# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S114 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 114 SYNODICAL REPORTS Mission 2000 Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heav- enly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and perform deeds worthy of their repentance. Acts 26:19~20 RSV On the Damascus road St. Paul received a commission or “heavenly vision” to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles. We, the members of the North Wisconsin District, also believe that we have received a commission to make disciples of all nations beginning in our local community. The Lord of the church who has called us and redeemed us by His grace also sends us as once He sent St. Paul to win the lost to Jesus Christ. We received this commission not on some Damascus road but in the Holy Scriptures which are the inspired Word of God and the only source from which we may know the love of God in Christ and the will of God for His church. We believe that this “heavenly vision” which God revealed to us in His Word is summarized in the Great Commission. Based on the Great Commission we envision a District of faithful congrega- tions committed to healthy kingdom growth. We understand a faithful congregation as one that centers its life and work in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that holds fast to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions, that reaches out boldly to win the lost to Jesus Christ, that grows vigorously toward matu- rity as full-committed followers of Christ, that serves compassion- ately to help those in want or need, and that manages its business affairs prudently and efficiently. Based on these convictions and compelled by the love of Christ, we commit ourselves and pledge to one another that we will pray and work to faithfully carry out the commission or “heavenly vi- sion” we have received. We will do this especially by working to accomplish the following goals during the coming triennium within our individual congregations. Goals * Every member of each District congregation will be helped to see himself or herself primarily as a disciple of Jesus Christ and not simply as a member of a church. Every disciple in the congregation will be helped to recognize Jesus Christ also as the Lord and head of the church. The con- gtegation is not merely a human organization to be ordered and operated according to our desires. Every disciple in the congregation will be helped to view the congregation as a mission station in the local community and in the world commissioned by the Lord of the church to win the unchurched to Jesus Christ. ¢ Every disciple in the congregation will be helped to pray earnestly for God to make clear His will for the mission and min- istry of the congregation so that each congregation may be faith- ful to its Lord and fruitful in its service. “Faithful Lord—Faithful Church”—as God grants His grace and the help and guidance of His Holy Spirit, the North Wisconsin District will work together to be faithful to our faithful God by building and maintaining faithful congregations as described above. Arleigh Lutz, President R7-05-22 Northern Illinois District Great Beginnings It all started in Chicago, at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church on April 26, 1847, as our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was founded there, with 12 congregations signing the original charter. First St. Paul Congregation is still alive and well today, and is one of the 242 congregations comprising that portion of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod known as the Northern Illinois District. Serving over 140,000 members, the Northern Illinois District has a wide diversity of cultures, ethnic groups, and economic lev- els. Worship services are offered in no less than five distinct lan- guages every Lord’s Day. Northern Illinois contains the Chicago metropolitan area with its population of over 8 million, its stock markets and vibrant business community, and at the same time in its rural areas boasts some of the most serene and productive farm- land in the Midwest. Great Gifts The Northern I!inois District is blessed with great gifts. We count as blessings: 242 congregations 120+ schools and preschools 6 Lutheran High Schools Concordia University, River Forest 375 pastors 1,100 teachers In the midst of these blessings and this diversity the Northern Illinois District has launched its Mission Statement to guide and direct its activities: The Mission of the Northern Illinois District,of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is to extend and serve, the church of Jesus Christ, by providing support, encouragement, leadership, and resources to its congregations, leaders, and the church-at-large. Seven Critical Targets, or priorities, guide the work of the Dis- trict, its boards, committees, and staff in carrying out the Mission Statement. 1. Developing New Missions and Ministries 2. Encouraging Inter-Congregational Support and Cooperation 3. Developing Leaders 4, Supporting Professional Workers, Congregations, and Schools 5. Maintaining Strategic Ministries 6. Supporting the Work of Synod 7. Providing Special Ministries on Behalf of Congregations New Regional Structure In its 1997 convention the District adopted a reorganized re- gional structure, replacing the former three regions with four. The change will go into effect in the year 2000, enabling the sprawling Chicago metropolitan area to operate as a single entity, recognizing a oneness in mission and ministry while at the same time rejoicing in its cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. In addition the change creates three other regions that are closely tied by geogra- phy to make possible increased support and enrichment of each congregation's ministries. New Congregational Services Staffing The four new regions will be served by Executives for Congre- gational Services, replacing the former “Executives for Program’’ which had served the District in the past. This new staff role places executives “out in the district’’ as * Facilitators for long range and short range parish planning * Consultants for parish program resourcing * Coordinators for area mission development ¢ Administrators of District Special Ministry staffing * Channels of communication to the District New Mission Starts In 1997, new ministries were begun in three different areas of the District. These were the first mission efforts able to be launched by the District in the last four years. It is with great joy that we greet these new outposts of the Gospel and pray God’s continued blessing on them. New District President It is a joy and a privilege for me to follow Dr. Theodore Laesch as President of the District. His love for his Lord and his love for the church remain a great gift to all of us in Northern I]linois that has touched us and blessed us mightily. I pray earnestly for that same spirit for this District, its people and all of its leaders. The Lord of the church has set great challenges before us. We look to the years ahead with great excitement and with great expectations. William H. Ameiss, President