Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 67

2026 Convention Workbook
32 
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Editorial
The editorial team serves the ministries, congregations, and 
church workers of the Synod by establishing and maintaining a 
common and consistent editorial standard for all materials pro-
duced by LCMS ministries. The editorial team, in conjunction with 
the design team, also publishes four periodicals. 
A.1. The Lutheran Witness
As one of the oldest denominational magazines, The Lutheran 
Witness (LW) continues into its 144th year of publishing theological 
content for laity that helps them interpret the world from a Luther -
an perspective. Despite challenges (see the end of this report) and 
declining subscriptions, the overall subscription rate sits around 
57,000 copies. LW has expanded online offerings this triennium 
(witness.lcms.org), which has resulted in an overall increase in the 
online audience:
•	 Over 500,000 active LW website users;
•	 Over one million page views; and
•	 Notable increases in search engine optimization value.
Top online articles over the last triennium include: 
•	 “Come, Lord Jesus” by Gene Edward Veith
•	 “Reclaiming the Marriage Bed” by David Petersen
•	 “A Lutheran Perspective on the ELCA” by LW staff
•	 “Cohabitation Hurts More Than a Couple” by Joshua Hayes
LW also re-released several issues that were particularly ap-
preciated by readers as standalone pamphlets (witness.lcms.org/
resources). One pamphlet, “The Divine Service: A Guide,” a reprint 
of the January 2024 issue of LW, has been downloaded over 13,000 
times and sold over 3,800 copies.
A.2. Reporter
Last year, Reporter celebrated 50 years of sharing the news of 
the church with church workers and congregations. Currently, Re-
porter sends out just under 30,000 copies of each issue. There are 
12 issues per year. Last year, Reporter surveyed readers and found 
broad appreciation for the content of the magazine, with particular 
interest in breaking news that impacts the church (disasters, etc.) 
and matters related to church and state. 
Earlier this year, Reporter began the process of moving to an 
online-first format. This reduces the lag time between events and 
reporting. While the readership of the print edition remains robust, 
there are also many readers who only encounter Reporter content 
online. Currently, Reporter has: 
•	 An email list of 13,500 subscribers; 
•	 Over 600,000 active online users in the last triennium; and
•	 1.4 million page views from those users. 
To address some of the desires expressed by survey respondents, 
Reporter has published articles on recent legislation that might af-
fect LCMS congregations and schools. Additionally, in-depth stud-
ies on topics such as the Concordia University System are in the 
works for future editions. 
A.3. Lutherans Engage the World
Started in 2012, Lutherans Engage the World (Engage) is a 
quarterly magazine that serves the LCMS with the stories of the 
church’s work both in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to high-qual-
er, highly restricted contributions has begun to shift, making 
way for larger, more flexible gifts that allow the church to di-
rect resources where they are most needed. Over the past tri-
ennium, giving to these least-restrictive designations has re-
mained steady, reinforcing donors’ confidence in the mission of 
the Church (especially toward Together As Synod; see below).
In the spring of 2023, MADV underwent a comprehensive as-
sessment conducted by Langley Innovations. In response, the Board 
of Directors made significant investments in MADV to expand ser-
vices to the Church—further strengthening a culture that prioritizes 
Lutheran identity and theology above dollars raised. Throughout 
this triennium, MADV has made meaningful improvements, partic-
ularly in caring for recurring givers, stewarding those who support 
the Church through legacy gifts, and adding staff to ensure every 
donor is valued, regardless of giving level.
MADV also continues to host an annual interorganizational 
summit, creating a collaborative space for LCMS development 
teams and congregations. This gathering provides opportunities to 
share best practices, strengthen professional networks, and high-
light corporate Synod’s appreciative response model—all with the 
goal of equipping and uplifting those who support Christ’s mission.
We, in MADV , give thanks to God for you. You and the Holy 
Spirit enable us to share the Good News throughout the 2023–26 
triennium and beyond. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Shane Smithson, Interim Executive Director
R1.2.5
Communications
Since the days when Martin Luther took advantage of Guten-
berg’s printing press to fling the message of the Reformation to the 
four corners of the world, Lutherans have climbed to the forefront 
of mass communications. KFUO Radio is one of the oldest contin-
uously operating Christian radio stations in the U.S. The Lutheran 
Witness is one of the oldest denominational magazines, older even 
than National Geographic. In the early 1990s, the Communications 
department was involved in a landmark U.S. Federal Court of Ap-
peals case that protected Christian radio stations all over the coun-
try. Mass communications and related topics have been frequently 
discussed and promoted in Synod conventions since the beginning 
of the 20th century. 
At the same time, the church must also ensure that such technol-
ogies do not harm God’s people. Recent studies have demonstrated 
the tragic harm caused by algorithmically curated content plat -
forms such as Facebook. So-called artificial intelligence platforms 
have wreaked psychological and spiritual harm on many and seem 
poised to upend some vocational opportunities. These technologies 
are not neutral. Each new type of media bears inherent biases that 
will inevitably shape the content and conversation that occur on 
those platforms, and the church must use them cautiously. 
LCMS Communications works within the Synod to ensure that 
the message of the Gospel is clearly communicated across various 
channels in such a way that it strengthens the faith of God’s people, 
encourages them in service to the neighbor, and gives all glory to 
Christ.