“Gathered and Sent” was the theme of the Ohio District’s 2022 convention. The theme was based on . This theme was especially pertinent given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ohio District congregations. Yet it also captured challenges for mission and ministry for congregations coming out of the pandemic.
The Pandemic
A majority of Ohio District congregations ceased in-person worship for three to six months at the height of the pandemic. Around ten congregations never stopped meeting in person. Some churches did not meet in person for a year and a half. During this time, our Lutheran schools provided an invaluable service to their communities. Public schools ceased to meet in person, using online options for education. All the Lutheran elementary and high schools in Ohio continued to meet in person, some offering additional online education. This not only provided the best possible education context for students in Lutheran schools but provided an option for students in public schools. A majority of churches reported in 2022 that average in-person worship attendance was down 10 to 20 percent compared to before the pandemic. However, some church leaders reported 40 percent lower attendance. A handful of congregations said worship attendance was higher after the pandemic than before it.
Congregational Challenges Presidential visits discovered three primary challenges facing Ohio District congregations. Almost all congregations reported that they struggled to reach new people, especially young families. A number of times, congregational leaders said they also were concerned about reaching their own young families who no longer participated in church life. The second challenge was engaging members in the life of the church. A number of times, congregational leaders reported that not so long ago, members said that regular worship attendance meant worshiping three weekends a month. Now members say that attending one out of six Sundays is regular attendance. Engaging members in serving beyond Sundays has also become an issue. The final challenge was addressing social issues impacting congregations and congregational families. There are a range of issues that fit under the “woke” banner, ranging from the sanctity of human life to sexual identity to same-sex relationships. On the one hand, congregations wanted help in understanding these changes in society. On the other hand, they wanted resources to equip families grappling with these issues. These challenges were reflected in congregational statistics during the past four years. Seven Ohio District congregations went through dissolution, with two merging with other Ohio District congregations. Meanwhile, the Ohio District accepted one new congregation into the LCMS. Another challenge was an increasing number of congregations that could not afford to support a full-time pastor. In 2012, 34 Ohio District congregations could afford 50 percent of the district guidelines for compensation for a pastor. In 2022, that number increased to 60 congregations.
Mission Priorities
The mission of the Ohio District is to foster the fulfillment of the Great Commission in ways that are faithful to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. As such, the district was already engaged in areas of mission that matched LCMS priorities. Synod’s first mission priority is to “plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran churches.” The primary strategy for the Ohio District to accomplish this is forming relationships between congregations. Due to a culture of congregational autonomy, this presented a challenge at first. The effort is now gaining steam. Churches form relationships through fellowship events, shared mercy ministry, and engaging in mission work together. While these efforts are beneficial to congregations, they also can lead to congregations partnering to share staff, supporting struggling sister churches, or starting new congregations. Progress was also made in the Ohio District toward the second mission priority, “Support and expand theological education.” The district provided financial grants to district students enrolled in professional church work degrees at LCMS universities and seminaries. An average of 20 Ohio District students were enrolled in these programs each year. The district has also taken an active role in Synod’s church worker recruitment program called Set Apart to Serve. The district has promoted Set Apart to Serve resources to congregations and schools, including at the 2022 district convention. One of the Ohio District congregations—Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio—is participating in a Set Apart to Serve pilot program. The Ohio District also supported local partnerships with People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO). POBLO sent evangelists to Columbus, Ohio, and Dayton, Ohio. Local churches supported the work of the evangelists, providing volunteers and financial resources. In return, the evangelists connected immigrants in the community to LCMS congregations. The district also offered Synod’s Vitality workshops, especially “Every One His Witness.” The Ohio District also addressed the fifth mission priority, “Promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well-being of pastors and professional church workers.” Several professional church worker conferences sponsored by the district focused on worker wellness, including partnering with Grace Place Ministries. The Ohio District was also blessed to have Doxology retreats readily available for workers. At the same time, the district staff worked with the district Care Partners, who are available for all Ohio District church workers and church worker families. The Ohio District also made progress toward the sixth mission priority, “Enhance early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and youth ministry.” The Ohio District helped congregations explore opening new early learning centers. At the same time, the district increased staffing to support current and future early learning centers. Throughout the pandemic, district staff held specific Zoom meetings with school administrators, youth, and family life leaders, offering support through the challenging times. The district also provided support in the exploration of starting new Lutheran elementary schools. Going forward, the Ohio District intends to fully engage in “Making Disciples for Life.” For example, the 2022 district con-vent ion passed a resolution to increase the in-depth study of God’s Word daily among district members.