Our work in the Kansas District is aptly reflected in the theme of our 2022 convention: “Proclaim. Teach. Share.” We are the baptized, royal priests of Christ, called to proclaim His excellencies (1 Pt. 2:9–10). Fed and strengthened by the Means of Grace, we serve as the baptized disciples of Christ with a free and joyful spirit, free to proclaim, teach and share Jesus to all nations; free to love and to serve; joyful to pray and eager to sacrifice; and willing to steward what God first entrusts to our care so that we might be a blessing to our neighbor. We have the privilege of supporting and encouraging the members of the district—156 congregations, 14 elementary schools, one high school, 44 preschools, and nearly 400 workers—in carrying out the mission Christ has given His church. We’re also thankful for the opportunities we’ve had to maintain and enhance our work with other valued partners, including the Synod, RSOs, auxiliaries, and related agencies.
Goals If you click on “About Us” on the homepage of our website, you’ll see the phrase “Synod in this Place,” a nod to LCMS . Our “common work” in the Kansas District—captured in our mission statement, goals, and priorities—strongly aligns with the Synod’s constitutional objectives, bylaw purpose, and convention priorities while also taking into account directives from our district convention. Following is a brief summary of progress on the major directives and priorities that have guided our work since the last Synod convention.
District Resolutions 2018 Res. 18-01-03: To Support Lutheran Mission and Mercy Work in Guinea and West Africa (also LCMS 2019 2-09)—Since 1997, the Kansas District has been the sole district supporter of mission work in Guinea. During the past triennium, we’ve worked with the LCMS Office of International Mission (OIM) to identify promising ways to continue supporting Guinea while aligning our efforts with new Synod strategies for French-speaking West Africa, which include a strong emphasis on theological education. Our annual Pentecost offering has gone to support theological and pastoral education at CLET Togo, and more recently, Guinea. In celebration of our 25th year of this partnership, LCMS Kansans raised over $55,000 in support of this mission. 2018 Res. 18-03-09: To Foster Active Participation in the Koinonia Project Through the LCMS Kansas District—For several years, we had three of our 16 circuits engaged in the Koinonia project. A district Koinonia task force was established to develop a plan for expanding the project throughout the district. The fall 2021 pastors conference was wholly focused on the Koinonia project under the topic “Walking Together in a Digital Age.” Pastors worked together in 17 groups of 5–7 men and in four different sessions to discuss different, but related topics. The pre-Lent retreat in January 2022 continued the work of the Koinonia project as the discussion dealt with the potential benefits and drawbacks of the online Divine Service. 2018 Res. 18-01-04: To Prioritize New Models and Resources for Small, Struggling and/or Isolated Congregations (also LCMS 2019 1-03)—The Kansas District developed and is actively promoting and implementing partnership resources. These include Bible studies, planning documents, and partnership models.
Synod Priorities
LCMS Bylaw 4.4.4: Visitation—We conducted 22 “official” visitations in the Kansas District since the last convention before the pandemic. The visits were intentionally based on Article III of the Synod’s Constitution and . Visitation in this triennium will also be centered on the same focus.
2016 Resolution 13-02A: Licensed Lay Deacons (LLDs)—In October 2016, the Kansas District had 58 LLDs, but most were not serving in regular Word and Sacrament ministry as de facto pastors. Since that time, we identified deacons who seemed to meet the criteria for LLD to SMP colloquy. All eligible men have been ordained and installed. Today, the district has 13 LLDs, all of whom are current with their annual reports.
2019 Resolution 6-01: To Support and Participate in the Comprehensive Church Worker Recruitment Initiative—The Kansas District is actively supporting the Set Apart to Serve church worker recruitment initiative with prayer, active engagement, and a gift of $20,000 to the LCMS.
Performance Assessment As servant leaders, the district staff and board of directors strive to be good stewards of the mission gifts our congregations entrust to the district for our common work together. Here are a few ways we have sought to advance the mission and vision of the Kansas District, strengthening our partnership with the Synod and other organizations since the last convention. • Timely COVID-19 communications and provision of resources to congregations and schools • Kansas District resource webpage for vetted Christian counselors
- Church planting and church revitalization; Every One His Witness (E1HW)
- Annual visit by the DP and assistant to the DP for missions and stewardship to each monthly circuit conference of pastors
- Annual visit by the assistant to the DP for education and youth to each of the schools
- Increased and intentional visits and communication with congregations and schools all across the district
- District disaster response efforts through district disaster response coordinator and LERT
- Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) for pastors in first three years of ministry
- Study and discussion has gone into church worker care with resources being provided through a “Church Worker Care Manual”
- Partnership with the LCMS Foundation for planned giving services
Looking Ahead Shortly after our 2022 convention, we created a strategic direction document to guide our work as “Living as the Baptized” in the new triennium. At the core of the document are four key aims: 1. Abiding in the Word () 2. Connecting in Christ () 3. Equipping the Saints () 4. Engaging in Christ’s Mission () We have a charge in front us—to be His priests, His baptized, His salt and light, His body in this world—and the confused, angry, and hurting world needs us now more than ever!