LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 117

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OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
of LCEF assisted congregations and workers. New staffing arrangements are being implemented in 2016 to improve the resourcing of
congregations. The staff remains faithful to our mission statement:
“To effectively resource leaders, congregations and schools for transforming lives and making the Great Commission REAL.”
The district is also blessed by the presence of Concordia University
Irvine, which provides workshops, seminars, and personnel to support the mission efforts of congregations. The Great Commission
Summit at Concordia and Best Practices in Phoenix are two outstanding learning experiences during the year. Revitalization, replants, and
new starts are a high priority going into 2016.
Encouragement and needed congregational services as well as
counseling and support for struggling congregations:
The district employs a counselor for professional church workers
as well as utilizing the resources of Grace Place, Shepherd’s Canyon,
and Doxology for struggling workers. Individual staff support as well
as a Legacy Task Force are now in place to assist the congregations
that are struggling with survival. LINC LA has been working in the
urban areas, especially Los Angeles, to replant ministries.
Adapt to new circumstances and meet changing needs related to
mission and ministry of the church:
Change is happening so fast––this is an ongoing challenge for
the board of directors and staff. We seek to address the needs of a
post-church world in a multicultural and dynamic region of the country. Worshiping communities are challenged as the worship habits of
“faithful members” are changing. Even the most active members worship less often as they are pulled by culture. We will never catch up,
and we will never stop trying to be faithful to the Gospel and to our
Lord’s mission. We will continue to look for new ways to communicate the never changing Gospel.
Meet financial responsibilities and obligations, and receive sufficient financial resources from its membership to support mission
and ministry in the district and assist the mission and ministry of the
Synod:
In the past triennium, the faithful support of our congregations
and the diligent and wise work of the board of directors have enabled
the district to be debt-free and financially sound. Support from congregations has been consistent through the past three years as some
congregations are growing and others declining. Congregations are
doing more to provide direct support for mission activities in the district, the Synod, and beyond.
A size and configuration to be effective, efficient, and capable of
serving constituency:
A survey of district pastors in 2014 indicated overall support from
the pastors and an appreciation for the work of the district. Those
areas where increased support is desired is in youth ministry, mercy
ministries, conflict resolution, and support of circuit fellowship. The
pastors recognized strong support for our schools and assistance in
the call process. The survey highlights for the board of directors the
need for additional staff in the area of mission support, and that need
has been addressed in 2016. The strength of a large district is evident
throughout the Pacific Southwest District.
Provide adequate assistance and support to allow the district president to carry out the obligations of the office of district president as
set forth in the Bylaws:
While the district would always benefit from more staff, our
district president is well supported by the board of directors and praesidium. The district is strong and challenged by the post-churched
culture. Ministry is exciting in the Pacific Southwest District.
Upon This Rock, Repent, Confess, Rejoice

During the past three years, the Pacific Southwest District has
continued to do ministry in a rapidly changing multicultural part of

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our nation. Staff reductions during the recession have continued to
impact our effectiveness to support of congregations and schools. In
2014, the economic decline stabilized, and the district is now strong
and financially solid.
The economy has greatly affected our schools as tuition-based
education is harder to support. Most preschools continue to be strong;
however, several of the elementary schools have closed. At the same
time, strong schools remain strong and are blessed with admission
counselors who support the recruitment of new students. Schools in
Arizona have been blessed by state income tax deductions that provide scholarships for many of the students. One high school also
closed in the past three years. School ministry continues to be a very
important part of who we are in the Pacific Southwest District.
Over 80 congregations now have worship in a language other than
English, and our outreach across cultures and languages continues to
grow. The greatest need for expansion across cultures is workers who
are bilingual and can communicate to first- and second-generation
immigrant families. In 2015, the Hispanic population in California
grew more through birth than immigration, indicating the need for
workers who understand the culture and may or may not speak the
language.
Immigration from the Global South and Asia continues to heavily
impact the Pacific Southwest. Korean pastors continue to serve predominantly first-generation immigrants, while Chinese ministry is
working with both first- and second-generation immigrants. African
immigrants are also working bilingually. A continued growth in international students impacts our churches and schools from elementary
through high school.
Moving into 2016, a new district staff person is being sought to
focus on new ministry starts in support of those congregations who
seek to expand the mission in their current location or through satellites and house churches.
The Pacific Southwest District remains committed to being a faithful witness of the Gospel in a post-churched culture. Ever-changing
ministries seek to be faithful to an unchanging message of God’s love
in Christ for all people.
Larry Stoterau, President
R45

Rocky Mountain District
The Rocky Mountain District (RMD) includes the states of
Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, with parishes also in El Paso,
Texas; Paige, Arizona; and Venango and Big Springs, Nebraska.
The Rocky Mountain District—with its 181 congregations and 65
early childhood centers, schools, and high schools—is privileged to
be the Lord’s mouth, hands, and feet to broadcast His saving Word
far and wide. Additionally, the district’s congregations are blessed
to have Lutheran Valley Retreat within our boundaries. This ministry, located in beautiful central Colorado, hosts camps and retreats
for schools, confirmation programs, families, and congregations, in
addition to a full program of summer camps for all ages.
School ministries continue to adjust, refine, and evolve as they’re
pressured and responsive to changing models, shifting demographics,
and new opportunities. Curriculum, instructional design, and modes
of delivery have all changed dramatically in response to the needs of
the 21st-century learner. Yet, in the midst of change our core purpose
remains rooted in the mission of the church: discipleship and evangelism. Fundamentally, Lutheran schools play critical roles in assisting
congregations and families in raising God-fearing children.
Directors of family ministry, children’s ministry, and youth ministry bless many congregations and communities throughout the district.
Their specialized gifts and intentional efforts shape the church of
2016 Convention Workbook