Different church bodies structure their governance in different ways. In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), our model of working together begins at the ground level: with our pastors, congregations and congregational members. The LCMS does not have a pope or CEO setting the course and running things from above; instead, our congregations direct the work that the LCMS carries out. The course is set when the Synod comes together in convention every three years and votes on resolutions that congregations, districts or other LCMS institutions have proposed.
The decisions of the Synod in convention provide the marching orders for those who work at the Synod’s central office, the LCMS International Center (IC) in St. Louis. Despite the name, both national and international work comes out of the IC.
The November issue of The Lutheran Witness provides an update on how the various offices at the IC are accomplishing the tasks set before them by the Synod, in partnership with the Synod’s congregations and districts, with international missionaries around the world, and with so many others.
Pick up this issue to read updates on all this work: how LCMS International Mission is spreading the Gospel, planting Lutheran churches and showing mercy in the Eurasia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean regions; how LCMS National Mission is helping congregations and districts as they plant and sustain Lutheran churches, show mercy, care for church and neighbor, and collaborate with one another; how LCMS Pastoral Education is working to create a culture of church worker recruitment and care across the Synod; and much more.
In an article about the Synod’s abundant work, the Rev. Kevin Robson, LCMS chief mission officer, writes: “Even as we carry out all these initiatives (and many more) under the cross — in all weakness and humility, pointing to Christ alone — we joyfully give thanks for the new and abundant opportunities that God is placing before the Synod and her members.”
Pick up your copy of the November 2024 issue of The Lutheran Witness from Concordia Publishing House. Learn more at witness.lcms.org.
Posted Nov. 1, 2024
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