# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2007_S49 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNOD REPORTS 49 (8) Global Care Packages provide gift boxes of school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and more to families around the world...to share not only much needed items, but also God’s love. (9) Global Work & Witness short-term mission trips offer volunteer opportunities to churches, schools, and groups associated with the LCMS, including activities such as minor construction, children’s events, and medical clinics in partnership with LHM international ministry centers. (10) MORE Cards are witnessing card kits consisting of a witnessing tips card for believers to use to share Christ effectively and a quantity of witnessing cards that they can give to those who do not yet know Jesus or who are looking to know more about Him. Jack Kidwell, President Greg E. Lewis, Executive Director R2-01 Board for District and Congregational Services I. Introduction The Board for District and Congregational Services exists to en- able vision and outcome development, to prepare and revise poli- cies responsive to both current and anticipated situations, and to initiate action in order to meet the changing needs of districts and congregations (Bylaw 3.8.6). The Board for District and Congregational Services serves with districts in assisting congregations to develop and foster vibrant ministries to bring the saving, life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ to the sinful, dying world. The board shall determine the number and nature of ministry areas necessary to meet expressed district and congregation needs. The board shall develop policies to guide the staff in providing assistance in meeting those needs (Bylaw 3.8.6.2). To guide its important work, the Board for District and Con- gregational Services has adopted the following “Four Statements of Direction”: (1) Proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ; (2) Nurture children, youth, and adults; (3) Develop leaders; and (4) Cultivate stewards. These Four Statements of Direction are cur- rently addressed through six ministry areas, namely: Children’s Ministry, Family Ministry, School Ministry, Stewardship and Con- gregational Life Ministry, and Youth Ministry. During this past triennium, the Board for District and Congre- gational Services reviewed its strategic plan, during the Synod Pres- ident’s initial Strategy Summit in keeping with the “One Mission, One Message, One People” emphasis. In addition, the Board for District and Congregational Services was mindful of the Ablaze! ini- tiative in its work, and especially in grant-related projects. In keeping with its conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of the Church, creating and sustaining saving faith in the hearts of people, and through which we are justified by God’s grace, the board revised its critical targets, as well as its approach to policy-based governance, in order to assure a continued emphasis on the Gospel. At the time of this report, the Board for District and Congregational Services is reviewing and revising its Board Man- ual. In all its work, the board seeks to communicate the theology of the cross, a focus on vocational gifts, and a process of accountabil- ity, so that the saving Gospel of Christ might be proclaimed in all its articles in spirit and in truth. II. Personnel Rev. Jonathan Shaw, chairman; Dr. Patricia Hoffman, vice- chairperson; and Mr. K. Allan Voss, secretary have led the Board during this past triennium. The period following the 2004 Synod convention has been a time of continued adjustments, largely due to changing personnel, financial conditions, and the ever-changing needs of both districts and congregations. During this past triennium, District and Congregational Services experienced several retirements of staff. Rev. Larry Reinhardt, the director of Stewardship, retired; until his replacement is secured, he has agreed to serve in a part-time, deployed status. Likewise, Dr. LeRoy Wilke, the executive director of District and Congrega- tional Services, retired after capably leading the unit for many years. Rev. Jeffery Schubert, formerly the director of Family Min- istry, was officially called by the Board for District and Congrega- tional Services to replace Dr. Wilke as the current executive director. Rev. Schubert accepted the call and was installed as the third executive director since the unit was originally formed. Dr. Perry Bresemann was added to the staff, in a deployed capacity, serving school ministry, as one of its associate directors, specializ- ing in technology and the continued development of the Lutheran School Portal. As the executive staff has experienced changes, the secretarial support staff has also changed to accommodate these personnel transitions. At the time of this report, the Board for District and Congrega- tional Services has authorized the calling of a new, full-time direc- tor of Stewardship and Congregational Life, as well as an associate director to assist with this work. This action is in keeping with the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Funding the Mission’s recommenda- tions toward a synodwide “Stewardship Renaissance.” III. Some Significant Transitions ¢ Family Ministry was combined with Children’s Ministry, under the leadership of Dr. Judy Christian, director, and Mrs. Lori Aad- sen, associate director. * Outreach (Evangelism) was moved to the Board for Mission Ser- vices, under the leadership of Rev. Scott Snow. ¢ An operational audit of District and Congregational Services has been conducted, which examined structure, functioning, and effi- ciency of operations and staff. ¢ District and Congregational Services’ unrestricted budget has continued to decrease during the triennium, with corresponding downsizing of operations and staffing levels. ¢ Resource provision continues to transition from printed docu- ments to electronically transmitted formats. ¢ The Board for District and Congregational Services has autho- rized an all-Synod DCS survey to surface new opportunities for efficient and God-pleasing ministry. ¢ “Congregational Life” has been added as a ministry emphasis to the stewardship position. IV. Some Significant Accomplishments * Called Rev. Jeffery Schubert as executive director, District and Congregational Services. ¢ Sought collaborative partnerships between DCS and LCMS World RelieffHuman Care and LCMS World Missions. * Ministry area directors networked with both seminaries and other Synod entities, raising awareness of DCS ministries and to pursue opportunities for collaboration. ¢ Continued work with district leaders across ministry areas, to sup- port congregational vitality. ¢ Established the Lutheran School Portal, a widely acclaimed, full- service support structure for Lutheran schools and Lutheran edu- cators. ¢ Established the Board for District and Congregational Services Web Forum, to conduct board work in a timely fashion between meetings and to conserve on limited resources. ¢ Commissioned a study by the LCMS Foundation to study the feasibility of development work for DCS. 2007 Convention Workbook