Mission Advancement (MADV) exists to do exactly what its name declares—to advance God’s mission as entrusted to His Church. Our team of 44 dedicated employees serves as a bridge into the programs and projects approved by the Synod’s boards. Because of this linkage, contributors of the Synod can more fully engage with the work of their church body—whether it’s hearing a mission advocate give a presentation at your church’s Bible study hour, a quick email sent to Mission.Advancement@lcms.org regarding a recent story you read about in Lutheran’s Engage the World, or calling the donor care line at 888-930-4438. We are here to connect, inform, and serve you. In the book of Mark, God calls each of us to love our neighbor, “The second [commandment] is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these”
The mission and operations of corporate Synod are made possible solely through voluntary contributions. Phil. 4:19 states: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This pertains to all aspects of our life and work—personal to professional, within your local congregation, and across the ministry areas whose responsibilities are defined by the bylaws and resolutions set forth in convention. Over the course of the triennium, relationships were deepened particularly with family and corporate foundations along with an influx of planned gifts. God continues to bless His Church through saints even after they have been called to their eternal home.
C. Collaboration and Expansion Within the Office of National Mission, ministry leaders and MADV have worked closely to strengthen relationships not only with Lutheran foundations but also with secular philanthropic partners. These collaborations have resulted in multi-year, multi-million-dollar proposals that significantly advance our shared mission. Our team continues to witness tangible signs of trust and partnership as non-Lutheran entities increasingly engage with the work of the LCMS. Most recently, the Lilly Endowment has begun partnering with various LCMS ministries—a direct outcome of intentional collaboration across units and teams. Donors are also demonstrating growing trust through an increase in least-restrictive gifts. The former trend of smaller, highly restricted contributions has begun to shift, making way for larger, more flexible gifts that allow the church to direct resources where they are most needed. Over the past triennium, giving to these least-restrictive designations has remained steady, reinforcing donors’ confidence in the mission of the Church (especially toward Together As Synod; see below).
A. Editorial The editorial team serves the ministries, congregations, and church workers of the Synod by establishing and maintaining a common and consistent editorial standard for all materials produced by LCMS ministries. The editorial team, in conjunction with the design team, also publishes four periodicals.
A.1. The Lutheran Witness In the spring of 2023, MADV underwent a comprehensive assessment conducted by Langley Innovations. In response, the Board of Directors made significant investments in MADV to expand services to the Church—further strengthening a culture that prioritizes Lutheran identity and theology above dollars raised. Throughout this triennium, MADV has made meaningful improvements, particularly in caring for recurring givers, stewarding those who support the Church through legacy gifts, and adding staff to ensure every donor is valued, regardless of giving level. MADV also continues to host an annual inter organizational summit, creating a collaborative space for LCMS development teams and congregations. This gathering provides opportunities to share best practices, strengthen professional networks, and highlight corporate Synod’s appreciative response model—all with the goal of equipping and uplifting those who support Christ’s mission. We, in MADV, give thanks to God for you. You and the Holy Spirit enable us to share the Good News throughout the 2023–26 triennium and beyond. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia! Shane Smithson, Interim Executive Director