LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 118

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

118

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

During the convention, President Woodford announced the Go
First initiative as the framework that would guide the mission and
ministry of the district for the next triennium. He explained that
history shows that culture-changing movements are often led by
those willing to go first. That, of course, was the foundation of the
New Testament Church. It was made up of those who were willing
to go first. However, they were simply the first to follow the Lord
Jesus Christ, who Himself was always ready to go first. Jesus goes
first. That’s who He is. His was a life and ministry of going first.
He went first from eternity in heaven to time here on earth. He was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, so He could save us.
To rescue sinners, Jesus goes first. The Go First initiative is based
upon the Gospel joy that since Jesus goes first to the cross to win for
us forgiveness, life, and salvation, we can trust Him. And because
we trust Him, He inspires us to go first and inspire others in His
name. The ministries of the district were encouraged throughout
the triennium to Go First around four ministry areas: Life Together,
Soul Care, Collaboration, and Outreach. What follows is the work
of this district initiative outlined by the seven mission priorities of
the Synod.

1. Plant, Sustain, and Revitalize Lutheran
Churches
Guided by the Christ-centered Go First initiative, the district
has intentionally sought to plant, sustain, and revitalize congregations by trusting Jesus, who always goes first, to inspire faithful
action. Even amid cultural transition, declining attendance, and financial strain, the district received three new congregations during
the triennium, including multiethnic and immigrant church plants,
while also supporting an additional Ethiopian mission through the
New Church Incubator Fund. At the same time, the district has soberly addressed the reality of congregation closures, recognizing
both the grief such moments bring and the necessity of proactive
intervention. Through diagnostic tools, early engagement, and encouragement of mergers, partnerships, restarts, and revitalization
efforts, the district continues to stress Gospel-centered collaboration over competition, seeking to bless rather than impress, grow
rather than show, and intervene early so that congregations may
flourish in their God-given mission.

2. Support and Expand Theological Education
The district has prioritized robust theological education rooted in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, recognizing
that faithful doctrine is not opposed to mission but essential to it.
Through theological convocations addressing ecclesiology, worship, the Office of the Ministry, and the Lord’s Supper, pastors were
invited into collegial, fraternal dialogue marked by clarity, charity,
and conviction. These gatherings intentionally distinguished between preferences, convictions, and binding absolutes, fostering
greater unity while allowing appropriate latitude. In a cultural “gray
zone” marked by moral confusion and uncertainty, such theological formation equips pastors, teachers, and other church workers to
speak the Law and Gospel with confidence, maintain a non-anxious
presence, and proclaim Christ boldly for the sake of the lost and
the found.

3. Perform Human Care in Close Proximity to
Word and Sacrament Ministries
Human care within the district has been deliberately grounded in
Christ’s own compassion, expressed through Word and Sacrament.
Soul care remains central to the district’s mission, recognizing that
2026 Convention Workbook

Jesus goes first to heal, forgive, and restore broken sinners. The district president and staff have devoted significant time to caring for
pastors, church workers, congregations, and families experiencing
conflict, crisis, burnout, or moral failure. This care acknowledges
both guilt and shame, offering the forgiveness of sins won by Christ
and delivered through the Means of Grace. Whether through visitation, mediation, counseling, or encouragement, the district continues to emphasize that authentic human care flows from the Gospel
itself and is vital in a world marked by brokenness and inhumanity.

4. Collaborate with LCMS Members and
Partners to Enhance Mission Effectiveness
Collaboration has been intentionally emphasized as a defining characteristic of district life, reflecting the conviction that the
church is called to complete rather than compete with one another.
Through shared resources, networking, and cooperative ministry,
congregations and leaders have worked together to unleash their
collective potential for the sake of God’s kingdom. This collaborative spirit is evident in mission partnerships, multiethnic outreach,
theological convocations, and the strengthening of relationships
with recognized service organizations and Synod partners. By fostering a culture of “trust and inspire” rather than “command and
control,” the district continues to seek creative and faithful ways to
engage together in mission, asking not merely what we can do for
one another but what we can do together for the glory of Christ. As
part of the Go First initiative, a Go First Conference was held in a
Best Practices format that allowed the various ministries of the district an opportunity to share and encourage one another in joyfully
serving together in making disciples of Jesus Christ.

5. Promote and Nurture the Well-Being of
Pastors and Professional Church Workers
Recognizing that pastors and church workers need pastors, the
district has placed strong emphasis on spiritual, emotional, and
vocational well-being. The district president, executive assistants,
and circuit visitors have provided intentional pastoral care through
visits, communication, mediation, and mutual consolation. Worker
wellness initiatives, conflict resolution efforts, and ongoing support
during times of hardship reflect the conviction that healthy servants
are essential for healthy congregations. In an era of increasing
demands, cultural hostility, and workforce shortages, the district
continues to advocate for care that strengthens resilience, guards
against burnout, and sustains church workers in joyful service under Christ. In that spirit, the district wishes to express its thanks
to the many partners that help make this care possible, especially: Concordia Plan Services, Shepherd’s Canyon, DOXOLOGY,
Grace Place, Christian Family Solutions, and many local Christian
counselors.

6. Enhance Early Childhood, Elementary,
Secondary Education, and Youth Ministry
The district remains deeply committed to Lutheran education
as a vital expression of mission and catechesis. Through strong
support of Lutheran early childhood centers, day schools, and high
schools, the district continues to nurture young people in the faith
while serving families and communities. Leadership in education,
in accreditation support, and in encouragement of commissioned
workers has been central to this effort. In response to teacher shortages, the district has supported pathways for public school teachers
to transition into Lutheran education through colloquy programs,