Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 85

2026 Convention Workbook
50 
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Operations Service Coordination (OSC)
Operations Service Coordination provides the communication 
and coordination link between the Operations Department and the 
departments of the LCMS. OSC also ensures that policies and pro-
cedures are in place to ensure Operations Services are delivered in a 
timely and efficient manner. Through regular communication, OSC 
makes sure that the needs of the departments are being met. OSC 
works closely with Concordia Plan Services (CPS) in managing the 
help desk team that supports both organizations.
B. Technology Applications Group (TAG)
The Technology Applications Group is dedicated to the appli-
cation of technology solutions that enable the ministry and busi-
ness functions of LCMS to operate in the most innovative and 
cost-effective manner possible. TAG provides technical support to 
the major LCMS Business Applications: Banner Accounting, Pay-
Com Human Resources Information System, LCMS Information 
Support Network, Blackbaud Constituent Resource Management 
System, M365 toolset, and LCMS websites. TAG also provides 
technical support to many other department-specific tools: Gene-
tec Security Camera, P Badge System, Office365 Applications, and 
others. Various applications of technology solutions are prioritized 
by the LCMS Operations Team with OSS providing technical ex-
pertise to approved projects.
C. Information Technology Desktop and 
Infrastructure Support Services
CPS provides network infrastructure support for the LCMS. 
This includes the help desk, now staffed fully by CPS employees, 
and many infrastructure support functions. Oakwood Technology 
Group is the primary outsourced provider for infrastructure sup-
port.
D. Mail and Print Services (MPS)
Mail Services handles all mailing (standard mail, express mail 
and packages) from the International Center (IC) properties, includ-
ing USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The MPS staff also provide the 
following special services: preparation of bulk mailings, address la-
beling, folding, envelope/mailer inserting, bulk paper delivery (for 
copiers/printers), and managing overnight package mailing needs. 
Print Services provides full-service printing to not only the depart-
ments of the LCMS but also to CPS and the LCMS Foundation. 
Print Services include: full-color and black/white printing, large 
format printing, envelope printing, folding, cutting, GBC plastic 
comb binding, booklet-making, padding, three-hole punching, lam-
ination, photocopying, and wide format printing (banners, posters, 
stickers), as well as personal printing services for our employees. 
We are also expanding these services to local LCMS congregations 
and schools.
E. Reception and Meeting Services (RMS)
Reception and Meeting Services is responsible for coordinat-
ing meetings and events that take place at the IC. This includes 
assistance with room scheduling and set up, as well as any event 
catering needs. RMS provides Front Desk services ensuring that all 
guests are greeted in a friendly and professional manner. The Front 
Desk also ensures all building entry security policies and proce-
dures are followed.
sources (HR) holds Gal. 5:13, “through love serve one another,” as 
the pillar of our values. With that mindset, we are able to provide 
consummate HR services to over 350 employees, both domestic 
and internationally deployed, so that all may succeed in furthering 
the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ around 
the world. This is a wonderful opportunity and an immense chal -
lenge, for which we are grateful to serve.
HR coordinates the development and administration of per -
sonnel policies, procedures, and supporting systems within and 
between boards, commissions, departments, entities, and other 
agencies of the Synod. The last triennium presented opportunities 
to concentrate on enhancing the employee experience at the Inter -
national Center (IC) from a system and process standpoint. 
HR was successful in carrying out a number of accomplishments 
in this triennium, starting with the acquisition of a new human re-
sources information system, implemented in October 2025. This 
system allowed our department to efficiently coordinate efforts and 
deliver comprehensive services to our employees at the IC. 
A restructured HR service delivery with IC entities has allowed 
HR to redirect more targeted services to our missionaries around 
the world, with specific focus on recruiting and talent development. 
This endeavor continues to bear fruit!
From a recruiting standpoint, we have hired key leadership posi-
tions in the program areas including executive director of the Office 
of National Mission, a director of discipleship ministry, and a direc-
tor of video production.
Lastly, I am proud of our team’s efforts to create a best-in-class 
onboarding program to ensure employees are properly enculturated 
into the organization, enhancing engagement and long-term reten -
tion.
HR is well positioned to execute on the strategy for the next 
triennium. Our objectives include: increasing efficiencies in service 
delivery with existing resources; creating a learning culture with 
the specific goal of developing leaders; enhancing engagement as 
long-tenured employees retire and new talent is hired; and provid-
ing support and education for employees that assists them in all 
stages of their vocational life cycle. Accomplishment of these ob-
jectives will lead to enhanced service delivery to the boards, com-
missions, agencies, departments, and corporate entities we support 
so that they can focus on their mission.
Nathan Thomas, Executive Director
R5.1.3
Operations Support Services
The overall mission of Operations Support Services (OSS) is 
to provide core services that support the mission and ministry of 
the LCMS. The following service units make up OSS: Operations 
Service Coordination, Technology Applications Group, Informa-
tion Technology Desktop and Infrastructure Support Services, Mail 
and Print Services, Reception and Meeting Services, and Facilities 
Management Services. In addition, the LCMS Technology Steer -
ing Committee (TSC), which is chaired by the Executive Director 
of Operations Support Services, reviews projects to assess their 
benefit to the organization, looks for potential collaboration across 
department, and evaluates resources available to support the work. 
Other functions of the TSC include advising on proposed policy 
changes or additions, as well as fostering positive communications 
throughout the LCMS organization.