession and fidelity to the Luther-
an doctrine we hold dear. Thanks be to God for all OIM mission-
aries faithfully serving together for the good of Christ’s kingdom.
Additional thanks are given to God as nearly two-thirds of our 
missionaries have served for more than five years in the field—dou-
ble the average among other sending organizations. This longevity 
is not accidental. It is the fruit of careful support, faithful formation, 
(2023 Res. 12-03A).
•	 Lutheran school curriculum standards for core subject areas 
have been created and distributed (2023 Res. 12-01A).
•	 Increased consultation services and resources for classical 
Lutheran schools, microschools, and Lutheran homeschool 
cooperatives.
Vacant
C.6. Youth Ministry
LCMS Youth Ministry faithfully leads, serves, resources, and 
networks youth and adults—working through districts and congre-
gations—with Christ and His gifts at the heart and center of every-
thing. Accomplishments over the past triennium:
•	 LCMS Youth Ministry hosted the LCMS Youth Gathering 
July 19–23, 2025. Almost 1,300 LCMS congregation were 
represented as over 19,000 youth and adults met in New 
Orleans, La., under the theme “ENDURE,” based on Heb. 
12:1–3. Over 1,000 program planners, volunteers, exhib-
itors, speakers, and special guests provided planning, pro-
gram elements, and support.
•	 “YouthLead” (formerly Lutheran Youth Fellowship) held 
the annual leadership training in 2024, 2025, and 2026 in 
St. Louis, Mo. Around 350 youth and adults attended these 
four trainings.
•	 In November 2023, the LCMS received a $250,000 grant 
from the Lilly Endowment to support efforts to help member 
congregations utilize effective ministry practices with youth.
•	 LCMS Servant Events hosted by Synod camps and congre-
gations provided opportunities for young people to serve in 
the name of Jesus and build relationships and skills.
Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, Director
C.7. Campus Ministry
LCMS Campus Ministry works through LCMS U, an initiative 
to connect and support Lutheran students as they head off to college 
and face countless challenges to their biblical worldview, doctrine, 
ethics, and practices. Accomplishments over the past triennium:
•	 Held two campus ministry staff gatherings since the last con-
vention, engaging a total of 92 participants.
•	 Awarded eight grants to eight ministries so far this year, to-
taling $15,220.
Daniel M. Galchutt, Executive Director