As stated in Synod Bylaw 3.8.2, the Board for National Mission (BNM) “is charged with developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [n]).” Furthermore, under the President of the Synod, “the board shall assist in identifying the specific goals for the Office of National Mission [ONM].” In addition, Bylaw 3.8.2.1 states that the BNM “shall have oversight of the implementation of policies adopted by the board and implemented by the Office of National Mission for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools.” Finally, the BNM works con jointly with the Board for International Mission (BIM) “offering ideas and guidance for proposing triennial mission and ministry emphases to the national convention” (Bylaw 3.8.2.2). This last aspect is officially addressed through a Joint Mission Assessment Committee served by two members of the BNM and two members of the BIM. This committee in turn reports to both mission boards toward final iz ation of overtures to the Synod and other recommendations to the President of the Synod.
Increased Fraternal Dialogues with District Presidents and Staffs A major goal which has been realized and to which we are committed to continuing is increased communication and partnership between the BNM and our district presidents and staffs. We had the privilege to work with the ONM unit executive, the Rev. Dan Galchutt, who with a mighty and joyful servant’s heart epitomizes bridge-building and networking between Synod at the national level and Synod at the district and congregational levels. The BNM has shared this commitment to work more closely with our districts and has been proactive in meeting with our district presidents and staffs for living out our walking together.
A Record Number of Submitted Overtures to Proclaim Christ Is Risen Indeed The current BNM has never been as driven to offer overtures that will make a positive impact for providing the best resources we possibly can to our districts and congregations as we celebrate the
Gospel, the power of God unto salvation for all people to know the Risen Christ. We have offered ways to confront the increased idolatry in our country through Lutheran resources in Christian apologetics; to increase church planting at the parish level; to faithfully respond to the resurgence of young men and women in the Church; to encourage and support campus ministry; and to increase and support establishing new and strengthening current LCMS schools. These are but a sampling of the BNM making strides to address and supply the real needs of our Synod in respect to national missions.
Establishing Clear “Policy Areas” to Serve the Most Important National Mission Needs While we are supporting the sun setting of “mission priorities” for the Synod and rejoice to focus on our newly proposed mission and ministry emphasis, Tell the Next Generation (see Report R8, the report of the Joint Mission Assessment Committee of the BNM and BIM), we have put before ourselves in the BNM seven “policy areas” that are lucid priorities for LCMS national mission today. Here are the seven policy areas which guide the BNM’s policy making for the ONM: 1. Congregations; 2. Catechesis, Apologetics, and Theological Education; 3. Mercy Work; 4. Fraternal Cooperation Across the Synod; 5. Church Worker Wellness; 6. Lutheran Schools and Youth Ministry; and 7. Marriage and Family. Related to these areas is what we all witnessed during this past triennium in the establishment of All Nations Ministry led by its manager, the Rev. Stephen Heimer. No one is excluded and everyone is included in our determination to faithfully live out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, we celebrate the ministry of the Rev. Andrew Becker, manager, Family Ministry. The Lord is truly blessing our Synod with these increased resources for national mission.
New Board for National Mission Manual During this past triennium, led by board member Rev. Peter Bender, we saw the fruition of a thorough BNM manual that will bring greater clarity, consistency, and efficiency to our board going forward.
2023 Resolutions to Board for / Office of National Mission Accomplished Every assignment given to the BNM and ONM from the 2023 Synod convention has been fulfilled. This is especially reflective of the outstanding service of our unit executive, but also the managing directors working with him, including Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Mercy Ministry area) and the Rev. Michael Meyer (Witness area). Please see Reports R1.2.1 and R60, submitted by ONM unit executive Rev. Dan Galchutt, which cover all the assignments. The only other assignments going beyond Rev. Galchutt’s reports are 2023 Resolution 4-03, “To Affirm and Continue Mission Priorities for 2023–26 Triennium,” and 2023 Res. 9-04, “To Establish Mission Board Responsibilities Regarding Mission Office Strategic Plan and Annual Budget Proposal.” As for Res. 4-03, this resolution is being effectively addressed by our Joint Mission Assessment Committee overture entitled, “To Commend and Sunset the Mission Priorities of Synod.” Regarding Res. 9-04, the BNM has worked closely with the Chief Mission Officer as well as the ONM unit executive to finalize a thoroughly systematic approach to strategic planning and annual budget proposal for the ONM. This project has clarified our own responsibilities as the BNM, which in turn benefits the ONM.
Changes and Blessings on the Board for National Mission This past triennium the BNM was blessed to welcome the Rev. Craig Niemeier, the Rev. Michael Schu er mann, and Mr. Stephen Weller. To say that these servants of the Risen Christ have been helpful to us would be an understatement. They have all brought exceptional and timely gifts to the board and have clearly made us more effective in fulfilling our responsibilities. Furthermore, the other executive committee members I have the privilege to serve with are among the most talented disciples I know. Mrs. Crysten Sanchez has served with meticulous detail and organization as our secretary, and the Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor has served with wisdom and love as our vice-chair. Finally, the entire board has had the distinct pleasure of partnering with Ms. Carla Claussen who, upon entering the end of this triennium, is no longer eligible to serve on the BNM. I must take this opportunity, however, to point out the gem in Christ the Church has had in Ms. Claussen. In July 2004, Ms. Claussen was elected to serve the Board for District and Congregational Services and she fulfilled her duties from 2004 to 2010. Since the restructuring of the Synod in 2010, Ms. Claussen has served the BNM from 2010 to the present. That is, our sister in Christ has served in this arena of national ministry for 22 years. We are in awe of her dedication and her living faith which has led Ms. Claussen to demonstrate the love of Christ in heart, soul, and mind to her brothers and sisters in Christ in our Synod and for all those we serve in the world. We give thanks and praise to God for her!
Going Forward The BNM is focused on the upcoming triennium to be our very best since our inception in 2010. We are determined to understand what we can do at the national level to be truly helpful and meaningful to our districts and congregations. In this vision, we are determined to make strides in better coordination and stewardship of our shared Synod resources. We are focused on providing for the next generations so that they not merely know what we believe, but also why we believe and how to “give an answer for the hope that is within [us]” (1 Peter 3:15). We desire real ways of growing and increasing local congregations and schools and we are focused on making our best contributions for supporting worker wellness, especially with resources that keep us spiritually strong while abiding in our baptismal grace in the Risen Christ. We cannot provide only for the body but must also provide for the mind and most importantly for the spirit, so that we abide in our baptismal grace and reliance upon the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word and Sacraments of Christ not just for those our church workers minister to, but for themselves and their families.