LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 110

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110

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

all with His picture of sharing His love with the world.
Paul A. Linnemann, President
R44

Ohio District
“Gathered and Sent” was the theme of the Ohio District’s 2022
convention. The theme was based on Luke 10:1–12. This theme
was especially pertinent given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ohio District congregations. Yet it also captured challenges for mission and ministry for congregations coming out of
the pandemic.

The Pandemic
A majority of Ohio District congregations ceased in-person worship for three to six months at the height of the pandemic. Around
ten congregations never stopped meeting in person. Some churches
did not meet in person for a year and a half.
During this time, our Lutheran schools provided an invaluable
service to their communities. Public schools ceased to meet in person, using online options for education. All the Lutheran elementary and high schools in Ohio continued to meet in person, some
offering additional online education. This not only provided the
best possible education context for students in Lutheran schools
but provided an option for students in public schools.
A majority of churches reported in 2022 that average in-person
worship attendance was down 10 to 20 percent compared to before
the pandemic. However, some church leaders reported 40 percent
lower attendance. A handful of congregations said worship attendance was higher after the pandemic than before it.

Congregational Challenges
Presidential visits discovered three primary challenges facing
Ohio District congregations. Almost all congregations reported
that they struggled to reach new people, especially young families. A number of times, congregational leaders said they also were
concerned about reaching their own young families who no longer
participated in church life.
The second challenge was engaging members in the life of the
church. A number of times, congregational leaders reported that not
so long ago, members said that regular worship attendance meant
worshiping three weekends a month. Now members say that attending one out of six Sundays is regular attendance. Engaging
members in serving beyond Sundays has also become an issue.
The final challenge was addressing social issues impacting congregations and congregational families. There are a range of issues
that fit under the “woke” banner, ranging from the sanctity of human life to sexual identity to same-sex relationships. On the one
hand, congregations wanted help in understanding these changes in
society. On the other hand, they wanted resources to equip families
grappling with these issues.
These challenges were reflected in congregational statistics during the past four years. Seven Ohio District congregations went
through dissolution, with two merging with other Ohio District
congregations. Meanwhile, the Ohio District accepted one new
congregation into the LCMS.
Another challenge was an increasing number of congregations
that could not afford to support a full-time pastor. In 2012, 34 Ohio
District congregations could afford 50 percent of the district guide2023 Convention Workbook

lines for compensation for a pastor. In 2022, that number increased
to 60 congregations.

Mission Priorities
The mission of the Ohio District is to foster the fulfillment of
the Great Commission in ways that are faithful to the Scriptures
and Lutheran Confessions. As such, the district was already engaged in areas of mission that matched LCMS priorities.
Synod’s first mission priority is to “plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran churches.” The primary strategy for the Ohio District
to accomplish this is forming relationships between congregations.
Due to a culture of congregational autonomy, this presented a challenge at first. The effort is now gaining steam. Churches form relationships through fellowship events, shared mercy ministry, and
engaging in mission work together. While these efforts are beneficial to congregations, they also can lead to congregations partnering to share staff, supporting struggling sister churches, or starting
new congregations.
Progress was also made in the Ohio District toward the second mission priority, “Support and expand theological education.”
The district provided financial grants to district students enrolled in
professional church work degrees at LCMS universities and seminaries. An average of 20 Ohio District students were enrolled in
these programs each year. The district has also taken an active role
in Synod’s church worker recruitment program called Set Apart to
Serve. The district has promoted Set Apart to Serve resources to
congregations and schools, including at the 2022 district convention. One of the Ohio District congregations—Trinity Lutheran
Church in Toledo, Ohio—is participating in a Set Apart to Serve
pilot program.
The Ohio District also supported local partnerships with People
of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO). POBLO sent evangelists to Columbus, Ohio, and Dayton, Ohio. Local churches supported the work of the evangelists, providing volunteers and financial resources. In return, the evangelists connected immigrants in
the community to LCMS congregations. The district also offered
Synod’s Vitality workshops, especially “Every One His Witness.”
The Ohio District also addressed the fifth mission priority, “Promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical
well-being of pastors and professional church workers.” Several
professional church worker conferences sponsored by the district
focused on worker wellness, including partnering with Grace Place
Ministries. The Ohio District was also blessed to have Doxology
retreats readily available for workers. At the same time, the district
staff worked with the district Care Partners, who are available for
all Ohio District church workers and church worker families.
The Ohio District also made progress toward the sixth mission
priority, “Enhance early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and youth ministry.” The Ohio District helped
congregations explore opening new early learning centers. At the
same time, the district increased staffing to support current and future early learning centers. Throughout the pandemic, district staff
held specific Zoom meetings with school administrators, youth,
and family life leaders, offering support through the challenging
times. The district also provided support in the exploration of starting new Lutheran elementary schools.
Going forward, the Ohio District intends to fully engage in
“Making Disciples for Life.” For example, the 2022 district con-