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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 87

2026 Convention Workbook
52 
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Table 3: Corporate Synod Funding Sources 7/1/22 to 6/30/25 
($ millions)
If there is a silver lining to the downtrend of support to cor -
porate Synod from congregations via the districts, it is that a di-
verse revenue stream has been developed to support the work of the 
Synod. At the same time, the support from the districts is what is 
primarily available to fund our collective work, as many gifts from 
individuals and other entities carry restrictions as to their use. More 
than that, the gifts from districts represent, at least as a proxy, our 
collective willingness to contribute financial resources to our life 
together as Synod.
The excess of revenues for operations over total expenses was 
a surplus of almost $34 million over the last three years. Some of 
this surplus was the result of unanticipated items, such as unusu-
ally large bequests and dividends received from our international 
operations. Some was intentionally targeted while the prospect of 
significant litigation in the HotChalk matter loomed. Fortunate -
ly, this matter is behind us. The total impact of this settlement on 
the LCMS financial statements is included in the expenses shown 
above and was included in the fiscal year 2025 audited financial 
statements of the Synod. The portion funded by Synod funds was 
immaterial to the fiscal year 2025 financials and did not require 
specific disclosure.
Even with these surpluses, we work to remain faithful stewards 
using the gifts and treasures entrusted to us. The $223.5 million of 
expenses represents a 22 percent increase over the prior three-year 
period. The significant portion (80 percent) of spending on pro-
grams exceeds best practice guidelines for nonprofit organizations. 
Additionally, since the end of fiscal year 2025, the LCMS has put 
more of this surplus to use, paying down substantially all of CUS’ 
debt owed to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). With 
that, corporate Synod is free of debt and the guarantee of the indebt-
edness of others. Beyond the investments made in the programs and 
mission of the church described by others in this Workbook, we are 
also beginning necessary investments in technology and systems 
needed to support our programs and mission and the people of the 
Synod today and into the future.
Additional transparency and information can be found in regu-
larly available sources. I give regular financial reports to the Board 
of Directors that are reflected in the minutes of their meetings. 
Monthly and annual financial statements are posted to the LCMS 
website. We annually prepare a budget report showing the work 
not only of corporate Synod but also of all synodical entities and 
agencies. There is an annual report highlighting broadly the work 
of the Synod, the financials, and other statistical information. We 
are committed to transparency, and endeavor to remain so. In my 
Table 1: Giving to Work at Large and Corporate Synod  
in Nominal and 2024 Inflation Adjusted $ (millions of dollars)
Corporate Synod
Despite facing the headwinds above, the financial position of 
the Synod continued to improve over the last three fiscal years 
(7/1/2022 to 6/30/2025). The following tables summarize the ex-
penditures of corporate Synod, and how our work was funded. 
Table 2: Corporate Synod Expenses 7/1/22 to 6/30/25 
($ millions)
*Includes the Office of National Mission, the Office of Pastoral Education 
(except for grants to seminaries), and Youth Gathering
**Includes grants to seminaries and subsidies to Concordia University Sys-
tem (CUS)
***Includes LCMS Communications and KFUO
****Includes portion of the HotChalk settlement paid with Synod funds