Scripture Alone was the theme of the Ohio District’s 2025 convention, based on 1 Thess. 2:13. Drawing from our Reformation heritage, the theme speaks to our continuing confession that Scripture is the sole source and norm of Christian faith and life. Since the purpose of Scripture is to reveal Jesus’ work of justification, the district celebrates the 2026 Synod convention theme, Christ Is Risen Indeed. The theme itself is based on 1 Cor. 15:20–22.
Ohio District Planning District president visitation in 2022–23 found district churches remaining steadfast in confessional Lutheran doctrine and practice. However, an inordinate number of congregations were struggling with mission and ministry coming out of the pandemic. Congregational leaders were unsure how to bring back members who left during the pandemic and how to reach un church ed and spiritually lost people in their communities. To learn the congregational and school needs and opportunities, the district partnered with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to create a district planning process. The process started by gathering church and school leaders in regional discovery sessions. After sharing the needs and opportunities of their congregations, the leaders were sent home to share what they learned from fellow church leaders. The process also sought feedback from school ad-ministrators and district staff. In the end, three areas of special focus became apparent for the next triennium: Equip and train congregation and school leaders in their areas of service; deepen and broaden our knowledge and understanding of Scripture and the Confessions; launch and develop new Gospel outreach ministries.
moved from active to emeritus status. The district also had 4 transitional interim pastors accept calls to serve district congregations.
The district plan was the tipping point for decisions concerning staffing. Rev. John Greig was called to serve as executive director of Mission and Ministry. Nicole Levy was called to serve as education executive and superintendent of Ohio Lutheran Schools. Together with Karen Dutton, director of Youth and Family Life Ministry, these mission and ministry staff are leading the implementation of the ministry plan.
Sanctity of Human Life
To address these needs, the district’s mission and ministry staff created three themes for the next triennium. Each theme flows from Eph. 4:15–16: Connected reflects God’s design and call for His people to walk and grow together in Christ as one Body held together in His love. Equipped reflects God’s ongoing care for His people, providing what we need to grow in Christ and serve faithfully as each part of His Body works together in love. Sent describes the natural overflow of a church connected and equipped in Christ, moving outward to share the Gospel while caring for and loving their neighbor.
Actions on Convention Resolutions 2022 Ohio District convention Resolution 4 called on the convention to support the strengthening of the faith and biblical worldview of district church members. The resolution was approved by the convention. The Resolution 4 Task Force was formed to implement the resolution, chaired by Rev. Dr. Eric Tritten (Gloria Dei Hudson, Ohio). After researching the topic, the task force determined that God’s Word is the key for strengthening the faith on a daily basis. The task force put together two primary resources for congregations to use to engage members in the Word of God daily. The first is a collation of resources used by our congregations. The second is a series of videos to provide on-ramps for God’s people to study Scripture. An additional series of on-ramps are being produced. 2023 Res. 1-06A called on the Synod and its districts to create a strategic plan for worker wellness. The Synod used the annual LCMS Ministerial Care Coalitions meeting to start planning. The meeting was held in March in Orlando, Fla. Rev. Chris Eldridge, the Ministerial Health Commission chairman, and I participated in the meeting. The district addressed 2023 Res. 1-07, “To Address Mental Health among Pastors and Other Professional Church Workers,” in three ways. First, the district affirmed the positions of care partners, who provide a confidential “listening ear” for any church worker or church worker family member in the district. The district’s Commission for Ministerial Health produced resources supporting sabbaticals for church workers, identifying resources for church worker wellness and guidance for congregational leaders in order to care for church workers. Finally, the 2025 Fall Professional Church Worker Conference was led by DOXOLOGY.
Church Workers In the past triennium, 27 pastors accepted calls into the district. This includes 10 candidates from the seminaries. Meanwhile, 15 pastors took calls to congregations outside the district, and 21 pastors
In the past triennium, 37 commissioned ministers accepted calls to the district schools and churches. A total of 17 commissioned ministers transferred out of the district. In 2023, the state of Ohio proposed a constitutional amendment to legalize abortion. District congregations and church workers received a pastoral letter concerning the proposed amendment, urging members to vote against the proposed amendment. Churches and church workers also received legal guidance from the district with parameters for addressing such issues of public policy. In addition, statements outlining the LCMS biblical stance on abortion were provided to state and national news outlets. To provide further support for the sanctity of human life, the district participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January. LCMS participation was led by the LCMS Life Ministry and supported by all 35 LCMS districts.