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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 107

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
working to identify and develop leaders, partner in clarity
and coaching, and assist in mission expansion.

C. Notable Executive Staff Support
•

Rev. Paul Ferguson has shown expertise in mission leadership, offering an upgraded mission granting system and
quality professional coaching. He also facilitates congregational clarity work.

•

Mr. Joel Wahlers, our education executive, took the lead in
developing our first All Workers’ Conference in recent history; he facilitates the accreditation of our schools and has
become our governance guru.

•

Ms. Denise Lo, operations executive, has consistently assured high fiscal accountability and displays an increasing
adaptability as more properties come into the temporary or
permanent ownership of the district.

•

Rev. Allen Steinbeck provides valuable support and leadership in Transitional Interim Ministry and his special assignments.

•

Mr. Matt Molinari, a long-term commissioned worker of the
district, has functioned with high relational skills enhancing
the LCEF district vice-president role.

Operating under the mission statement of We strengthen God’s
people to serve and bear witness to Christ, the district thanks God
for the ongoing growth of our single high school in Carson City,
Nev., which just completed a major building addition. We thank
God for the continued relief work of our congregations and leaders
as well as the generosity of God’s people as we reach into our community with the love of Christ during times of disaster, the most destructive disaster of this triennium being the devastating fire in the
town of Lahaina on Maui and the loss of many lives. We thank God
for faithful partners like LCMS Disaster Relief, Lutheran Church
Charities, Orphan Grain Train, and LCEF.
We strive by His grace to live into our mission statement: We
strengthen God’s people to serve and bear witness to Christ.
Michael R. Lange, President
R23

Central Illinois District
Christ is risen indeed! The Good News of the crucified and risen Lord echoes through the Central Illinois District (CID)’s 148
congregations, which are spread out among half of the counties in
our state.
This Good News is sorely needed in a “bad news” world. On
Jan. 28, 2026, CID President Michael Mohr was arrested by federal
law enforcement on charges related to child pornography. The present report is being written shortly thereafter. We pray God’s hand
of justice and mercy will prevail for all affected by this situation
and for the whole church. We ask the Lord for His continued grace
and wisdom.
In view of the president’s incapacity, on Feb. 2, 2026, the CID
board of directors designated the undersigned as acting president,
to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the presidency. I welcome the prayers not only of the district but also of the larger Synod.
The previous year, 2025, had already been a time of chang-

107

es in CID’s staff. The Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb moved to modified
(part-time) service for the district on Sept. 1, continuing to work
in evangelism. Taking up his former activities in missions is new
staff member Rev. Patrick Gumz, M.B.A., who doubles as the CID
office’s business manager. Stewardship responsibilities have been
assumed by the district’s campus pastor at Illinois State University,
the Rev. William Jensen. Also, Rev. Charles Olander retired from
his position as planned giving counselor at the end of 2025.
Mr. Trip Rodgers continues as assistant to the president for Congregational Life and Education. Mr. Hugh Shown serves as office
bookkeeper, as well as in a variety of other ways. Mrs. Amy Holmes
works on a deployed basis in district communications. They have
provided continuity in our work, along with Mrs. Christine Anderson and Mrs. Susan Short, the staff of the Central Illinois District
Church Extension Fund.
CID has also been served by capable volunteer coordinators in
several areas: the Rev. Rodney Blomquist in Prison Ministry, Mr.
David Ward in Life Ministry, and until recently Mr. Stephen Born
and Dr. Cynthia Steinwedel in Disaster Response (LERT). We appreciate their valuable contributions.
In consultation with Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, CID
developed a set of “Witnessing Helps” to assist congregations in
teaching the four witnessing skills specified in the Synod’s 2023
Res. 1-01A, “To Stimulate Training for Witness”: (1) beginning
an evangelistic conversation, (2) listening discerningly to unchurched people, (3) making a simple statement of the Gospel,
and (4) defending the resurrection. These Witnessing Helps and
associated materials may be found online at cidlcms.org/outreachwitness-ministry.html.
Since 2022, CID has cooperated with the Southern Illinois
District and, specifically, one of its northernmost congregations
(Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Farmersville) in offering a
Small Church Summit. It meets twice a year, winter and summer,
in various locations in the two districts, offering an opportunity for
edification, learning, networking, and mutual encouragement. On
two occasions its keynote speaker was from the Synod’s Office of
National Mission (ONM). This is one way of carrying out 2023
Res. 1-02A, “To Aid Small Congregations and Multi-Congregation
Pastors and Parishes.”
The CID board of directors has not yet established a wellness
plan for workers and their families, per 2023 Res. 1-06A. However,
the district was the first to cooperate with Concordia Plan Services,
which has made monetary grants available to districts to enhance
church worker wellness. As a result, information on the Vitality
program is soon to be released within CID, and one person in the
district is on the way to certification as a mental health first aid
trainer.
CID is honored to have been involved by ONM in field-testing “Beyond the Classroom.” This is an adaptation of the existing
re:Vitality “Connect to Disciple” module specifically designed for
congregations that have Lutheran schools—elementary, secondary,
or preschool. It helps the congregations reach out to unchurched
family members of school pupils. We will be thrilled to see it upon
its general release.
Training for Lutheran school administrators, entry-level and ongoing, has been a priority. CID continues to offer increased administrative leadership opportunities through Future Lutheran Administrators Mentoring and Education (FLAME). Since 2023, it has
2026 Convention Workbook