Congregational tool assists Synod’s connection with youth

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Each year, on behalf of the Concordia University System (CUS) and the seminaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), LCMS Rosters, Statistics and Research Services (RSRS) gathers contact information for 7th–12th grade students from each LCMS congregation. This information is used strictly to reach these youth with information about LCMS schools and opportunities for professional church work.

In September, a new online form was released that makes the annual reporting process simpler, more efficient and more secure. The new method vastly reduces processing times, while also eliminating the risk of emailed files being intercepted. Congregations may access the form by logging into lc.lcms.org, the same site they use to update their information for the LCMS Locator and The Lutheran Annual. Additional information and instructions were emailed to each congregation at the beginning of October. Questions may be sent to rosters.stats@lcms.org.

Dr. Bernard Bull, president of Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., highlighted the value of this information for LCMS educational institutions.

“The more detailed and accurate data that we receive about young people in our churches, the better chance we have of building a relationship with prospective students early and increasing the chance of them prayerfully considering a Concordia, as well as one or more church work vocations,” Bull said. “At a time when between 60% and 70% of young people are leaving the church … it has never been more important to urge our young people to consider higher education options … where God’s Word is present and prevalent, and where these young people will find professors and coaches who mentor and guide them.

“This sort of vocational discipleship is vital to keeping the next generation engaged in the life of the church and equipped to be faithful witnesses in their families, churches, communities and workplaces.”

Scott Kostencki, RSRS director, explained that the longstanding process suffered from waning participation and lost CUS support during COVID; with the urging and support of the Synod’s universities and seminaries, it has now been resumed and revitalized. “CUS presidents reported to us that not having these lists available can impact CUS enrollment by 10-20% over the next five years,” Kostencki said, “and that LCMS students are retained at a much higher level than non-LCMS students. Additionally, some of those who enroll switch to church work degrees once there.”

The Rev. Dr. James Baneck, executive director of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, said, “As a part of Set Apart to Serve’s work to uphold a culture of church work formation and recruitment throughout the LCMS, we encourage LCMS youth to consider attending an LCMS Concordia university and/or seminary to receive a Christ-centered education in preparation for their vocations — whether it be in the church, in the world or at home.”

For more information, contact rosters.stats@lcms.org.

Posted on Nov. 10, 2025