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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 88

2026 Convention Workbook
53
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Gospel, the power of God unto salvation for all people to know the 
Risen Christ. We have offered ways to confront the increased idol-
atry in our country through Lutheran resources in Christian apolo-
getics; to increase church planting at the parish level; to faithfully 
respond to the resurgence of young men and women in the Church; 
to encourage and support campus ministry; and to increase and 
support establishing new and strengthening current LCMS schools. 
These are but a sampling of the BNM making strides to address and 
supply the real needs of our Synod in respect to national missions.
Establishing Clear “Policy Areas” to Serve the 
Most Important National Mission Needs
While we are supporting the sunsetting of “mission priorities” 
for the Synod and rejoice to focus on our newly proposed mission 
and ministry emphasis, Tell the Next Generation (see Report R8, 
the report of the Joint Mission Assessment Committee of the BNM 
and BIM), we have put before ourselves in the BNM seven “policy 
areas” that are lucid priorities for LCMS national mission today. 
Here are the seven policy areas which guide the BNM’s policymak-
ing for the ONM: 1. Congregations; 2. Catechesis, Apologetics, and 
Theological Education; 3. Mercy Work; 4. Fraternal Cooperation 
Across the Synod; 5. Church Worker Wellness; 6. Lutheran Schools 
and Youth Ministry; and 7. Marriage and Family.
Related to these areas is what we all witnessed during this past 
triennium in the establishment of All Nations Ministry led by its 
manager, the Rev. Stephen Heimer. No one is excluded and every-
one is included in our determination to faithfully live out the Great 
Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, we celebrate the 
ministry of the Rev. Andrew Becker, manager, Family Ministry. 
The Lord is truly blessing our Synod with these increased resources 
for national mission.
New Board for National Mission Manual
During this past triennium, led by board member Rev. Peter 
Bender, we saw the fruition of a thorough BNM manual that will 
bring greater clarity, consistency, and efficiency to our board going 
forward.
2023 Resolutions to Board for / Office of 
National Mission Accomplished
Every assignment given to the BNM and ONM from the 2023 
Synod convention has been fulfilled. This is especially reflective 
of the outstanding service of our unit executive, but also the man-
aging directors working with him, including Deaconess Dr. Tif-
fany Manor (Mercy Ministry area) and the Rev. Michael Meyer 
(Witness area). Please see Reports R1.2.1 and R60, submitted by 
ONM unit executive Rev. Dan Galchutt, which cover all the assign-
ments. The only other assignments going beyond Rev. Galchutt’s 
reports are 2023 Resolution 4-03, “To Affirm and Continue Mission 
Priorities for 2023–26 Triennium,” and 2023 Res. 9-04, “To Es-
tablish Mission Board Responsibilities Regarding Mission Office 
Strategic Plan and Annual Budget Proposal.” As for Res. 4-03, this 
resolution is being effectively addressed by our Joint Mission As-
sessment Committee overture entitled, “To Commend and Sunset 
the Mission Priorities of Synod.” Regarding Res. 9-04, the BNM 
has worked closely with the Chief Mission Officer as well as the 
ONM unit executive to finalize a thoroughly systematic approach 
to strategic planning and annual budget proposal for the ONM. This 
project has clarified our own responsibilities as the BNM, which in 
turn benefits the ONM.
opinion, you would be hard pressed to find a church body more 
transparent about its financials with its parishioners.
In addition to the work of corporate Synod, I represent the 
Board of Directors on the boards of several entities: LCEF, Con-
cordia Plan Services, LCMS Foundation, Concordia Publishing 
House, and CUS. I support the work of other LCMS entities that 
are part of the consolidated financial statements, including the Lu-
theran Center for Religious Liberty and LCMS Holdings, Inc. This 
would not be possible without the dedicated and hard-working staff 
across the teams who support me in accounting and finance at the 
LCMS International Center in St. Louis.
The Lord has blessed the LCMS in many ways. Over the last 
several years, He has seen fit to provide a financial position pre-
viously unseen in the Synod’s history. I pray that He will grant us 
wisdom in stewarding these gifts to support our bold proclamation 
of the Gospel—that Christ Is Risen Indeed!
Nathan M. Haak, Chief Financial Officer
R6
Board for National Mission
As stated in Synod Bylaw 3.8.2, the Board for National Mission 
(BNM) “is charged with developing and determining policies for 
the coordination of and in support of district ministries which sup-
port congregations and schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [n]).” Furthermore, 
under the President of the Synod, “the board shall assist in identify-
ing the specific goals for the Office of National Mission [ONM].” 
In addition, Bylaw 3.8.2.1 states that the BNM “shall have over -
sight of the implementation of policies adopted by the board and 
implemented by the Office of National Mission for the coordination 
of and in support of district ministries which support congregations 
and schools.” Finally, the BNM works conjointly with the Board 
for International Mission (BIM) “offering ideas and guidance for 
proposing triennial mission and ministry emphases to the national 
convention” (Bylaw 3.8.2.2). This last aspect is officially addressed 
through a Joint Mission Assessment Committee served by two 
members of the BNM and two members of the BIM. This com-
mittee in turn reports to both mission boards toward finalization of 
overtures to the Synod and other recommendations to the President 
of the Synod.
Increased Fraternal Dialogues with District 
Presidents and Staffs
A major goal which has been realized and to which we are com-
mitted to continuing is increased communication and partnership 
between the BNM and our district presidents and staffs. We had 
the privilege to work with the ONM unit executive, the Rev. Dan 
Galchutt, who with a mighty and joyful servant’s heart epitomizes 
bridge-building and networking between Synod at the national lev-
el and Synod at the district and congregational levels. The BNM 
has shared this commitment to work more closely with our districts 
and has been proactive in meeting with our district presidents and 
staffs for living out our walking together.
A Record Number of Submitted Overtures to 
Proclaim Christ Is Risen Indeed
The current BNM has never been as driven to offer overtures 
that will make a positive impact for providing the best resources we 
possibly can to our districts and congregations as we celebrate the