Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 138

LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 138

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

138

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

fice of International Mission as they are investigating international
mission work.
Res. 2-07A: District and district congregations actively support
and participate in the Lutheran Synod of Mexico FORO, advocating for and contributing to key projects.
Res. 3-01: Actively encouraged congregational involvement in
life ministry through resources and training opportunities to equip
them to proclaim and promote a culture of life in their communities.
Res. 4-02: Making Disciples for Life emphases continue to be
implemented and publicized throughout the district.
Res. 4-03: Mission priorities continue to be emphasized and implemented in the district.
Res. 4-04: Promoted the use of Himnario Luterano among
Spanish-language congregations and missions, providing resources
and encouragement for its implementation in worship and congregational life.
Res. 5-08A: The district president worked with local pastors,
congregations, and circuit visitors to affirm and encourage in-person Communion.
Res. 5-09: Engaged in conversation and study on guidance on
admission to the Lord’s Supper with circuit visitors who then share
with their circuits.
Res. 6-01: Encouraged congregation support and participation
in Set Apart to Serve.
Res. 6-02A: Provided more than $350,000 annually in financial aid to support students from Texas in pastoral formation at our
seminaries. Hosted annual barbecue at both seminaries to encourage residential students from Texas. Directed and supported 25 men
into the traditional residential pastoral routes at our beloved seminaries. Disbursed more than $1 million in financial aid to support
men and women pursuing ministry training.
Res. 6-04: Affirms the proper and full service of laity in the
Church while upholding the distinctive nature of the pastoral office. Established lead trainers in district areas to provide training in
outreach and encourage evangelism to the unchurched. Spent more
than $700,000 in support of evangelist development.
Res. 6-06A: Maintained a vibrant participation in Post-seminary Applied Learning and Support and encouraged use of Preach
the Word at the local circuit level.
Res. 6-07A: Provided circuit visitor training according to the
Circuit Visitors’ Manual and provided material at circuit visitors’
meetings for use at circuit gatherings.
Res. 6-09: Supports the annual gathering of pastors’ wives
through resources, including financial support, to enable them to
enjoy a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Special recognition is
given to these women for their vital role in pastors’ lives at the
district convention.
Res. 7-03: With respect to Concordia University Texas, implemented ongoing discussions, visits, exhortation, and appropriate
ecclesiastical discipline.
Res. 7-06B: Encouraged Concordia University System colleges
and universities to attend district conventions and conferences, fostering collaboration and partnership, and to increase awareness of
educational opportunities.
Res. 9-08A: Continues to maximize nonvoting advisory participation at conventions with recruitment and funding.
2026 Convention Workbook

Res. 12-04A: Provided support to Lutheran schools in Texas
through faculty development, training, encouragement, and assistance with establishing new schools.
We thank God for all the church workers in the district who
daily proclaim the Gospel and serve Christ’s people. Since the 2023
Synod convention, the Texas District has experienced transitions
and powerful expressions of Christ’s love among us. At our 2025
district convention, we bid farewell to Rev. Michael Newman, who
retired after faithful service as district president. When the tragic
July 4th flood of 2025 devastated communities in Central Texas,
the Body of Christ responded with generosity, raising more than
$1 million to support those affected by this natural disaster. We are
grateful for our Texas District Church Extension Fund, which disbursed $42 million in loans to assist 39 churches in their kingdom
work. Because Christ is risen indeed, we rejoice in the countless
lives touched by His grace in our congregations and schools. May
He continue to strengthen us for the work ahead as we proclaim the
Good News of the risen Savior to all.
Jon M. Braunersreuther, President
R55

Wyoming District
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death
he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is,
the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were
subject to lifelong slavery.” (Heb. 2:14–15)
In this great passage on the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus
performs two works: the destruction of the devil with all his works
and ways, and our liberation from the fear of death. The devil is our
enemy, but he is destroyed, together with the power of death. Our
fear of death enslaved us, but we have been delivered from that fear.
Christ is risen! We live in the victory of Christ’s resurrection as the
free children of God.
The Wyoming District is composed of 60 congregations in
Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle and 1 congregation in Colorado. These congregations are organized into 44 parishes and 6
visitation circuits. Each congregation was formally visited in the
past triennium.
With thanksgiving to God, I report that the Word of God and
the administration of the Holy Sacraments has been preserved in
all our congregations in truth and purity. Furthermore, despite the
challenges of our aging and shrinking demographics in many places, our congregations continue to thrive. No district congregation
has closed in more than a decade.
The district places a high priority on Christian education and
formation. District congregations have five classical Lutheran elementary (K–8) schools, two of which also include high school. The
district offers an annual classical homeschool conference to support
and encourage the homeschooling members of our congregations.
The two district congregations in Casper, Wyo., have coordinated with congregations, pastors, and laymen across the Synod to establish and support Luther Classical College in Casper. The college
opened in the fall semester of 2025 with 38 students. The district in
convention has asked the district president to exercise ecclesiastical
supervision over the college and has asked the Synod in convention
to create a pathway to ecclesiastical recognition by the Synod.