LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 129

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SYNOD REPORTS
focused efforts were made to reach new ethnic immigrant populations.
A Sudanese congregation was accepted into membership. New ethnic
mission ministries were begun to reach Ethiopian, Hmong, Liberian,
Hispanic, Swahili, Chinese, and Sudanese people. Annual mission
summits have been sponsored to challenge attendees to engage in
missional thinking in their congregational and personal lives. Campus
ministry programs are provided at Minnesota State University in
Mankato and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Two well-attended theological convocations were held during
the triennium, one focusing on the theology and practice of Holy
Communion and the other looking at “Worship—Uniformity or
Diversity.” Additional convocations are being planned for the next
triennium, the first of which will study the issue of the service of
women in the church.
The district completed and implemented a circuit and regional
realignment process designed to provide a more equal representation of communicants and congregations within the district, and to
avoid the need for special exception requests for representation at
Synod conventions.
Christian education remains a priority for congregations of the
district. While eleven schools and daycare centers closed during the
triennium, eight new schools and preschools were begun during the
same time.
The Minnesota South District is committed to developing missional leaders in its congregations and schools. It seeks to be a unified
network of people and congregations actively engaged in the mission
of Jesus Christ. As part of its commitment to the Ablaze! movement,
the district is working towards its goals of making 300,000 new disciples, beginning 50 new mission congregations, revitalizing 50
congregations, and establishing 250 new congregational ministries
by 2017. To help support these goals, the district’s “It’s Time to Fish”
campaign has raised nearly $300,000 from congregations and individuals, funds currently dedicated to supporting ethnic ministries
within the district. In an attempt to raise awareness of these outreach efforts, the district has sponsored five annual “Taste of Ethnic
Mission” events.
A devastating flood afflicted the southeastern part of the district
in August 2007. Congregations of the district, as well as other entities, responded to the needs of people and congregations in a generous
way. A generous outpouring of funds and volunteer hours enabled
many people to return to their homes and a number of district congregations to continue their ministry despite the physical damage
from the flood. To God be the glory for these and many other outpourings of love to assist people in trouble. The Lutheran Counseling
Center is supported by the district to provide counseling services to
troubled people.
Opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ abound both
within and outside the Minnesota South District. The district continues to work to meet the challenges God has laid before us, for the
glory of His name.
Lane Seitz, District President
R7-02-15

Missouri District
“Faith Aflame: Communicating the Gospel” was the theme for
our 2009 Missouri District convention and serves as the theme for
the current triennium. By God’s grace and mercy, it is the goal of this
district to communicate the Gospel throughout the state of Missouri

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and to the ends of the world, knowing that it “is the power of God for
salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16 ESV).
President Mirly’s report to the seventeenth convention of the
Missouri District emphasized the many mission initiatives that began
during the just-completed triennium and encouraged congregations,
full-time workers, and lay leaders to be prayerful, intentional, and
deliberate in carrying out the Great Commission of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
Synod President Gerald Kieschnick, through a video report, shared
with the delegates highlights of LCMS mission efforts and his passion and vision for the future. He emphasized the importance of the
recommendations by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure
and Governance (BRTFSSG) and answered questions that were submitted by convention delegates.
LCMS World Mission missionary Patrick O’Neal, serving in
South Korea, presented exciting news about the expansion of his
mission efforts into North Korea. Res. 1-01 was then presented and
adopted by the delegates, committing the Missouri District to partner
with LCMS World Mission’s efforts to begin mission work in North
Korea. Res. 1-02 was also adopted, urging congregations and groups
of congregations to consider starting new missions.
The delegates also passed Res. 2-01, requesting that the Synod’s
2010 convention direct the CTCR to “review critically all the recommendations in its 1994 report and their basis in its 1985 Women in
the Church document in light of the seminaries’ input and scholarly
studies concerning relevant biblical passages (many aided by ancient
literature databases) that have appeared since 1985.” Also adopted
was a resolution asking that the Synod’s convention direct the CTCR
to “restudy guidelines for participation in civic events.”
The convention gave special recognition to Mr. Roger Mailand for
his long and faithful service and leadership as executive for Family
Life and Youth Ministry.
Missouri District circuits were realigned by the delegates to be
in conformity with the Synod’s Bylaws. The number of circuits was
reduced from 29 to 28.
Rev. Jon Braunersreuther of the LCMS President’s Office represented the BRTFSSG, giving a prepared presentation to the delegates
that explained the task force’s proposed structure changes. Many
questions were asked and suggestions made.
Rev. Dr. Ray G. Mirly was elected to serve a second term as
Missouri District President; Rev. Alan Wollenburg was elected First
Vice-President; Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb was elected Second VicePresident; Rev. Dr. Ron Rall was elected Third Vice-President and
Rev. William Marler was elected Fourth Vice- President.
The state of Missouri continues to be a destination point for many
ethnic groups newly arriving in the United States. Active ministries
are reaching immigrants from China, Bosnia, India, various countries from the continent of Africa, and other parts of the world. The
Hispanic population continues to grow rapidly.
Great emphasis has been given by the district board of directors
and staff to rural and small-town ministry and urban ministry.
Mission Advisory Groups, associations of mission-minded congregations, continue to develop new missions and ministries to reach
out with the Gospel.
Mr. Peter Krege joined the district staff as Director of Financial
Planning and Control, replacing Mr. Michael Earickson upon his
retirement.
Statistically, the district numbers 302 congregations, with 135,000
baptized souls served by 293 parish pastors. There are also 58 elementary schools (9,800 enrolled), 52 early childhood centers not affiliated
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