# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S8
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

8

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
••

The Reporter. Our Synod’s only news periodical to
cover LCMS activities nationally and internationally
has been reshaped.

••

Photography and videography. Added a professional
photojournalist and videographer, allowing us to
show the work of the church through compelling
visual imagery that conveys what we confess and
documents how that confession is lived out in the
work we do (photo.lcms.org/index).

••

KFUO AM. Restructured and reorganized Synod’s
radio station and Internet podcast site to offer
confessional Lutheran talk radio and music programming 24/7. “KFUO Radio: Christ for you. Anytime.
Anywhere.” Also brought Issues, Etc. back to KFUO
AM as its flagship program (www.kfuo.org).

Other
••

Synod’s Board of Directors, under the capable chairmanship of Dr. Michael Kumm, has exhibited calm
and theologically sound leadership through a variety
of challenging issues. The Board is calm, unified, and
focused.

••

Publication of 2017 Luther’s Small Catechism with
Explanation, which has sold nearly 90,000 copies thus
far, is helping LCMS pastors and people to respond
faithfully to today’s challenges.

••

We conducted a successful capital campaign and
restoration of the Old Latin School in Wittenberg,
Germany, in time for the 2017 Reformation anniversary. It now provides a confessional Lutheran
embassy and study center in the heart of Europe
(oldlatinschool.org).

••

We increased involvement with our three international schools (Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Hanoi) to
work to strengthen Christian and Lutheran identity
and the presence of the Gospel.

••

We encouraged and assisted in the successful launch
of Lutheran Federal Credit Union (lutheranfcu.org).

••

Concordia Publishing House (celebrating 150 years
in 2019) has produced a plethora of faithful and
theologically rich resources, including The Lutheran
Study Bible in Spanish; a new translation of Walther’s Church and Office; and volumes such as Women
Pastors?, Closed Communion?, and The Christian Difference. The Concordia Commentary series continues
to have worldwide impact.

••

Through the President’s appointment of some 300
theologically sound doctrinal reviewers, these unsung
readers have assisted in maintaining the theological
integrity of thousands of publications throughout
Synod and its various entities.

2019 Convention Workbook

The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations
Please do take time to read the excellent new CTCR reports:
••

An Inexpressible Treasure: The Theology and Practice
of Holy Baptism

••

Confession and Absolution

••

The Royal Priesthood: Identity and Mission

All are vital for the mission of the church! (https://www
.lcms.org/about/leadership/commission-on-theology-and-churchrelations)

A Word about Our Praesidium
I can’t thank God enough for these men, chosen by the
church, who serve as vice-presidents of our Synod.
All the district presidents on the Council of Presidents
(COP) are called upon by the LCMS Bylaws to support the
LCMS President in his duties and to provide council. The President of Synod does the same with the COP. The district presidents are voices for their regions, even as they act in the place of
the Synod President, providing ecclesiastical supervision in their
districts. The Synod Vice-Presidents provide additional specific
assistance to the President of Synod in his duties, as requested.
First Vice-President Herb Mueller is retiring. He’s served on the
COP for 25 years—first as a district president and then as First
Vice-President. His wealth of knowledge is matched only by his
sincerity and selfless service. He has been a godsend. His handling of the colloquy of all the licensed lay deacons to specific
ministry pastors is awe-inspiring. It would be impossible for me
to thank him enough. His wise counsel has been a blessing. His
friendship is a joy unsurpassed. Well done, thou good and faithful servant!
Second Vice-President Scott Murray never ceases to amaze.
To have the services and counsel of a consummate pastor with
an earned PhD, serving a vibrant congregation with members
from 17 different language groups, is an unbelievable blessing.
Third Vice-President Nabil Nour is one of a kind. He grew up
in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth as a Christian Palestinian who
learned to speak Hebrew from his childhood Jewish friends. His
lovely wife brought him into Lutheranism. He never ceases to
bless. His positive demeanor and his constant prayer and encouragement have been a rock of consolation. He’s a tremendous parish pastor.
Fourth Vice-President John Wohlrabe is steadfast. He, too,
has an earned doctorate. His service for decades as a high-ranking Navy chaplain uniquely formed him for service. He’s seen it
all, and he has a passion for helping young people know who
Jesus is. Wohlrabe serves as an associate pastor. He’s an inspiration wrapped in total humility.
Fifth Vice-President Daniel Preus is also retiring. I shall
miss his wisdom and encouragement, and especially his wry,
ready humor. He speaks from a deep font of pastoral knowledge and care, honed over more than 40 years of service. He
does not overshare his thoughts, but when he does, I listen and
am greatly blessed.
Sixth Vice-President Christopher Esget is senior pastor at
Immanuel Lutheran Church—Alexandria, Virginia. His congregation is vibrant in outreach and adult conversions, with