As People of Hope, vigorously making known the love of Christ, the Michigan District addresses four critical targets: (1) Great Commission Ministry, (2) Great Compassion Ministry, (3) Healthy Congregations, and (4) Healthy Church Workers. We seek above all things, through our congregations, workers, laity, as well as every program and activity, to fix people’s eyes on Jesus. For Christ is risen. Indeed. The district is comprised of 146,295 baptized members, 334 congregations, 2 missions, 5 high schools, 66 elementary schools, and 122 early childhood centers.
A. Concordia University Ann Arbor The most bitter experience in the district in this triennium was the closure of the Concordia University main campus in Ann Arbor. Although experiencing record-setting enrollment, a vibrant and positive campus life, and generous emergency financial support pledged from many within and outside of the district, the administration of Concordia University Wisconsin moved ahead with
Our circuit visitors report strong participation in circuit life (Res. 6-07A, Res. 4-03), where our pastors are built up together and continue to learn from one another. Some of our circuits have formed subcommittees for church planting (Res. 1-01A, Res. 1-05A) as part of a Harvest Partner Network, and some are becoming connected directly to International Mission through a FORO (Res. 2-07A) or other means. In addition, the district provides online training in personal witness, as well as conferences (“Beyond the Breakwater”) designed to train individuals and congregations in outreach to their communities. During the last triennium we held 26 circuit convocations (Bylaw section 5.4) focused on mission outreach. In addition to our circuit visitors, the district provides regional facilitators who guide, resource, and encourage congregations, especially smaller and multi-point ministries (Res. 1-02A).
C. Mission/Ministry Initiatives In an effort to move ahead in college-age ministry without the presence of Concordia, the district is dedicating resources to network and expand campus ministries at colleges around the state. We have also begun work on a vocational education ministry. We have built a robust granting program to support the initiation of new community-focused ministries through existing congregations. We have seen growth in key urban and ethnic ministries that are focused on neighborhood engagement. Expansion of home school support has grown alongside the growth of many of our day schools and high schools.
D. Michigan District Convention Our convention theme was Nourished for the Journey: Remember, Renew, Return. Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann served as keynote speaker. President Matthew C. Harrison gave a report for the Synod and a review of the Augsburg Confession. Rev. Dr. Jeff Schrank assisted various congregations to provide food and hospitality. The convention adopted resolutions expressing dismay over the handling of Concordia Ann Arbor, a request for the publication of the Council of Presidents Manual, a commitment to an every-congregation visitation, questions about the term Lutheran Identity, a call for clarity on the prior approval process, encouragement for personal witness, and an affirmation of our deacon training program.
The convention reelected David Davis to a second term of office; Darryl Anrzejewski, Erik Cloeter, Craig Bickel, and Drew Gruen hagen were elected first–fourth vice-presidents, respectively.
E. Michigan District—Church Extension Fund Our Church Extension Fund (CEF) continues to be a strong partner with our district. CEF annually provides over $1 million in support through sponsorship, grants, and other support. CEF continues to provide low-cost loans to congregations for building, renovation, and church worker housing, and competitive investment instruments to all our members. This next year our CEF is celebrating its 125th year of ministry as an independent extension fund in the district.
F. Concerns across the District Filling pulpits and classrooms continues to be a great challenge. We have been blessed by the training of dozens of specific ministry pastors. We continue to find public school teachers who are interested in serving in our schools, but we find the colloquy process, especially for teachers, more difficult to access than we think necessary. Like many other areas across the country, we have closed many congregations. We work with distressed congregations to build relationships with other stronger congregations to enhance ministry to their communities so as to limit the loss of our presence in the community.
G. Building Christian Character During this triennium, the district continued to advocate for more disciplined Bible reading that we might always build on Scripture alone. We have accented stronger personal relationships with pastors and lay leaders through coordinated efforts in visits, phone calls, and other contacts. Through balanced conferences and communications, we refuse to succumb to internecine conflict. We are committed to being People of Hope: Vigorously Making Known the Love of Christ. For Christ is risen. Indeed!