Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 105

LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 105

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
set, good both for the culture and the mission of the
Church.


Challenge: Continuing to grow and streamline
the delivery process of the Champions Network
educational process and to ensure its application to the many needs of our congregations and
schools.



Challenge: Adding a more definitive legal dimension to the resources that we provide with
a church’s partnership with us as a Champion
Church. Presently, we defer to organizations
such as ADF, First Liberty, Liberty Counsel, and
the Becket Fund.

Goals for 2026 and Beyond
1. Membership expansion of web resource, radio program/
podcasts, vlogs, and cadre of 2KG writers in service to the
Church.
2. In D.C., encourage Lutherans on the Hill; expand 2KG
Roundtables, and increase personal connections to representatives and thought leaders on the Hill who align with
our LCRL values.
3. Expand Card Initiative, Champions Advocate Email, and
personal advocacy.
4. Become the go-to public resource on the Hill for two-kingdom perspectives on the issues of the day; assemble an
LCMS two-kingdom collection that reflects successful
voices like The Federalist, Daily Wire, etc.
5. Develop a maturing Champions for Liberty Network in
service to the LCMS, acknowledged and supported by the
various districts of the LCMS—20 new congregations.
o

The educational aspects of the network have been
totally digitalized under the leadership of Rev. Mark
Frith, who is also tasked to grow the network systematically through events around the country. Champions for Liberty events around the country train the laity for two-kingdom cultural engagement concerning
liberty, life, marriage, and education, all in service to
the Church’s mission.
The LCRL is also expanding our LCRLFreedom.org
web resource, utilizing social media more effectively.

6. LCRL staff-led development growth of financial partners
(25 core donors, 10,000+ active regular donors).
7. While God continues to bless us with the support that we
need, more effectively meeting the growing opportunities
and challenges will require growing staff and support. In
order to do the latter, the LCRL is now partnering with
Meyer Partners to unlock the potential of our churches and
people toward the efforts that the LCRL is making on behalf of us all.
Gregory P. Seltz, Executive Director
R21

Atlantic District
The Atlantic District’s geographical area encompasses the
eastern half of the “Empire State,” New York. Over 20 million

105

people reside in this district that is composed of the vast rural areas
in its northern and eastern regions; the sprawling suburban areas
throughout its northern, central, and eastern regions; and the bustling metropolitan areas of Albany (in its northern region) and the
city of New York (in its central region). The district has an unparalleled cultural diversity and population density, replete with exciting
mission opportunities. The Atlantic District’s congregations, workers, and agencies share God’s grace in Christ Jesus by nurturing
Christians and reaching out to others (district mission statement)
as it is Making Disciples for Life (Synod mission emphasis) by Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope (district mission emphasis). Communication, education, and celebration have been “resurrection hallmarks” for this triennium as the saints are abounding
in hope that is encapsulated in the refrain “Christ is risen, indeed.”

A. Communication
Communicating the confessional commitment of children of
the Augustana continues in earnest through the district memorandum, through which Scripture, Confessions, a theological meditation, and Synod, district, and other announcements are shared. This
underscores the confessional commitment of children of the Augustana who affirm Making Disciples for Life (district convention
resolution [R]4-02) and the Synod’s mission priorities (2019 Res.
4-03). “Christ is risen, indeed!” resounds as visitation, support, and
resourcing continues for congregations, workers, and agencies.
The Atlantic District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
(LWML) continued to be active and growing during this triennium,
communicating Atrévete en Cristo, “Dare in Christ,” as new local
groups were started in the district during this triennium. Simultaneously communicating mission goals and district goals has underscored a delightful relationship with this auxiliary. LWML Atlantic
District women have been advocates for Engaging the World with
the Gospel of Hope as they have been reassessing, reimagining, and
re-engaging people in neighborhoods and communities while supporting professional church workers in their vocations. Their cards
and gifts for pastors have been welcomed reminders of how they
join Saint Mary of Magdala in exclaiming, “Christ is risen, indeed.”

B. Education
The annual Festival of Workshops has attracted hundreds of laypeople, commissioned servants, and pastors with the themes Making Disciples for Life and In This Hope, We Were Saved. Learning
opportunities range from scriptural and doctrinal studies, prayer
and worship, mercy and witness, parish governance, and much
more (R1-01A, R1-02A, R1-03A, R1-05A, R1-08A, R3-01, R302A, R3-03A, R3-04A, R5-11, R5-15, R6-03A, R12-05A, R1206). At the scenic campus of SUNY Maritime, people of the district
enjoy reconnecting and encouraging one another during this anticipated and appreciated annual educational tradition.
An emphasis on the care of the wives of pastors (R6-09) has
continued the paschal proclamation as retreats and other gathering
opportunities foster community. Circuit gatherings and convocations also have provided avenues for wives to connect and encourage one another in the mission field. Pastors’ conferences grounded
in the resurrection proclamation “Christ is risen” facilitated discussions about worship and evangelism in global contexts (R2-02A,
R2-05, R2-07A, R4-04). Circuit winkels continue to provide opportunities for robust theological discussion and mutual encouragement (R6-07A).
The schools of the Atlantic District have received significant
2026 Convention Workbook