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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 133

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
congregation would see itself as a mission-planting congregation.
The district’s commitment to being a “district without borders”
is especially evident in its support of mission work in India. Despite persecution and hardship, the Gospel continues to bear fruit
in the northern part of the country. Congregations throughout the
district participate directly through prayer and designated gifts
supporting church construction and leadership development in
these emerging mission fields.

Care for Church Workers
Recognizing the growing demands placed upon pastors, teachers, and church workers, the district is prioritizing worker wellness.
Healthy church workers are essential for healthy congregations.
The district has engaged additional staff in an effort to support systems for pastors and church workers, encourage the use of Synod
resources, and promote practices that sustain long-term ministry. Investment in worker care is both pastoral and strategic, strengthening
congregational life and Gospel proclamation.
For over 50 years, the district has operated largely through volunteer leadership, with administrative costs underwritten primarily
by local congregations. In this season of expanding mission and
increasing responsibility, the district continues to evaluate its governance and staffing structures to ensure faithful stewardship, effective administration, and sustainable growth. Plans are underway to
explore a capital campaign to support ongoing mission expansion
and infrastructure needs.
While mindful of demographic and cultural challenges, the district stands confident in the Lord, who sends His Church. Anchored
in Holy Scripture, united in confession, and empowered by the Holy
Spirit, we press forward in our calling to be a light to the nations.
Trusting the promise of Acts 13:47, we move ahead together—
bringing the saving light of Christ to the ends of the earth until He
comes again in glory.
Waldemar R. Vinovskis, President
R49

South Dakota District
The 2026 Synod convention theme, Christ Is Risen, Indeed, is
a powerful promise of hope couched in the reality that death, the
devil, and sin are defeated by God’s own Son, our Savior. This reality guides our congregations forward in a sure and certain hope,
which results in love of God and service to those around us.

A. Hope, to Support Immigrant, Native, Deaf,
and School Ministry
Our congregations continue to support many ethnic ministries.
Pastors trained through the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology preach primarily in English, but they also use Swahili, Luba-kasi, French Amharic, Oromo, and Kunama. Native American
ministry remains active on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations. Deaf ministry is offered through a Sioux Falls congregation,
and the pastor travels to give the gifts of Christ to those in other
communities.
The district has 18 preschools, 5 elementary schools, and 1
high school. Sioux Falls Lutheran School is our most comprehensive school, nurturing faith in students from infants to twelfth
graders in the sure and certain hope that Christ is risen, indeed!

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Trusting in God’s provision, the district is placing a strong emphasis on starting micro-schools.

B. Hope, to Support Others in the Kingdom
God’s people, living in resurrection hope, are generous with
their gifts to further the kingdom of God. The district in convention chose three LCMS missionaries to support with Together In
Mission funds. Last year, funds received were over double what
was pledged! God’s people generously share His gifts and offerings
to help support our seminary students and church work students at
our Concordias.
Out of the generosity of God’s people, grants are given to
church workers to help reduce their educational debt. The district
president has a modest fund for Mercy Grants. The fund is grown
through a sure and certain hope that results in God’s people being
very generous with what God has blessed them with. Mercy Grants
are given when a worker has unexpected financial challenges. We
are developing a FORO with Spain and Romania to further the resurrection hope given for all people.

C. Hope, to Be Healthier
Healthy Church Workers, Healthy Church Worker Families, and
Healthy Congregations is a strong emphasis in the 105 congregations of the district. It is imperative that the district work to identify
obstacles that result in poor mental and physical health for church
workers and congregations. That begins with district president visitation. Personal conversations with the worker and family often
reveal areas where the district can provide resources for help and
hope. The district’s partnership with Lutheran Family Service of
Iowa has been instrumental in helping church workers, as well as
congregation and community members, work through challenging
issues while being grounded in our identity in Christ and His gifts
to each of us.
Encouraging work-life balance for all our church workers is an
ongoing challenge. Church workers love to serve, sometimes to the
detriment of their family and their health. The district is encouraging congregations to offer sabbatical leave more frequently to
give pastors time to decompress and be refreshed in rest from their
labors. Pastors are encouraged to find a father confessor, attend
DOXOLOGY, and make frequent use of continuing education opportunities. Congregations are strongly encouraged to be generous
with vacation time and to help pastors protect their days off. We are
in the process of developing district chaplains for our pastors. Soul
care for the ones who care for souls is desperately needed to keep
the pastor and his family grounded in the forgiveness of sins and the
encouragement of Christ is risen, indeed.
The district has implemented Small Church Clarity. It is an initiative facilitated by LCEF to help small churches evaluate threats
and obstacles and develop healthy Christ-centered momentum
moving forward.

D. Hope, as God Continues to Lead His
People
President Scott Sailer chose to retire and did not let his name
stand for reelection at the February 2025 District convention. The
Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher was elected district president on the first
ballot. Julie Pike, the district president’s administrative assistant,
also chose to retire. We thank them for all the years of faithful service to our Lord and His redeemed people.
2026 Convention Workbook