Since 1907, the Southern Illinois District has served and encouraged workers, ministries, and members of the LCMS across the southern third of Illinois. Today the district includes 91 congregations, 20 K–8 schools, 2 high schools, 7 stand-alone preschools, more than 300 professional church workers, and more than 33,000 baptized members. The district exists to serve and support these local ministries by planning, coordinating, and executing our joint Ministry, Mission, and Mercy. Ministry is what the Church does for her members. We make disciples: we baptize, teach, feed, and support our people. The end goal of ministry is a stronger Lutheran. Mission is the task of reaching out and inviting new people to become disciples. The end goal of mission work is a new Lutheran who faithfully attends one of our congregations. Mercy work is kindness done in Jesus’ name. Mercy work in the Church is always done in support of and in connection to ministry and/or mission. The district’s plan for Mission, Ministry, and Mercy focuses on five critical initiatives:
Initiative 1: Focused Outreach Activity Our Lord Jesus has called us to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20). This hard work requires vision, leadership, training, and the calling of new laborers for the Lord’s harvest (Matt. 9:38). We are pursuing this by: • developing plans and funds to call district missionaries in partnership with congregations/circuits (several profiles: circuit rider, church planter, outreach pastor, etc.);
- utilizing the Synod’s Church Planting office to assist us with research and planning;
- creating an ongoing, district-wide outreach program, Come Home for Christmas; and
- issuing Outreach Grants to congregations to inspire and fund outreach efforts on the front lines of ministry (applications for 2026 are now live for $30,000 in grants!).
Initiative 2: Matrix of Support for Lutheran Schools With one school for every three parishes, the district is at the forefront of Synod districts when it comes to Christian education. The Synod operates the largest network of Protestant schools in America and the district has more students in its schools (3,600+) than do many public school districts. Our schools today face numerous challenges, and the district is addressing these needs by: • developing training, support, and mentoring for teachers who need to step into the role of administrator (a pilot program has already begun in one location);
- partnering with congregations and teachers to get more teachers trained and roster ed as certified Lutheran teachers through colloquy (five approved applications for colloquy grants already);
- ongoing support for accreditation procedures;
- assisting in debt relief for church workers;
- promoting competitive salaries and benefits for Lutheran school teachers;
- working with the Faith Coalition to advocate and lobby for Christian schools in Illinois; and
- participating in Set Apart to Serve to recruit more teachers.
Initiative 3: Spiritual Care of Remote Congregations All across the district, and especially outside the Metro East, there are smaller congregations in need of full-time, ordained pastoral care. Many of these churches are in rural areas that have limited financial resources because they are small in size, but their love of God is anything but small. Indeed, they are on the forefront of mission precisely because they are located in areas without a large Lutheran presence. The district is focused on providing these congregations with a dependable means of receiving Word and Sacrament ministry by: • walking alongside congregations as they explore forming multi-point parishes (three new partnerships were piloted this year);establishing dedicated circuit riders to minister to truly remote congregations (working on funding and calling a district circuit rider/church planter by the end of 2027);
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- maintaining a list of emeritus pastors who can help across the district; and
- supporting circuit visitors as they assist vacant congregations in their circuits.
Christ is risen indeed! This triumphant proclamation, grounded in 1 Cor. 15:20–22, where Paul declares Christ as “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep,” echoes throughout the Texas District as we rejoice in the hope of the resurrection that transforms death into life and despair into victory. The mission of the district is to strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people locally and globally. To accomplish this mission, the district partners with nearly 400 congregations and mission stations, as well as nearly 120 Lutheran schools and early childhood centers, to catalyze an exponential mission movement. As we share the Gospel of the risen Christ, we join to equip, send, and support church workers, church planters, educators, commissioned ministers, and laypeople to share the Good News of Jesus, to show His love. Because Christ is risen indeed, we press forward in faith, knowing that our labor in the name of the Lord is not in vain.
- Initiative 4: Expansion of Campus Ministry The district partners with two congregations to support successful campus ministries at the flagship universities within our geographical boundaries (Southern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville). We can and should multiply this ministry across the 30+ institutions of higher learning within southern Illinois. We know that the transition from high school to whatever comes next (college, armed forces, trade school, workforce) is a critical time in a young person’s journey of faith. The district seeks to serve our members and reach out on campus by: • encouraging each congregation with a campus in their backyard to establish campus ministry (working on plans to use the same funding model we use so successfully for prison ministry);
- gathering pastors and lay leaders to learn from our flagship campus ministries at a Campus Ministry Summit;
- connecting pastors and lay leaders with LCMS U;
- specifically targeting and prioritizing large community college campuses (Southwestern Illinois, Lewis and Clark, Kaskaskia, etc.); and
- providing “connection to church” assistance for students entering trade school, the workforce, and the armed forces.
Initiative 5: Extension of Current Ministry, Mission, and Mercy To one extent or another, all the above initiatives represent newly developed or developing work. The district has other long-standing, vital, and successful efforts that remain as touchstones of our shared Ministry, Mission, and Mercy. We will continue to support and extend these efforts by: • providing funding, assistance, and coordination with our district mission school at Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School in East St. Louis;
- supporting prison ministry across southern Illinois;
- working with our foreign mission partner, Seminario Concordia El Reforma dor in the Dominican Republic;
- directing efforts in youth ministry, older adult ministry, and church worker scholarships; and
- serving congregations, schools, and workers with the professional services, organization, leadership, and support expected of all districts.
The people of southern Illinois are excited to work together in God’s kingdom toward these goals! May the Lord grant us His grace and wisdom as we seek to respond to His mercy shown to us in the cross of His Son! Heath R. Curtis, President
Texas District
In its vibrant ministry, the district has been blessed to act upon the following resolutions from the 2023 Synod convention. Res. 1-01A: Expanded a robust evangelist program that trains and equips members to share the Gospel. Training is available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. A total of 223 laypeople and church workers completed the program in 2023–25 and were sent to witness to others. Res. 1-02A: Aided small congregations by ongoing efforts in Texas through a variety of planning, support, and training initiatives. Res. 1-03A: Encouraged and supported church planting in Texas, resulting in 27 new Word and Sacrament ministries, 2023–25. Approximately $3.7 million was spent on church multiplication in the district. Res. 1-05A: Strengthened multi ethnic outreach by providing resources for pastoral training and outreach for new ethnic missionaries and church planters in Texas. A Hispanic Ministry Retreat was launched in 2023 and serves as an annual gathering for reflection, learning, and spiritual renewal. Nineteen multi ethnic Word and Sacrament ministries were planted in this triennium. Res. 1-06A: Supported workers and families through systems of care, counseling, and coaching. Fifty-seven coaching and care relationships were established to provide individualized care to workers and their families. Additionally, the district counseling team served dozens of workers and families. Res. 1-07: Fosters positive mental well-being for all our church workers, having a Care and Coaching Team focused on this work as a free resource to workers and their families. The district spent more than $225,000 in the triennium on dedicated counseling for our workers. A trained pastor was appointed to serve as a mental health advocate for church workers, providing confidential support, resources, and guidance to pastors and professional church workers facing mental health challenges. Res. 1-08A: Promoted and commended the Synod’s digital and online resources, incorporating them into district communications, sharing them with congregations, leaders, and ministry partners as appropriate. Res. 2-01 and 2-02A: Continued to support the Alliance Missionary Program with significant financial gifts. Res. 2-05: Made ongoing referrals of congregations to the Office of International Mission as they are investigating international mission work. Res. 2-07A: District and district congregations actively support and participate in the Lutheran Synod of Mexico FORO, advocating for and contributing to key projects. Res. 3-01: Actively encouraged congregational involvement in life ministry through resources and training opportunities to equip them to proclaim and promote a culture of life in their communities. Res. 4-02: Making Disciples for Life emphases continue to be implemented and publicized throughout the district. Res. 4-03: Mission priorities continue to be emphasized and implemented in the district. Res. 4-04: Promoted the use of Himnario Luterano among Spanish-language congregations and missions, providing resources and encouragement for its implementation in worship and congregational life. Res. 5-08A: The district president worked with local pastors, congregations, and circuit visitors to affirm and encourage in-person Communion. Res. 5-09: Engaged in conversation and study on guidance on admission to the Lord’s Supper with circuit visitors who then share with their circuits. Res. 6-01: Encouraged congregation support and participation in Set Apart to Serve. Res. 6-02A: Provided more than $350,000 annually in financial aid to support students from Texas in pastoral formation at our seminaries. Hosted annual barbecue at both seminaries to encourage residential students from Texas. Directed and supported 25 men into the traditional residential pastoral routes at our beloved seminaries. Disbursed more than $1 million in financial aid to support men and women pursuing ministry training. Res. 6-04: Affirms the proper and full service of laity in the Church while upholding the distinctive nature of the pastoral office. Established lead trainers in district areas to provide training in outreach and encourage evangelism to the un church ed. Spent more than $700,000 in support of evangelist development. Res. 6-06A: Maintained a vibrant participation in Post-seminary Applied Learning and Support and encouraged use of Preach the Word at the local circuit level. Res. 6-07A: Provided circuit visitor training according to the Circuit Visitors’ Manual and provided material at circuit visitors’ meetings for use at circuit gatherings. Res. 6-09: Supports the annual gathering of pastors’ wives through resources, including financial support, to enable them to enjoy a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Special recognition is given to these women for their vital role in pastors’ lives at the district convention. Res. 7-03: With respect to Concordia University Texas, implemented ongoing discussions, visits, exhortation, and appropriate ecclesiastical discipline. Res. 7-06B: Encouraged Concordia University System colleges and universities to attend district conventions and conferences, fostering collaboration and partnership, and to increase awareness of educational opportunities. Res. 9-08A: Continues to maximize nonvoting advisory participation at conventions with recruitment and funding.
Res. 12-04A: Provided support to Lutheran schools in Texas through faculty development, training, encouragement, and assistance with establishing new schools. We thank God for all the church workers in the district who daily proclaim the Gospel and serve Christ’s people. Since the 2023 Synod convention, the Texas District has experienced transitions and powerful expressions of Christ’s love among us. At our 2025 district convention, we bid farewell to Rev. Michael Newman, who retired after faithful service as district president. When the tragic July 4th flood of 2025 devastated communities in Central Texas, the Body of Christ responded with generosity, raising more than $1 million to support those affected by this natural disaster. We are grateful for our Texas District Church Extension Fund, which disbursed $42 million in loans to assist 39 churches in their kingdom work. Because Christ is risen indeed, we rejoice in the countless lives touched by His grace in our congregations and schools. May He continue to strengthen us for the work ahead as we proclaim the Good News of the risen Savior to all. Jon M. Braun ers reuther, President