The mission of the Texas District is to strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for one another locally and globally. In order to accomplish this mission, the Texas District stewards its partnership of nearly 400 congregations and new missions and nearly 130 Lutheran schools to catalyze an exponential mission movement in the Texas District of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. Witness, Mercy, and Life Together are woven into the sharing of the Gospel as we join together to equip, send, and support church workers, church planters, educators, commissioned ministers, and lay evangelists to share the Good News of Jesus, to show His love, and to foster fellowship together. 2019 convention resolutions implemented in Texas have brought vibrant mission and ministry throughout the district: Res. 1-01A: Encouraged the use of Everyone His Witness (EHW), participated in creating an EHW video segment on grief, and initiated lay evangelist training in order to encourage God’s people to engage in active witness.
Res. 1-02: Encouraged church planting in Texas, resulting in 27 new Word and Sacrament congregations 2019–2022. Res. 1-03: Studied shared ministry models as circuit visitors. Res. 1-04: Supported the continuing legacy of Dr. Rosa J. Young by equipping and sending missionaries to reach all people in Texas with the Gospel. Some 15 different languages are represented in congregations around the district on any given Sunday.
Res. 7-08: Regularly visited with leadership and faculty of Concordia University Texas in order to aid in fostering the clear confession of the LCMS. Res. 8-02: Invited Texas congregations that were not contributing to the LCMS missions to begin giving based on a 1.1.1 concept. Res. 9-12: Clarified congregational parish representation locally and with the Synod.
Res. 1-05A: Strengthened multi-ethnic outreach by providing resources for pastoral training and outreach for new ethnic missionaries and church planters in Texas.
Res. 11-01A: Cultivated Life Ministry action and awareness through district life coordinators and Lutherans For Life representatives.
Res. 1-06A: Supported marriage and families through systems of care, counseling, and coaching in Texas.
Res. 11-04A: Utilized 2019 res. 11-04A, the 1994 CTCR document, and other conversations and resources to affirm the common humanity of all people and ethnicities.
Res. 1-07A: Provided assistance and communication regarding child protection in Texas Lutheran schools. Res. 2-07: Encouraged partnership of Texas District congregations in international mission in Mexico through the Board for International Mission. Secured several partners who are funding projects and participating in FOROs. Res. 3-01: Partnered with LCMS Disaster Response to meet needs following floods, hurricanes, and shootings. Res. 3-04A: Trained and deployed pastors and offered pastoral care for ones suffering from clinical depression and mental health issues—especially facing post-COVID-19 challenges. Res. 4-02: Supported deaconess training for a cadre of Texas workers and called a deaconess to the Texas District staff.
Res. 11-05A: Supported responsible citizenship and compassion toward neighbors who are immigrants among us through ministry partnerships, congregational service, and mission outreach. Res. 12-01A: Supported Lutheran schools in Texas with faculty development, encouragement, training, and new school development. • Our prayer is that to the greatest possible degree, by God’s grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Texas District, along with our brothers and sisters in our beloved Synod, will give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world. Michael W. Newman, President
Res. 4-03A: Utilized resources and sent representatives to Making Disciples for Life gatherings. Res. 4-05: Celebrated the 175th anniversary of the LCMS with special communication. Res. 4-07: Supported and evaluated RSOs throughout the Texas District, in cooperation with the LCMS RSO representatives. Res. 4-10: Continued the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by setting a goal to send 500 new servant leaders into 500 new communities with the Gospel by 2031, the 125th anniversary of the Texas District. Res. 4-11A: Engaged in the study of close(d) Communion with circuit visitors who could then share in their circuits. Res. 6-01: Encouraged Texas congregation support for and participation in the comprehensive church worker recruitment initiative, “Sent to Serve.” Res. 6-02: Provided more than $350,000 in financial aid to support residential and alternate route seminary students from Texas. Hosted an annual Texas barbecue at both seminaries to encourage Texas residential students. Res. 6-04: Supported and encouraged continuing education for all LCMS pastors by publicizing available courses and providing scholarships where needed. Res. 6-07: Encouraged participation in Preach the Word through pastoral conference and circuit gatherings. Res. 7-03: Provided input from individuals, the district convention, and the district board of directors regarding the new governance plan for the Concordia University System.