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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 idolatry in our country through Lutheran resources in Christian apologetics; 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 policymaking 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 everyone 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 managing directors working with him, including Deaconess Dr. Tiffany 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 assignments. 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 Establish 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 Assessment 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, Concordia 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 Lutheran 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 previously 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 support congregations and schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [n]).” Furthermore, under the President of the Synod, “the board shall assist in identifying 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 committee 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 committed 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 level 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