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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 316

2026 Convention Workbook
281NATIONAL WITNESS
Ov. 1-07 
To Study, and To Make Recommendations to Stop 
and Reverse, Long Decline in Synod Membership 
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod, founded in 
1847, has historically been one of the largest Lutheran bodies in the 
United States; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has always placed a strong emphasis on 
confessional fidelity, education, and mission work; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has experienced periods of remarkable 
growth, especially after World War II, leading to a peak in 
membership in the latter half of 20th century; and 
W
HEREAS, In 1980, the Synod reported 2,719,319 baptized 
members; 6,048 congregations; 1,453 elementary schools; 59 high 
schools; 11 colleges in the United States; and three seminaries (one 
in Canada); and 
WHEREAS, In 2024, the Synod reported 1,635,076 baptized 
members; 5,794 congregations; 660 elementary schools; and 114 
high schools; 5 colleges; and two seminaries; and 
W
HEREAS, This decline reflects the aging of our membership, 
lower birth rates, fewer young families joining our congregations, 
rural depopulation, and the increasing secularization of our culture; 
and 
WHEREAS, The faithfulness of the Synod to Holy Scripture, the 
Lutheran Confessions, the proper distinction between Law and 
Gospel, and the Great Commission, along with our traditional forms 
of worship, are still our greatest strengths and the means through 
which the Holy Spirit grows Christ’s Church; therefore be it 
Resolved, That a synodwide conversation be encouraged to take 
place over the next triennium involving all our congregations, 
circuit forums, districts, schools, colleges, seminaries, and all other 
agencies of our church regarding this long trending decline, how to 
slow it, and ultimately reverse it; and be it further 
Resolved, That  this synodwide conversation include wherever 
possible essayists, trained speakers and facilitators with knowledge 
of the subject, panel discussions, informative videos, and printed 
material; and be it further 
Resolved, That appropriate agencies of the Synod, such as our 
seminaries and/or the Board for  National Mission along with 
Concordia Publishing House , prepare conversation and study 
materials to facilitate this synodwide conversation, as well as 
develop formats by which results and recommendations of these 
conversations can be submitted to the appropriate agencies for 
compilation, editing, summarization, recommendations, proposals, 
and synodwide publication before the 2029 Synod convention; and 
be it finally 
Resolved, That every baptized member of our congregations be 
encouraged to continue steadfastly in prayer for the success of the 
Gospel and the prospering of the Synod, that the decline would be 
stopped, and that a great harvest of souls would be brought in and 
continue to be added to the church to the end that “at the name of 
Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the 
earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the 
glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11). 
Christ the King 
Los Lunas, NM 
Ov. 1-08 
To Expand Work of Revitalization  
and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources 
WHEREAS, The Synod has prioritized revitalization of its 
congregations; and 
WHEREAS, Many existing Synod congregations  have plateaued 
or are declining in membership or worship attendance; and 
WHEREAS, Less than five percent  of existing Synod 
congregations have officially utilized a re:Vitality workshop; and 
WHEREAS, Re:Vitality workshops provide practical training and 
theological rationale for planning strategically, intentional outreach 
to the community, and ministry to inactive members; and 
WHEREAS, A forthcoming r e:Vitality workshop provides 
practical training and theological rationale for  intentionally 
incorporating members for increased involvement; and 
WHEREAS, Re:Vitality is designed to meet a large-scale need for 
revitalization at little to no cost to congregations; and 
WHEREAS, Re:Vitality workshops are faithful to the Scriptures 
and to the Lutheran Confessions; and 
WHEREAS, Congregation revitalization is centered in the new life 
that is found in God’s Word being proclaimed in purity and His 
Sacraments being rightly administered; and 
WHEREAS, The 2013 and 2016 Synod conventions approved the 
increased focus on revitalization and the expansion of re:Vitality 
from the Office of National Mission  (ONM) (2013 Res. 3-08A ; 
2016 Res. 1-03); therefore be it 
Resolved, That Synod congregations be regularly encouraged to 
engage in biblically based, confessionally faithful best practices 
concerning planning for the future, outreach to the community, 
caring for inactive members and intentionally incorporating current 
members into the life of the c hurch (Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:6; 1 
Cor. 14:40); and be it further 
Resolved, That districts utilize  the ONM’s “Exploring God’s 
Mission Here” Bible Study with congregations to help them discern 
their needs for revitalization efforts; and be it further 
Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to make use of 
re:Vitality resources as these are made available; and be it finally 
Resolved, That current revitalization efforts in our districts and  
local congregations be commended. 
Board for National Mission 
Ov. 1-09 
To Encourage Congregations and Agencies  
to Work Together to Share Resources 
WHEREAS, The Atlantic District was founded in 1906 to address 
the emerging needs to Gospel mission and ministry; and 
WHEREAS, Congregations and agencies in the district were 
founded with the goal of faithfully and vigorously embracing 
Gospel mission and ministry; and 
WHEREAS, Lutheran high schools in New York City (M artin 
Luther and Our Savior) and some congregations in Albany (Unity) 
recently have come together to share resources for the benefit of 
Gospel mission and ministry, just as other congregations in the 
district have done in the past; and