# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S29 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS Fiscal Year 29 R1.2.5 CSL CTSFW Total FY19 1,879,470 1,693,286 3,572,756 Communications FY20 1,903,588 1,971,314 3,874,902 FY21 1,716,077 1,767,011 3,483,088 FY22 2,875,224 2,726,593 5,601,817 LCMS Communications exists to tell the stories of the church body across an array of media, both print and digital, and to assist the Office of National Mission, the Office of International Mission, the Office of Pastoral Education, and Mission Advancement to achieve their goals as we work collaboratively to fulfill their communication and resource production needs. One of the major “stories” we tell every three years comes in the form of our comprehensive coverage of the Synod convention, including the leadup to the convention, the event itself, and what follows. James A. Baneck, Executive Director R1.2.4 Mission Advancement Mission Advancement (including Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa) serves those who—moved by the Holy Spirit—voluntarily contribute time, talent, and financial resources (entrusted to them by God) to support the mission and work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as well as those open to making their first contribution. The desired outcome is a solid, diverse, joyful source of voluntarily given charitable revenues working to proclaim the Gospel. The unit’s goal is to carry out its assigned duties in complete accord with God’s Word. Mission Advancement is a distinct programmatic (direct services) unit under the supervision of the Synod’s Chief Mission Officer, per Synod Bylaw 3.4.3.6. All giving in support of the church body is voluntary, as God’s people respond in a visible way to the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone. During the period between the 2019 convention and the writing of this report, our Lord’s disciples voluntarily contributed (whether as an individual, a family, a group, or a congregation) $203,589,406.84 to support the international and national mission and mercy work (including disaster response) of LCMS-called or appointed missionaries, pastoral education, Worldwide KFUO, and a number of special focus projects through gifts to and through the Synod’s corporate office, excluding donations for the Concordia University System, LCMS National Housing Support Corporation, and the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Fifty-three percent of this gracious, voluntary outpouring of blessings came from 51,708 households. The other 47 percent came from 5,571 organizations, mainly LCMS member congregations and the 35 districts. Details regarding the intended use of contributions can be found in the LCMS annual reports, which are publicly accessible at lcms.org/giving/transparency. Other information relating to Advancement and voluntary contributions is available on the same website. Mission Advancement gives thanks to God for every single person whose voluntary choice makes this type of report possible. The Advancement unit’s professional and technical staff, including those at Mission Central, are honored to serve God’s children, who voluntarily respond to the Gospel and work to fulfill Synod policy, state and federal regulatory requirements, and ethical obligations on behalf of those who give and for the owners of the Synod. Advancement staff members are available to address the questions of laity and professional church workers about the Synod’s work and to give presentations about the mission and mercy efforts of the Synod that embody the best her congregations and their members can offer in the name of Jesus. For more information, please contact Mission Advancement at 888-830-4438 or mission.advancement@lcms.org. Mark D. Hofman, Executive Director A. Work Mandated by 2019 Convention Resolution 4-07, “To Commend Actions to Synod Boards and Offices to Revitalize Synod’s Recognized Service Organization Program”: Work with the Office of National Mission (ONM) to develop a communication plan for use during the six months after convention. LCMS Communications worked with ONM to develop and implement a communication plan. This plan was immediately enacted as appropriate and continues to find new outlets and aspects of implementation. Res. 11-01A, “To Give Guidance and Encourage Action on Beginning-of-Life Issues”: Post “The Child as a Gift of God” paper. The paper is now available at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/ctcr -paper-the-child-as-a-gift-of-god/. Omnibus Res. A, Ov. 4-28, “To Improve the Clarity of Written Communication.” LCMS Communications regularly reviews its style guides, editorial processes, and overall presentation of materials. Clarity of communication continues to exist as an ideal and goal for all communications projects. B. Future Plans B.1. Multi-Platform Approach to All Publications Print remains an important and necessary format for Synod publications. Yet due to both the rising costs of paper and postage and the rising availability and desirability of other media, LCMS Communications continues to explore avenues to make content available to a varied audience, understanding preferred consumption patterns of media by new and changing generations. B.2. Social Media Advancement Social media continues to change and grow. New platforms and adaptations of established ones require constant evaluation of strategy and content creation. Important to this decision-making process and strategy are the mores and appropriateness of each medium for the church body’s presence therein and the communication of the Gospel. Though the media and platforms continue to change, our goals remain consistent with those previously stated: • Employ new outlets where people gather online. • Increase our use of social media analytics to inform content creation and posting. • Redouble our efforts to help our congregations and ministries use these tools well and consistently according to our confession of faith. 2023 Convention Workbook