Official Workbook PDF page source text

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 produced 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 appreciated 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, Reporter 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 affect LCMS congregations and schools. Additionally, in-depth studies 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-qualer, highly restricted contributions has begun to shift, making way for larger, more flexible gifts that allow the church to direct resources where they are most needed. Over the past triennium, giving to these least-restrictive designations has remained 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 assessment conducted by Langley Innovations. In response, the Board of Directors made significant investments in MADV to expand services to the Church—further strengthening a culture that prioritizes Lutheran identity and theology above dollars raised. Throughout this triennium, MADV has made meaningful improvements, particularly 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 highlight 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 Gutenberg’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 continuously 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 Appeals case that protected Christian radio stations all over the country. 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 technologies 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.