the 61st texas district convention june 14–16, 2018...

The 61st Texas District ConventionJune 14–16, 2018

CONVENTION WORKBOOK

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TEXAS DISTRICT 2018 CONVENTION WORKBOOK | 2

2018 TEXAS DISTRICT CONVENTION WORKBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTSORIENTATIONConvention Schedule ............................................................................... 4Meet Our Speakers .................................................................................. 7 Convention Committees ..........................................................................10Parliamentary Procedure .........................................................................12Proposed Standing Rules ..........................................................................14Primer of Parliamentary Procedure .............................................................16Special Guests ......................................................................................18

DISTRICT REPORTSPresident ............................................................................................19Vice Presidents ....................................................................................25LCMS Roster Changes

Ordained ........................................................................................31Congregations ..................................................................................43Commissioned ..................................................................................44

AnniversariesOrdained ........................................................................................57Commissioned ..................................................................................59

Texas District Board of Directors ................................................................62Constitution Committee ..........................................................................64Texas District Treasurer ...........................................................................65 Board of Mission Administration .................................................................67Texas Partners in Mission .........................................................................72Office of Communications ........................................................................73Disaster Relief ......................................................................................74Office of School Ministry ..........................................................................76Accreditation Commission ........................................................................79Parish Commissioned Workers and Youth Ministry ............................................82Texas Church Extension Fund ....................................................................83

ELECTIONSNominations Report of the District Secretary .................................................86Balloting Results and Nominations ..............................................................87Presidential and Vice Presidential Nominees ..................................................89


Circuit Visitor Nomination Slate ............................................................... 101Report of the Nominating Committee ........................................................ 102Board and Committee Nominees

District Secretary ............................................................................ 103Texas District Board of Directors .......................................................... 104Board of Mission Administration ........................................................... 105Concordia University Board of Regents .................................................. 1072021 Texas District Nominating Committee ............................................. 1102019 LCMS Committee for Convention Nominations/Lay Person & Alternate ...... 115

RESOLUTIONS01 Mission & Ministry ............................................................................ 11602 Administration & Theology .................................................................. 121

OVERTURESAdministration & Theology ..................................................................... 134Mission & Ministry ................................................................................ 139


THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 20189:00 a.m.

9:00–11:00 a.m.

12:15–12:45 p.m.12:45–1:00 p.m.1:00–1:30 p.m.1:30–2:00 p.m.2:00–2:30 p.m.2:30–2:45 p.m. 2:45–3:00 p.m. 3:00–3:05 p.m.3:05–3:40 p.m.

3:40–4:15 p.m. 4:15–5:10 p.m.

5:10–5:20 p.m.

Convention Registration OpensVendor Area OpensFloor Committee Open Hearings Mission & MinistryGovernance & AdministrationPrayer Room Gathering Opening of ConventionDevotion – Rev. David MurilloEssay/Bible Study – Rev. Dr. Dale MeyerPrimer on Parliamentary Procedure – Rev. Ralph Hobratschk Key Pad Orientation – Rev. Walt PohlandRegistration Report – Rev. David JungBallot Instructions and PrayerELECTIONS: President Vice Presidents Ranking of Vice PresidentsDistrict President’s Report - Rev. Ken HenningsELECTIONS: Board of Directors Board for Mission Administration Concordia University Texas Board of Regents District Nominating Committee Ratification of Circuit Visitors District SecretaryClosing Prayer – Rev. Randy Haedge

CONVENTION SCHEDULE61th Convention of the Texas District LCMS

Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport4545 W John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 75063

June 14-16, 2018

I. ORIENTATION


5:20 p.m. Registration ClosesDinner (on your own)

7:15 p.m. Gathering 7:30 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion – Rev. Dr. Herb Mueller 9:00 p.m. Convention Reception

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 20187:15–7:40 a.m. Prayer Room 7:30 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Registration Opens

Vendor Area Opens7:45–8:00 a.m. Gathering 8:00–8:30 a.m. Devotion – Rev. Michael Fickenscher8:30–8:40 a.m. Registration Report – Rev. David Jung8:40–9:30 a.m. Business9:30–11:00 a.m. Synod Report – Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Business II12:00–1:30 p.m. Luncheon Prayer – Rev. Randy Haedge

Lunch (On your own)Pastors Wives Luncheon

1:30–1:45 p.m. Devotion – Rev. Stephen DeMik1:45–2:45 p.m. District Business III2:45–3:45 p.m. Essay/Bible Study – Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer3:45–4:55 p.m. District Business IV4:55–5:00 p.m. Closing Prayer – Rev. Randy Haedge5:00 p.m. Electoral Circuit Caucuses (If desired)6:00 p.m. Dinner (On your own)

Vendor Area Closes

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 20187:15–7:40 a.m. Prayer 7:45–8:00 a.m. Gathering 8:00–8:30 a.m. Devotion – Rev. Christopher Holder and Rev. Juan Zamora8:30–8:40 a.m. Registration Report – Rev. David Jung8:40–9:30 a.m. District Business V (Anniversary Recognitions)9:30–9:45 a.m. Break and Worship Preparation9:45–11:00 a.m. Closing Worship & Memorial Service – Rev. Ken Hennings

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

The Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod wishes to express appreciation to the following sponsors for

their support of the 2018 Texas District Convention.

Concordia University Texas

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company

Legacy Deo = Lutheran Foundation of Texas

Texas District Church Extension Fund

Texas Partners in Mission

Thrivent Financial

Upbring

I. ORIENTATION


MEET OUR SPEAKERSREV. DR. MATTHEW C. HARRISON PRESIDENT

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, the 13th man to serve as president of The Lutheran Church—Mis-souri Synod (LCMS) since its founding in

1847, is the church’s chief eccle-siastical officer, supervising the doctrine taught and practiced by its nearly 9,000 ordained minis-ters; representing the LCMS with its partner church bodies through-out the world; and overseeing all officers, executives and agencies of the LCMS. He was first elected to the office of LCMS president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2013 and 2016.

Harrison joined the staff at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis in 2001 as the executive director of the church’s former World Relief and Human Care ministry. During that time, he oversaw the church’s multimil-lion-dollar responses to epic disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, the Asia tsunami and the Haiti earthquake; managed relationships with some 120 LCMS Recognized Service Organizations and other inter-Lutheran social ministry organizations; worked in consultation with LCMS partner/sister churches to build capacity during mercy outreach efforts;

and managed the church’s global pro-life efforts.

Previously, Harrison served as a pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa (1991-1995), and Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. (1995-2001). During his pastorate at Zion in Fort Wayne, his parish embarked on the St. Peter/Zion Project for Neighborhood Renewal, a now nationally recognized neighbor-hood revitalization effort. Owing to the success of this effort, Harrison later founded Lutheran Housing Support Corporation, a faith-based housing organization headquartered at the LCMS International Center that helps revitalize communities and renew neighborhoods across the country.

Harrison graduated with a bach-elor’s degree in religious studies from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1984. Following his graduation, he and his wife, Kathy, spent a year as mission-aries in a remote Canadian Cree Indian village with the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots. Harrison went on to earn a Master of Divinity in 1989 and a Master of Sacred Theology in 1991, both from Concordia Theo-logical Seminary, Fort Wayne. He has pursued additional graduate study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In 2011, he received two honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Laws from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., and a Doctor of Divinity from Concordia Theologi-cal Seminary, Fort Wayne.

Before being elected president, Harrison served on a number of boards for church and community organizations. He is a prolific writer whose books include A Little Book on Joy, a devotion-al-style book about finding delight in living a Christ-centered life in today’s society, and Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith in Action, a book urging Christians to consider the innumerable opportunities they have to show mercy to fellow Christians and to anyone God places in their path. He compiled and translated At Home in the House of My Fathers, a collection of works by several of the church’s founders, and edited The Lonely Way: Selected Essays and Letters by Hermann Sasse, a prominent confessional Lutheran theologian in the Ger-man ecumenical movement of the early 20th century. Most recently, Harrison revised and edited a new edition of C.F.W. Walther’s The Church and the Office of the Ministry a seminal writing by the first president of the LCMS, and translated Letters to Lutheran Pastors, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 an edition of Sasse’s correspondence with Lutheran pastors around the world.

Harrison and his wife live in Ballwin, Mo., and are members of Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Mo., where Harrison also serves as assistant pastor. They have two sons. Harrison is an avid banjo player and instrumentalist who makes guitars, banjos and mandolins.

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MEET OUR SPEAKERSREV. DR. DALE A. MEYER

Dr. Dale A. Meyer is president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.

Dr. Meyer rejoined the faculty at Concordia Seminary, St.

Louis, in 2001. He also serves as a professor of practical theology.

He was the Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Chair in Homiletics and Literature at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 2001-2005. He served as the interim president, 2004-2005, and became the tenth president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 2005.

He earned a master’s degree (1974) and a doctorate (1986) in classical languages from Wash-ington University in St. Louis. He earned a Master of Divinity degree (1973) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He completed his bach-elor’s degree (1969) at Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind. He is also the recipient of honor-ary degree of Doctor of Divinity (1993) from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Meyer began his pastoral career serving as pastor of St. Salvator Lutheran Church in Venedy, Ill. and St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Memphis, Ill., 1974-1981. He

served on the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as a guest instructor, 1979-1981, and as an assistant professor teaching classes in New Testament and homiletics and as the director of Resident Field Education, 1981-1984.

He served as senior pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, Ill., 1984-1988. Meyer was a speaker on The Lutheran Hour radio program, 1989-2001. Through 2003, he was the host of the television show On Main Street.

Meyer has served The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the church at-large over the years in several capacities. He served as third vice-president of the LCMS, 1995-1998. He was a charter board member of the Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA), has served as an honorary director of God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society and as a member of the Standing Committee on Pastoral Ministry for the LCMS. He was pastoral adviser for the Southern Illinois District of the Internation-al Lutheran Laymen’s League and has served as first vice-president, second vice-president, secretary and circuit counselor of the Southern Illinois District of the LCMS. He served on the Board of Trustees of American Bible Soci-ety, 2001-2013.

Meyer has written numerous sermons and columns for

Lutheran Hour Ministries, including the booklets “Coping with Cancer” and “Real Men.” He co-authored The Crosses of Lent, in-depth Bible studies of Matthew and Prophecy in the Life-Light series and authored “The Place of the Sermon in the Order of Service” in Concordia’s book Liturgical Preaching for Concordia Publishing House. He has contrib-uted to Issues in Christian Educa-tion and is a regular contributor to the Concordia Journal. His articles include “A Church Caught in the Middle,” “An Urban Semi-nary,” and “Why Go to Church?”

In 2014 Meyer wrote Timely Reflections: A Minute a Day with Dale Meyer, a compilation of 365 daily devotions from his long-run-ning online series, The Meyer Minute. This book was published by Tri-Pillar Publishing in conjunc-tion with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Meyer has been speaking and preaching on the road for over 25 years and continues to do so. His areas of interest and study includes: 1 Peter, the Church in a changing culture, and the Sabbath applied to life today.

He resides in St. Louis with his wife Diane. They have two grown daughters: Elizabeth (Darren) Pittman and Catharine (Charles) Bailey, and five grandsons: Chris-tian, Connor, and Nicholas Pittman and Andrew and Jacob Bailey.

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MEET OUR SPEAKERSREV. DR. HERBERT C. MUELLER JR., FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

As first vice-president and a mem-ber of the Praesidium of The Lutheran Church—Mis-souri Synod (LCMS), the

Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller Jr. serves to assist the president in carrying out his responsibilities and oversees the colloquy pro-gram. Mueller was first elected to this position in 2010 and was re-elected in 2013 and 2016.

Previously, Mueller served as pres-ident of the LCMS Southern Illinois District (1994-2010). Prior to that, he held district offices from 1988 to 1994, including serving as sec-retary, second vice-president and first vice-president. Between 1979 and 1994, he served as a pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Chicago; Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, Ill.; and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ill.

A native of Grand Forks, N.D., Mueller graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1973; the former Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1975; and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., in 1979. Mueller received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Concordia Theologi-cal Seminary, Fort Wayne in 2012.

Mueller served on the LCMS Commission on Ministerial Growth

and Support from 1998 to 2007, the Synod Colloquy Committee from 1999 to 2000 and the Council of Presidents Program Committee from 2003 to 2009. Between 1997 and 2010, Mueller participated in six mission trips to southern Africa.

Mueller and his wife, Faith, live in Waterloo, Ill., and are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, Ill. They have two grown sons, one grown daughter and four grandchildren.

RICHARD H. STOPFER, MAYOR

Rick Stopfer was elected as Mayor in May 2017. Stopfer was originally elected as a councilmem-ber to the

Irving City Council in 1998 and served through 2012; he was appointed Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem in 2007-2008 and Mayor Pro Tem 2008-2009. While on City Council, Stopfer was Chair to the Planning and Development Committee, a member of the Audit and Finance Committee, Legislative Commit-tee, Public Works Committee, Communications Committee, Community Services Committee and the Transportation and Natu-ral Resources Committee.

In 2013, Stopfer was appointed as the Irving representative to the DART Board by the City Council.

While on the Board, he has served as Chair of DART Revenue and Public Relations Committee, Vice-Chair of DART Rail Program Committee, a member of the DART Administrative Committee and the DART Audit Committee. He is also a member of the Trinity Railway Express Advisory Committee, the Transit Oriented Development Committee and an alternate member on the Regional Transportation Council.

Stopfer has an extensive history of serving on various municipal boards and government agencies. He has served as a board member and/or a liaison to the Trinity River Corridor Advisory Commit-tee, DFW International Airport Board, Dallas Regional Mobility Commission/TEX-21, Irving Flood Control District-Section I, Irving Flood Control District-Section III, North Central Texas Council of Government, National League of Cities and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Stopfer has lived in Irving since 1988 and was a member of the Valley Ranch Association Board of Directors and President of the Valley Ranch Association Master Board. He has also served as Presi-dent of the Irving Heritage Soci-ety. Stopfer and his wife, Melanie, have been married for over forty years and were born and raised in South Dakota. Stopfer is a retired automotive consultant.

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2018 TEXAS DISTRICT CONVENTION

PLANNING COMMITTEECONVENTION COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN

Rev. Ken Hennings Texas District President

CONVENTION MANAGER

Mrs. Lisa Candido Texas District Staff

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

Mr. Sam Eatherton Zion, Dallas

Rev. Dr. Robert Preece Zion, Dallas

Mrs. Gwendolyn Hohle Texas District Staff

PRAYER TEAM LEADER

Rev. Randy Haedge Bethel, Dallas

REGISTRATION COMMITTEE

Rev. David R. Jung Crown of Life, Colleyville

Ms. Cindy Hilewitz Texas District Staff

HOSPITALITY & VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Mrs. Rita Aves St. Paul, Fort Worth

Mrs. Val Hennings Redeemer, Austin

Ms. Meredith Wright Texas District Staff

VENDOR COMMITTEE

Mrs. Rita Aves St. Paul, Fort Worth

Ms. Meredith Wright Texas District Staff

MEDIA COMMITTEE

Dr. Philip Hohle ACTS Lakeline, Austin

Mr. Keith Howanitz Texas District Staff

TEXAS DISTRICT SECRETARY

Rev. Larry Krueger St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waco

TEXAS DISTRICT AREA B VICE PRESIDENT

Rev. Eloy González Our Redeemer, Irving

TEXAS DISTRICT AREA B MISSION & MINISTRY FACILITATOR

Rev. Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab

TEXAS DISTRICT TREASURER

Mrs. Linda Hagge

I. ORIENTATION


FLOOR COMMITTEESFLOOR COMMITTEE #1 - MISSION & MINISTRY

Rev. Mark Barz, Crown of Life, San Antonio – Vice President Rev. Eric Hiner, Hope, Lubbock, Chairman

Mr. Henry Janhsen, Trinity, Amarillo Mr. Robert Koether, Trinity, Livingston Mr. John Marut, St. Paul, Fort Worth

Rev. James Menke, St. John, Beaumont Mr. Tim Miesner, Epiphany, Houston

Rev. Michael Newman, Texas District StaffRev. Eddie Scheler, Ascension, Cleburne

Rev. Matthew Ulmer, St. Paul, Bishop Mr. Alan Werchan, Christ, Austin, Secretary

FLOOR COMMITTEE #2 - GOVERNANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Rev. Jon Braunersreuther, Texas District StaffRev. John Davis, Jr., Memorial, Katy, Chairman

Rev. Ralph Hobratschk, Hope, Friendswood – Vice President Mr. Glenn Hurta, St. Paul, Waco

Rev. Larry Knobloch, St. Peter, Bowie Rev. Tom Konz, Faith, Stephenville Mr. Alan Moritz, Redeemer, Austin Mr. James Vogt, St. John, Cypress

Rev. Nathan Wendorf, St. Paul, Harlingen, Secretary

ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Rev. Dr. David Bahn, St. John, CypressRev. Michael Mattil, Grace, Denison

MINUTES REVIEW COMMITTEE

Rev. Brian Hesse, Trinity, Amarillo Rev. Michael Mattil, Grace, Denison

Rev. Walter Pohland, Faith, Georgetown

NOMINATING COMMITTEE (ELECTED 2015 CONVENTION)

Rev. Larry Krueger, District Secretary, St. Paul, WacoRev. Brian Hesse, Trinity, Amarillo – Ordained Area A, Secretary

Rev. Michael Mattil, Grace, Denison – Ordained Area B, Chairman Rev. Dr. William Knippa, Bethany, Austin – Ordained Area CRev. Dr. David Bahn, St. John, Cypress – Ordained Area D

Mr. David Bangert, Dallas Lutheran School – CommissionedMr. Paul Krentz, Narrative, Round Rock - Commissioned

Mrs. Angela Newton, Alive in Christ, Big Spring - LayMr. Louis Pabor, Trinity-Klein, Spring – Lay

Mr. Glenn Pittsford, Holy Cross, College Station - Lay

I. ORIENTATION


PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDUREWhen group decisions are made, the group must follow certain rules of procedure to prevent chaos, confusion, and possible injustice. The rules which a group follows are called Parliamentary Procedure.

Unless rules and procedures are specified in the District Handbook, “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised” is followed by the Dis-trict Convention.

It is impossible to cover every-thing, but the following informa-tion is given to help all delegates participate confidently and effectively in the decision-making process.

PURPOSE OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

The purpose is to carry out the aims of the assembly in an orderly and fair manner, to expedite business, to insure justice and equality to all, particularly the minority, and to insure that the will of the majority shall prevail.

RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF ALL MEMBERS

The two basic rights of all mem-bers are to speak and to vote. These need to be exercised and used faithfully, wisely, and well. However, all members also have certain basic privileges, as a part of Parliamentary Procedure. These are important.

Any member has the right at any time, even interrupting a speaker, to:

1. Make a point of order - if the member feels that proper pro-cedure has not been followed. The Chair either accepts the point and makes the correc-tion or rules that the point is not well taken. (If a member abuses this privilege, the Chair need not recognize him.)

2. Raise a question of privilege - if the member, for example, feels there is disorder, bad ventilation, etc., or if he feels a personal attack has been made, etc. (This, too, dare not be abused.)

3. Make a request for infor-mation - if something is not understood about a resolution, or the facts presented are not clear, etc.

4. Make a parliamentary inquiry - if the member does not understand the parliamentary situation, or wants to know what kind of motion to use, or what to say to accomplish his objective, etc.

KINDS OF MOTIONS

1. Main Motions are made to bring any particular subject before the assembly for its consideration. The Main Motion is the foundation on which all procedure is built. Only one Main Motion may be pending at a time.

2. Subsidiary Motions are those which help or assist in disposing of the Main Motion in the most appropriate way. There are seven: postpone

indefinitely, amend, commit or refer, postpone to a definite time, limit or extend debate, previous question, and lay on the table.

3. Privileged Motions have no connection with the Main Motion, but are of such great importance that they take precedence over all other questions. They are: call for orders of the day, question of privilege, recess, adjourn, fix time to adjourn to.

4. Incidental Motions are such as arise out of another question which is pending, for example, close nominations, division of question, division of assembly, etc.

FREQUENTLY USED PROCEDURES AND POINTS

Following is information on a few of the most commonly used proce-dures and points in any assembly.

Amendments

• These are the most commonly used of the subsidiary motions. Forms of amendments are: inserting or adding, striking out, striking out and inserting or adding, substituting (a whole resolution).

• Amendments must be germane to the motion, that is, they must relate to it, although they may not change an affir-mative motion to negative.

• Amendments to the 2nd degree only are permitted, that is, an amendment to

I. ORIENTATION


an amendment. Also, only one amendment of the 1st degree is permitted at a time, although any number may be offered in succession.

Substitute

• A subsidiary motion to sub-stitute is actually an amend-ment, and is basically handled as such. (This amendment is often called “substitute motion,” although this is not the best form and is often confusing.)

• A motion to substitute is different from other forms of amendments in that it can do away entirely with the original resolution. It is also different because the original motion may be amended by secondary amendments while the substi-tute is pending.

• Since it is an amendment, two votes are always required. In other words, if the substitute has passed, all that has been decided is to substitute that paragraph or motion for the original one. The substitute has then become the main

motion, is open for discussion, and must be voted on.

Previous Question

• The name of this motion is a little confusing, but it is sim-ply a motion to stop debate and vote immediately on the pending question. It requires a 2/3 vote and is not debatable.

• Calling out “Question!” does not bind the Chair imme-diately to stop debate and call for the vote. Only the formal motion of the Previous Question and its adoption can do this: “I move the Previous Question.”

• This motion may apply just to an amendment or any motion. If unqualified, it applies only to the immediately pending motion. If so stated, it may also apply to everything pending - back to the main motion, and is stated as “I move the Previous Question on all pending motions.”

(Lay on the Table)

• The motion to lay on the table sets the pending business

aside temporarily to take up something else of immediate urgency. It may not be quali-fied in any way, for example, “I move to lay on the table the motion until tomorrow.” If qualified in any way, it is actually a motion to postpone to a certain time.

• The above distinction is important, because a motion to lay on the table is not debatable, but a motion to postpone it to a certain time is debatable. The motion to lay on the table requires only a majority vote.

Reconsider

• This motion must be made by someone who voted on the winning side when the vote was taken on the motion it is proposed to reconsider. (It may be seconded by anyone.)

• This motion is in order only on the day the original vote was taken or the next succeeding day. After that the motion to rescind must be used.

I. ORIENTATION


The chair shall see that the agenda is followed as closely as possible.

Each member of the convention, when recognized by the chair, shall state his or her name, the congregation represented and its location, and indicate pastoral voting delegate, lay voting dele-gate or advisory delegate status.

VOTING DELEGATE PROCEDURES

Voting delegates must wear their badges at all sessions and sit in the section reserved for voting members.

Only delegates wearing voting delegate badges and seated in the section designated for them will be allowed to vote using the electronic voting system. Delegates may vote only on their assigned individual keypad.

Voting shall ordinarily be accom-plished by use of an electronic response system that requires delegates to be in their seats during the times when such voting will occur. When the electronic system is not used, the Chair, on motions before the convention, shall request a voice vote or call for the raising of the right hand or use any other appropriate means of non-electronic voting.

VOTING DELEGATES, ADVISORY DELEGATES, GUESTS

Only voting delegates may intro-duce motions, speak on the floor of the Convention and vote.

Advisory delegates may speak, but not vote.

Non-delegate guests may attend and observe convention sessions, but are entitled to neither voice nor vote while the Convention is in session.

Upon proper clearance by the registration chairman, a person registered as an alternate voting delegate may be transferred from alternate to voting delegate at any time during the business sessions of the convention and shall retain the position of voting delegate throughout the remain-der of the convention.

Discussion will be limited to two minutes for each voting or advisory delegate on each motion or resolution. No one may speak more than twice to each question. If necessary, floor committees will be granted additional time for response to questions, provision of additional information, etc. The chair shall have discretion to make exceptions to this rule.

While any voting delegate may move to close debate (called the question) at any time that it is his or her turn to speak, a vote on closing debate (two thirds vote required) on the pending motion shall be put by the chair after every 20 minutes of debate. The chair may also call for a vote on closing debate (two thirds vote required) when in his judgment the assembly has heard sufficient speaking from both sides of the issue.

If a substitute motion is offered and seconded, the presenter shall be offered two minutes to

provide the rationale or offering it and a member of the floor committee shall be offered two minutes to present rationale for why the committee believes the original motion is to be preferred. The convention shall decide by majority vote without further debate whether or not to consider the substitute. If the decision is in the affirmative and if the substitute motion is subsequently adopted, the original motion dies. If the substitute motion does not receive favorable action either to consider or adopt, the original motion is again considered. (This is the so-called Behnken rule for dealing with substitute motions.)

Whenever an amendment is offered from the floor that seeks to make it editorial or other helpful suggestions to a pending resolution coming from a floor committee, the chair of the floor committee shall have the option of accepting such an amendment. If it is accepted, then the amend-ment is made without further debate or formal vote of the assembly.

No motion to reconsider or rescind shall be made or called up during the last day of the convention.

Any voting delegate who has spoken to an issue may not call the question to cease debate at the end of his/her speech.

Resolutions or motions from the convention floor, offered by voting delegates, may be brought to the attention of the delegates only between agenda items, as the

PROPOSED STANDING RULES

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chair moves to a new item on the agenda. Please address the chair, “Mr. Chairman”.

A motion from the floor of the convention must be presented in writing and signed by the delegate who offers the motion. A copy is to be handed both to the secretary and to the chair at or prior to the time of presentation of the motion.

The Chair shall have the privilege of calling up for action resolutions which, in his judgment, must be acted upon by the convention before adjournment.

Proposed resolutions prepared by the floor committees, which are not acted upon by the convention before adjournment, die.

Area Vice Presidents will be ranked using three successive ballots. The first ballot will be used to rank the 1st Vice Presi-dent (until one candidate receives a majority). The second ballot will be used with the remaining candidates to rank the 2nd Vice President (until one candidate receives a majority). The final ballot will rank the 3rd and 4th Vice Presidents.

16. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Unless covered by these stand-ing rules of the convention, parliamentary procedure shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless in conflict with the Bylaws of the

Texas District and/or The Luther-an Church―Missouri Synod.

The parliamentarian shall inter-pret the rules and advise the chair on parliamentary procedure when necessary and/or when asked to do so.

Announcements necessary during the convention should be handed to the pages, who will deliver them to the District Convention Office. At the chairman’s dis-cretion, announcements will be posted.

Use of sound producing or com-munication devices such as pagers and telephones are not permitted on the convention floor, except by convention staff.

I. ORIENTATION


PURPOSE OF PARLIAMENTARY LAW AND PROCEDURE

The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to carry out the aims of the assembly in an orderly and fair manner, to expedite business, to insure justice and fairness to all, both the majority and the minority.

It is not the purpose of parlia-mentary procedure to make the

conduct of business in an assem-bly difficult, or to entangle an assembly in technicalities, or to provide a channel for individuals to flaunt their parliamentary knowledge.

Above all, there should be a spirit of Christian love and trust.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE

The motions or points listed below, 1 through 9, are in order of precedence.

In other words:

When any of them is pending, you may not introduce one listed below it.

You may introduce one that is listed above it.

You want To: You Say

May speaker be interrupt-ed to make this motion?

Is Second Required?

Is Motion Debatable?

Can This Motion be Amended?

Is Vote Required?

What % Required?

1. AdjournI move we adjourn.

No Yes No No Majority

2. RecessI move we recess.


3. Register a complaint

Point of privilege, Mr. Chairman.

Yes No No NoNo vote required

4. Suspend further consideration (To table)

I move to table this matter.


5. End discussionI move the previous question.

No Yes No No 2/3 vote

6. Postpone consideration

I move we postpone this matter until…

No Yes Yes Yes Majority

7. Have further study on matter

I move we refer this matter to a commit-tee.


8. Amend a motion

I move this be amended to read…


9. Introduce a matter of business

I move that… No Yes Yes Yes Majority

A PRIMER OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

I. ORIENTATION


The items listed below are general points, proposals and motions, and they have no order of procedure over one another. You may introduce any one of them at any time, except:

When a motion to adjourn is pending;

When a motion to recess is pending;

When a point of privilege is pending.

You Want To: You Say:

May Speaker Be Interrupt-ed to Make This Motion?

Is Second Required?

Is Motion Debatable

Can This Motion Be Amended?

Is Vote Re-quired? What % Required?

1. Object to error in procedure due to a personal affront.

Point of Order Yes No No No No

2. Request for information.

Point of Information.Yes, if urgent No No No No

3. Verify voice vote by taking actual count.

I call for a division of the house.

No No No No

No, unless someone

objects; then majority

4. Object to consider a matter you think improper

I object to con-sideration of this question.

Yes No No No Yes - 2/3

5. Take up a matter which has been tabled.

I move we take from the table

No Yes No No Yes, majority

6. Reconsider matter already disposed of

I move we recon-sider our action relative to…

Yes Yes

Yes, if original

motion was debatable

No Majority

7. Consider matter out of scheduled order

I move we suspend rules and consider…

No Yes No No 2/3

8. Vote on a ruling of the chair

I appeal the chair’s decision.

Yes Yes

Yes, if original

motion was debatable

No Majority

I. ORIENTATION


SPECIAL GUESTSSPONSORS

Concordia University Texas

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company

Legacy Deo ≈ Lutheran Foundation of Texas

Texas District Church Extension Fund

Texas Partners in Mission

Thrivent Financial

UpBring

VENDORS

Apple of His Eye Ministries, Georgetown, Texas

Bethlehem Christian Families, Fort Worth, Texas

Christian Bible Scholars, LLC, Peoria, Arizona

Concordia Plans Services, St. Louis, Missouri

Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Missouri

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Convención Nacional Hispana LCMS (LCMS Hispanic National Convention)

Cornerstone Stewardship Ministry, Colleyville, Texas

Cottonpatch Designs, Round Rock, Texas

Deaf Youth Ministry of Texas. Pflugerville, Texas

Disciples of the Way Ministries, Dallas, Texas

Educational Opportunities Tour, Mulberry, Florida

Good Shepherd Travel, Fort Worth, Texas

LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, St. Louis, Missouri

LeadaChild, Olathe, Kansas

Legacy Deo ≈ Lutheran Foundation of Texas

Lifetime Commercial Roofing, Hurst, Texas

Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs, Fort Worth, Texas

Lutheran Hour Ministries, St. Louis, Missouri

Lutheran Outdoor Ministry of Texas ≈ Camp Lone Star, La Grange, Texas

Lutherans for Life, Spring Branch, Texas

LWML Texas District

Ministry Support Services, Fort Worth, Texas

Operation Barnabas, Houston, Texas

POBLO International, Clinton Township, Michigan

Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas

T2C2, Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas

Texas Wendish Heritage Society, Giddings, Texas

Trans World Travel, St. Louis, Missouri

University Lutheran Chapel- College Station, Texas

University Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas

HONORED GUESTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison President, LCMS

Rev. Dr. Herbert Mueller, Jr.First Vice President, LCMS

Rev. Dr. Jon ViekerSenior Assistant to the President, LCMS

Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier PresidentMichigan District, LCMS

ESSAYIST AND BIBLE STUDY LEADER

Rev. Dr. Dale MeyerPresidentConcordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

CITY OF IRVING

Mayor Rick StopferIrving, Texas

HOST CONGREGATION

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 2505 W. NorthgateIrving, Texas

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Mr. John W.K. “Kirk” Overbey, PRP Austin, Texas

I. ORIENTATION

TEXAS DISTRICT 2018 CONVENTION WORKBOOK | 19II. DISTRICT REPORTS

REPORT OF THE DISTRICT PRESIDENTREV. KEN HENNINGS

INTRODUCTION

The Texas District continued adding new ministries during the last three years. There are about 415 congre-gations proclaiming God’s Word and serving people in their communities. Not all of these are “chartered” members of The Lutheran Church―Missouri Synod (LCMS), but all are engaged in the mission of God under the LCMS name. As God continues to bless the mission efforts of congregations and mission networks, the Texas District will have 25% of its congregations as other than English speaking by 2025. God is bringing the world to Texas, and the Gospel is being shared freely.

The 2018 Texas District Convention provides opportunity for us to encourage one another in working in the Lord’s vineyard right here in Texas. We also thank God for His blessings and reaffirm the power of His Word and recommit ourselves to His sending to the communities in Texas and beyond.

THEME

Our theme, “Firmly Standing, Boldly Sending,” reaffirms our foundation in God’s Word and our mission, which is God’s mission. During 2017, Christians across the world recalled the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Many circuits and congregations in the Texas District held special events and services during the month of October. We are still in this 500th year and since representatives from every area of the Texas District are present for this convention, we spend time thanking God for using Martin Luther to proclaim very clearly the Gospel message of God’s love and forgiveness through His Son Jesus.

The Rev. Dr. Herb Mueller, First Vice President of the LCMS, is the proclaimer for our convention communion service. The Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer is our Essayist/Bible Study leader. Both will help us to reflect the Reforma-tion and encourage us to be bold in our witness. The Texas District is honored to have these Christian leaders with us.

SYNOD REPORT

Many districts hold conventions during the summer months. A number are holding conventions this weekend. The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of the LCMS, is trying to attend as many district conventions as possible. Therefore, he will be with us on Friday for a few hours to present the Synod Report. He will share information about the ministries of the LCMS along with the challenges we face in this changing world. No matter what we face, we have the living and powerful Word of God to sustain us and to boldly share with the world.

DISTRICT PRESIDENT

One of the purposes of each district having a president is for the District President to make visitations on congregations and church workers in their districts. This certainly is a challenge in larger districts like Texas; however, using district staff, Vice Presidents, and circuit visitors, I have a very good knowledge of the condition of congregations and workers. The circuit visitors meet twice a year, and I spend individual time with half of the circuit visitors at each meeting, sharing and receiving information about congregations and workers. Doing this for twelve years has given me knowledge and understanding of the challenges and happenings throughout the District. This does not replace the value of personal visits with congregations and workers, and I have valued the personal visits as President.


The District President is to give vision and direction to the District in its mission and ministry efforts throughout our state. God has blessed the Texas District with a hard-working staff and with a strong commit-ment to “strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and to care for people locally and globally.” Over the years, this District has understood the power and firm foundation we have in the Word of God, and we have boldly gone throughout our state with many different ministries.

Even though God has blessed us with more ministries and congregations, this does not mean that we are perfect, or that more people do not need the love of Jesus. The population of the State of Texas continues to increase from people moving here from other states, other countries, and from babies being born. Please read the Report of The Board of Mission Administration to learn more about how God has blessed us and about a new mission emphasis as we move forward boldly.

DISTRICT STAFF

Retirements

Four staff people have retired or are retiring since our last convention. All of these people have served 20 years or more. When people with many years of experience in the District’s mission and ministry retire, God is faithful and raises up people to serve and lead into the future.

Mrs. Carole Stevenson served for 20 years as the administrative assistant to the Board of Mission Adminis-tration (BMA) and the President’s office. She supported the District staff person assigned to work with the BMA, assisted in the development of the mission budget, interacted with the mission workers throughout Texas, and assisted the President’s office in the area of travel arrangements. We thank God for the years of service Carole gave to the District.

Mr. Steve Block came to serve as the Executive Director of Texas Church Extension Fund (TxCEF) 25 years ago. He came out of a banking environment and has given great guidance to TxCEF, which is now one of the strongest and most sound church extension funds in the Synod. There were challenging issues with land and loans when Steve arrived, but he will retire with none of these issues facing TxCEF going forward. He is known for his witty humor and one-liners and his many different hats. During his 25 years, he put into place a good policy manual and worked very closely with the BMA assisting with insights and thoughtful questions. He is also known for developing the Reformation Note in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. TxCEF is in a strong financial situation to serve congregations into the future. Thanks Steve!

Mr. Bill Siegrist has served 30 years as Director of Marketing for TxCEF. Bill was the first full-time staff person for TxCEF. He served as a DCE before coming to the District office and used his connections with members and workers in making TxCEF a well-known ministry throughout the District. He launched the annual TxCEF conference to assist, encourage, and train local representatives of congregations. These representatives have shared the message of TxCEF and have encouraged financial investments in TxCEF. Bill also launched a publication, “Chatter,” sharing news and events associated with TxCEF. The District staff knows Bill for his photo abilities, taking pictures at many staff events. During the annual TxCEF conference people attending will remember Bill for comments like, “It’s time to grow” and “Change is a given, growth is a choice.” Bill has served on the staff of the District more years than has any other full-time person. Thanks, Bill, for your many years of service!

The completion of my term as Texas District President concludes my 27 years of service in District leader-ship, 15 as Mission Executive and 12 as District President. The time between the convention and August 31 will allow me to lead a smooth transition, giving the new District President an orientation to the responsibil-ities of the President’s office.

There is time set aside during the convention to recognize the retirees and to thank them for their service to the Lord and to our District.


New Staff

The District also added new staff people over the last three years. God has provided the District with won-derful people who have servant hearts and the abilities and experiences equipping them for their positions.

The Rev. Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab is the new Mission and Ministry Facilitator (MMF) for Area B of the District, following Mr. Paul Krentz. Yohannes was born and raised in Eritrea where he and his family were members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Eritrea. He has experience as a pastor in an established LCMS congregation, a mission plant, a staff person in the National Mission Office of the Synod, and the head of a foundation. He has a passion for sharing the Gospel especially with those who have not heard of Jesus – and now to the thousands of immigrants coming to Texas. Welcome Yohannes!

Mrs. Lisa Candido serves the District as the Communication Director. She is a lifelong Lutheran growing up with her father being a pastor and professor. She has worked for a number of communication and marketing companies. Since becoming part of the Texas District staff, the communication pieces and interest in what is happening in the District have increased. Lisa is our Convention Manager and supports the development of many District conferences. She is part of the President’s Team and keeps the District and Synod informed about the hurricane relief efforts the District is supporting. Welcome Lisa!

Ms. Cindy Hilewitz is a new administrative assistant in the President’s office. Before moving to Texas, Cindy served as the administrative assistant to the President of the Southeastern District for over 20 years. She has been instrumental in supporting the President as he served as the Chairman of the Council of Presidents of the Synod. She, along with Gwendolyn Hohle, handle the many processes in the President’s office. Welcome Cindy!

After serving as Senior Vice President of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), Mrs. Becca Jones is the new Executive Director of TxCEF. The leaders and workers of LCEF have very favorable comments about Becca and her accomplishments over her years at LCEF. She is a hard worker and has a deep love for Jesus. She has attended many TxCEF annual conferences and has a good knowledge of TxCEF and the ministries of the District. Welcome Becca!

Mrs. Julie Tucker is overseeing and coordinating the District’s disaster response efforts related to Hurricane Harvey. She has had many years of experience with disaster relief and other ministries. She has been instru-mental in securing equipment and materials free of charge or at low cost. She is known by city mayors in the affected areas and by the governor’s office. These officials are aware of what the Texas District is doing to help with the relief efforts. Julie is overseeing the work of our site leaders as well as assisting in the setting up of more sites. Her presence and expertise have allowed other District staff to continue their vital minis-tries with very little interruptions. Thanks Julie and welcome!

Other District Staff

The MMFs, Jon Braunersreuther, Yohannes Mengsteab, Steve Misch, and Mike Newman have assisted new mission starts as well as existing congregations. They are instrumental in the vacancy process by leading congregations through the “Pastor Profile Survey.” They have helped establish congregations and new starts with demographic information of the areas surrounding the ministries. They are a blessing to our mission and ministries.

This past year, Jon Braunersreuther, Steve Misch, and Mike Newman also spent many hours in support of congregations, professional church workers, and members of congregations affected by Hurricane Harvey. They have been available to local people and Synod leaders.

The District Treasurer, Mrs. Linda Hagge, oversees the gifts of God’s people given to the District for its work in Texas and throughout the world through the LCMS. She is conscientious about managing our resources so that support to congregations and the mission expansion are funded. Her office also assists many congre-gational treasurers in carrying out their responsibilities on the local level. Her office annually updates and posts the salary guidelines for church workers.


Dr. Bill Hinz and his office support over 100 congregations with an early childhood center or elementary/secondary school. His office assists in the placement and calls of commissioned ministers, support of princi-pals, and offers a number of conferences to help new teachers/principals and workers in areas of classroom education. Our early childhood centers and schools provide a special opportunity to share the Gospel with children and parents.

Mr. Lanny Moore serves as the Executive Director of Texas Partners in Mission (TPIM). He plays an important part for the continued mission movement of the District. One hundred percent of the financial gifts given through TPIM are used for the support of new ministries. Lanny is available to make a presentation about the mission program of the District and to share about the ministry of TPIM.

Mrs. Gwendolyn Hohle and Ms. Cindy Hilewitz serve as administrative assistants in the President’s office. Together they maintain the personnel records and LCMS Roster Forms for all pastors, congregation files, and assist vacant congregations in the call process. They manage the ever-changing database by updating contact information and creating lists and reports of District pastors and congregations. These women work closely with the administrative assistants of the other districts. Along with phone calls, correspondence, and other activities of the President’s office, they keep the office humming.

The President’s Team consists of the President, the two administrative assistants, the Communication Director (Lisa Candido), and the office manager (Meredith Wright). This team coordinates upcoming events including the President’s travels, responsibilities, and conferences. They work with deadlines and the overall projects and activities of the President’s office.

Mr. Keith Howanitz keeps the District office and staff productive with computer services. Electronic com-munication is vital to communication today, and as Director of Information Technology, Keith keeps up with the latest in the field and the security threats that come with this type of communication.

DCE Paul Krentz, in his retirement, continues to give part-time leadership to Directors of Christian Edu-cation (DCEs) and youth workers in the District. He assists congregations calling commissioned workers for parish ministry, planning the DCE retreats, and developing “Glory Bound,” our District youth gathering.

Other staff serving in our various offices of the District are dedicated workers who understand and support our mission. They work at adapting to new demands and challenges in their respective areas. It is truly an honor and joy to work with such committed people!

The Texas District has also been blessed with auxiliary ministries that support the mission. Concordia Univer-sity Texas and CANDO ministry, Upbring (formerly Lutheran Social Services), Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, Legacy Deo (formerly Lutheran Foundation of Texas), Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Lutheran Laymen’s League, and Lutherans for Life all contribute to the vital support of mission and ministry to con-gregations and their members.

WEBSITE

The Texas District’s website provides a wealth of information for individuals and congregations. It hosts a variety of forms and checklists to assist congregations experiencing a vacancy or other ministry needs. The website contains a vast amount of information regarding the mission movement in Texas, including mission planting educational pieces. Information on upcoming District events, where and how to register, and agendas are found on the site. Resources on stewardship, calling a pastor, Mission and Ministry Facilitators, Texas Partners in Mission, CEF, school ministry, and other areas are all accessible. The website provides an opportunity for people to sign up for our mission prayer ministry and to receive weekly prayer updates about missionaries and ministry. You can also find website links to Synod, Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, and UpBring posted for your convenience. The Texas District website’s address: www.txlcms.org.

http://www.txlcms.org


DISTRICT FINANCES

The Treasurer’s Report is in another part of this convention workbook. Financial challenges facing congrega-tions are many and yet their generosity continues to be a blessing to the mission and ministry of the Texas District. Thank you for your important support!

Regulations on how to manage a budget and how to report financial information change almost yearly. Today a corporation cannot report moneys coming from unappropriated surplus as income, but must show a deficit budget to be able to use these funds. The District’s Board of Directors did approve a deficit budget for 2017, but only used a small amount of the budgeted deficit to end with a balanced budget. Linda Hagge works closely with the District’s auditor to make sure the District is reporting financial information accurately and clearly. Budget information is available through the treasurer’s office.

By and large, the largest income received by the District is from congregations. Other revenue sources are not able to replace any shortfalls from congregational giving to the District. Giving from congregations is and will continue to be the backbone of the District’s ability to begin new congregations and support existing congregations.

VICE PRESIDENTS/CIRCUIT VISITORS

The Texas District is truly blessed to have dedicated men serving as Vice Presidents (Rev. Ralph Hobratschk, Rev. Eloy Gonzalez, Rev. Mark Barz, and Rev. Dale Snyder) and circuit visitors. All of them are an extension of the President’s office and have graciously given many hours over the years. First Vice President Ralph Hobratschk has completed his twelve years serving in this capacity. He has been a blessing to the District. Fourth Vice President Dale Snyder has decided not to allow his name to stand for reelection. He has repre-sented Area A well over many years. We ask God’s blessings on these two men as they continue to minister where God has called them.

The Vice Presidents oversee the pre-seminary interviews, and they attend, preach and/or officiate at many ordinations, installations, funerals, major congregational events, and support professional church workers in their area. Meeting one day before the Board of Directors’ meetings, they have given counsel and support to the District President. It has been a joy and honor working with such great churchmen.

I also appreciate and thank God for the circuit visitors of our District and the commitment they have given through their office. Circuit visitors work closely with vacant congregations and with the Mission and Ministry Facilitators. They meet regularly with the pastors of their circuit for mutual support and growth and are usually the first ones to know of congregational issues or professional church worker challenges. They re-spond in ways to bring encouragement and support. These men have been very supportive of the President’s office and the District.

ABLAZE!

Ablaze! was an effort of the LCMS to start 2,000 new ministries throughout the Synod. This focus was to be carried out from 2004-2017. The Texas District set an Ablaze! goal of starting 200 new Word and Sacrament congregations where Word and Sacraments happened on a regular basis.

The Texas District was blessed to add 122 new congregations during this time period. Even though we did not meet our goal, we learned new ways of starting congregations with fewer dollars needed. The number of partnerships proved to be very important and will be in the years ahead.

Another learning from this Ablaze! effort is that the involvement of lay people is very important in any new start. Going forward, using trained lay people to establish the foundation of a new start or to begin new Word and mercy ministries will be a key in reaching people with the Good News.

Between 2004 and 2017, The Texas District started more new congregations than any other district in the Synod by a large margin — almost double. We can celebrate this, but we recognize that none of this would


have happened without God blessing our effort. Ablaze! has been a blessing to the District in its mission efforts! To God be all glory and honor.

HURRICANE HARVEY

In 2017, the state of Texas experienced the largest hurricane to hit the United States mainland. Areas from Corpus Christi through Houston to the Golden Triangle were affected. The property damage and number of people touched by this storm were great. People helping people was front and center – from boat rescues to mucking out homes to feeding and caring for people. The amount of relief moneys given to the District from congregations, people, and Synod is staggering. Every dollar received is being used to give assistance and help to the thousands affected by this storm.

Partnerships between congregations in Houston forming “Hearts for Texas” doing disaster relief out of Salem (Tomball), Trinity (Klein), and Gloria Dei (Nassau Bay) was a joy to watch. Many other congregations immediately started ministering to the people and their needs in communities around them. Hope, Winnie, has adopted a smaller community outside Winnie to serve people in need. Many volunteers are coming from across the United States to these sites and the sites operated by the District.

The District has mainly focused its work in the Coastal Bend area and in the Golden Triangle area. These two large areas involve smaller communities that have not had the attention or resources the Houston area has had.

Synod has been very supportive of the efforts of the District to assist professional church workers, congrega-tions, and other people in need. Their partnership enabled the District to do more ministry than we could do on our own. More information about this work will be shared during the convention. God has opened many doors for partnerships of many kinds and has given Lutherans the opportunity to share God’s peace and love with many.

CONCLUSION

God used a monk named Martin Luther to begin a reformation of the Roman Church. Luther would take a bold stand on the Word of God and the grace and forgiveness it proclaimed. He would stake his life on the clear teachings of the Scriptures and not rely on the teachings of Councils or even the Pope’s decrees.

We will remember Luther’s boldness as we thank God for His grace and mercy. We, too, “firmly stand” on the truth of God’s Word and encourage others to stand with us, especially as the world around us wants to disregard God’s Word. Our sure hope is built on nothing else.

God’s Holy Word is active and alive. It not only gives us a sure foundation of faith but its truth gives us the boldness to share our faith, life, and hope in Jesus with others, especially those living in Texas.

The resurrected Christ revealed Himself to the disciples behind locked doors, and it changed everything. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, the church throughout the ages has boldly taken this Good News to the world. Sin, death, and Satan are conquered, and God’s kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit is being preached. Let us boldly go throughout Texas with this same message.


FIRST VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORTREV. RALPH W. HOBRATSCHK – AREA D

Senior Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, Friendswood

Area D of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri is comprised of over 130 congregations and min-istries in the greater Houston area ranging from Orange to Bryan to Brenham to Victoria, Texas. The Houston area has regained its status as an economic engine for larger growth in the State, drawing large numbers of new people to the petro-chemical, construction, and service industries. These folks are from other States and countries. A significant portion of the new word and sacrament ministry starts in the Houston area are non-English speaking ministries. The nations of the world to which we are sent are becoming our very neigh-borhoods! The past triennium has proven to be a most exciting time for the Church in Area D.

OFFICIAL ACTS:

Ordinations–2Installations–14Pre-seminary Interviews–19Visits to Congregations/Pastors–12

Funerals–7Decommission–1Other Encounters–17

These events demonstrate the highs and lows of the life of congregations and pastors that impact the King-dom. It has be my privilege to participate in these life events with the people of God.

• Hurricane Harvey flooding inundated the Houston area with some 55”+ of rain. Parishioners and church buildings sustained damage as did the general population. We in Friendswood had over 3,000 homes flood damaged. We continue to recover. The Texas District relief efforts of both dollars and people power demonstrated the Body of Christ in action for those effected. The churches of the Area stepped up as well to supply our need. We are thankful to them and to Julie Tucker.

• Area D rejoiced to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the posting of the Ninety-five Theses and the impact of the Reformation this past October. Area churches gathered at St. Mark for worship, education and interaction. Job well done!

• LINC Houston, even with changes in leadership, continues to be a mission driven enterprise demonstrat-ing what the Church of the next generation might look like. We must begin to see ourselves as a first century mission movement in light of the diminished understanding of Christendom in our society. LINC’s leaders and mission planters continue to expand the boundaries of mission as they reach out to diverse populations and involve them in a movement.

• The bi-monthly meetings of the Board of Directors continues to offer insight to the workings of the District and synod, leadership opportunities, and fiscal responsibility for me. The retreats of the Circuit Visitors continue to offer opportunity to interact with fine, elected leaders of the District. Conferences continue to inspire me to service because of the service of others. Audit Committee, Floor Committee, Synodical Con-vention and District Reconciler Training round out areas of service to you and the Texas District at large.

• The challenges for the next triennium in Area D revolve around accelerating numerical growth and mission outreach. There are more people who do not know Jesus. We must be “mission-eyed!”

• My personal thanks to the Area D Interview Committee comprised of The Reverend Steve Henze, Mr. John Williams of Hope Lutheran and Mrs. Debbie Baccke of LSA. Your commitment to Pre-Sem Interviews was unflagging.

• The Vice Presidents of the Texas District serve at the pleasure and need of the District President. Thank you for the opportunity to do so for the service of Jesus Christ and you for these last three years.

II. DISTRICT REPORTS


• A final personal note: At the end of this term as your Vice President, I will have concluded twenty-sevenyears of continuous service to the Texas District: twelve years as District Secretary, a term on the Boardof Mission Administration and four elections to the Vice Presidency. Thank you for trusting me with theseresponsibilities and giving me the privilege to serve our Lord Jesus and you, The Texas District, the bestdistrict by far!

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORTREV. ELOY S. GONZÁLEZ – AREA BSenior Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Irving

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1.3-6; The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.)

1. OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION OF AREA GROWTH/CHANGES DURING THE PAST TRIENNIUM

Joy – a key word in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians – is also a sentiment that drives much of what happens in Area B of the Texas District – LCMS. Think about it: we are invited to be co-partners in the Gospel with the living, loving Lord who is in the process of restoring a fallen humanity and creation; Joy! As we share the good news of God’s free gift of salvation; Joy! As God engages us and empowers us through his word and sacraments; Joy! As we share the peace of God that passes all understanding; Joy! As we watch God mend broken lives and spirits; Joy! As we watch the gates of hell fall again and again and the Kingdom of Light advance in place after place; Joy! As brothers and sisters in Christ follow the Lord of the universe as He advances his message of salvation to the far reaches of our communities, cities, states – even to the ends of the earth; Joy!

Area B is big: from the Texas – Louisiana / Arkansas border; to the Texas – Oklahoma border; encompassing the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex and back south to just about Austin. There are places that are as urban as urban can be and places that are as rural as rural can be. People from all over the world live here. Many languages are spoken here. And we are privileged - blessed beyond all joy – to connect and share the Gospel with these friends and neighbors. Joy!

God’s people who belong to Area B congregations have joyfully and faithfully been served by their pastors. Children have been joyfully brought up in the faith. Lay-leaders, teachers and DCEs and other church work-ers have joyfully fulfilled their vocations as we worship together, grow in faith and love together, and serve our neighbors. Joy!

We are thankful that God has given us the privilege of being co-laborers with Christ. We are thankful for the nurturing love with which He has showered us through Word and Sacrament. We are thankful for God’s ministering Spirit. Joy!

2. SUMMARY OF PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS AND OFFICIAL ACTS

Ordinations and Installations:

Ordinations: 8Installations: 18Convene Pre-Seminary Interview Committee: 14Funerals / Memorial Services: 3

Celebrations (pastor / congregation anniversaries, etc.): 3Meetings (Circuit, BOD, Circuit Visitor Conferences, etc.): 18Other service to pastors and God’s people: 8



3. MAJOR EVENTS/ASSIGNMENTS IN AREA B

During this triennium, we were blessed to have Rev. Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab accept the call to serve as Mis-sion and Ministry Facilitator for this area. His energy and vision were quickly felt and have resulted in new directions and encouragement for mission endeavors in Area B. Through his dedicated leadership, we have a renewed sense of missional vision and direction. He has come next to many workers and congregations to encourage them and to serve and minister to them during difficult times. And He has brought encouraging Christ-centered messages when he has preached at our places of worship and blessed us with his joyful approach to ministry. We are thankful to God for his service among us!

4. CIRCUIT CHALLENGES AND CELEBRATIONS

It has been a wonderful joy and privilege for me to serve the pastors and people of God in Area B of the Texas District – LCMS! Don’t get me wrong – there are times when the issues we needed to tackle became burdensome. At times pastors struggle with the challenges they face and in their personal lives; congre-gations also struggle with financial issues and with conflicts. At times joy seems elusive. The challenge is always to bring comfort, peace, reassurance and hopefully a measure of wisdom when brothers and sisters in Christ face problems. These times have presented the opportunity to pray and to point to the “One” who invited us to cast our cares upon Him. Thank you for letting me serve among you!

The thriving Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex and other urban areas are a microcosm of the greater “fields white and ready for harvest” pointed out by our Lord Jesus. We have the opportunity to share the Gospel with millions just outside our doorways. Our expansive rural locales present us with both the challenge and the opportunity to ensure that the Gospel is available to people in sparsely populated and distant places. To top it all off, many “nations, tribes, people and languages” are present among us. Not to mention the fact that here we have a thriving Millennial population that challenges us to find ways to make the church relevant to them. This is both an important group – the largest generation since the Baby Boomers – as well as the most unchurched generation. Hey – these young people are our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

God has been stirring the hearts and minds of the people in this Area. LINC – North Texas is redefining its mission to include a renewed effort to engage in church planting as well as continuing its school em-powerment and financial education ministries. Disciples of the Way continues to redefine its mission and to strengthen its ministry to make Gospel inroads into the Muslim community. The Eternity Matters Most Network has focused on developing new leaders and has prepared a number of SMP trained pastors to help in its church planting efforts. The new kid on the block, the Together Transforming Churches and Communities network (T2C2 for short), is now working on revitalizing the outreach efforts of the fourth network related congregation. A new movement to reach the thousands of people living in apartment complexes through Apartment Ministry has been launched with encouraging reports. A new Evangelist Training Program is also well underway.

The Lord continues to move and be active among us. Much is happening as He continues to empower and encourage Gospel proclamation in Area B; Joy!

5. FUTURE VISION FOR AREA B

The mission of the Texas District – LCMS is: To strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people – locally and globally. The faithful congregations, teachers, church workers and pastors in Area B live out this mission on a daily basis. My prayer is that the future for Area B of the Texas District LCMS look something like this:

Encouraging unity around the Cross through faithful Word and Sacrament ministry for the congregations and brethren in Area B;

Equipping and training evangelists through local intensive classes and sending these new workers into the Area B mission fields;



Gathering a cadre of “Apostolic Missionaries” to help lead evangelists in the establishment of new Word & Sacrament ministries;

Preparing those who are particularly suited for rostered work through seminary education;

Promoting collaboration among congregations so that through establishment of partnerships and missional networks we can encourage and support each other in the task of reaching the lost, discipling the saved and caring for people.

6. CONCLUSION

This report opened with Philippians and I want to close with Philippians as well: If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1.22-26; The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.)

We are blessed – whether looking forward to an eternity with Christ – or present as his co-laborers, yoked together with Him, as He leads us forward; Joy! It is worth a Doxology:

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORTREV. MARK D. BARZ – AREA C

Senior Pastor, Crown of Live Ev. Lutheran Church, San Antonio

As I write this in the Lenten season of the Church Year, I’ll begin with these words from the twelfth chapter of Hebrews as they are phrased in the Gradual for Lent: “Come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who, for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

It has been a joy and an honor to serve the saints of the Texas District by serving under and with President Kenneth Hennings as Area C Vice President of the Texas District for a second triennium. While a certain amount of my time given in this role has been to attend meetings, the greatest joy is in seeing first-hand the sharing and living of the Gospel in the congregations and by the servants – lay and Called – across South Texas. The people of God scattered from the rolling hill country, to the flat coastal plain, to the valley, in small towns, in farm and ranch settings, and in cities from Round Rock to Laredo, from Harlingen to Kerrville are, indeed, fixing their eyes on Jesus – crucified, raised, and glorified – that they might live and share the Good News of our salvation.

With the winds and deluge of Hurricane Harvey in late August and early September, several congregations of the coastal bend were significantly impacted. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we especially strive to support – with prayers, gifts, and labor – Faith of Aransas Pass and Peace of Rockport as they regain strength for mission and ministry.

Throughout the past three years, I have represented our District President – and all the people and minis-tries of our District – at Ordinations and Installations, at congregational anniversaries, and at funerals of Called workers whose souls have been called into our Lord’s gracious and glorious presence. I have visited each Circuit Conference of Area C, worshiping and studying, learning and listening, encouraging and praying for and with the pastors who are striving to faithfully share our Lord’s gifts in Word and Sacraments. At the



biannual Circuit Visitors Conferences, I have also attempted to listen and to learn from the Area C Circuit Visitors and continue to rejoice in their unselfishness and faithfulness.

One of the most gratifying – yet challenging – roles given to the Area Vice President is to coordinate and conduct interviews with those men applying for admission to one of our seminaries. My volunteer committee has been tireless and focused in carrying out this important task. We are all thankful for the opportunity to fulfill this responsibility – even as we are thankful for future pastors and deaconesses of our LCMS who will proclaim the Gospel, witness for Christ in diverse settings, and care for the redeemed people of God.

The 90+ congregations and ministries of the Texas District in South Texas are the frontline (as are those in Areas A and B and D!) of our shared commitment to be bold in confession and witness, fervent in acts of mercy, encouraging and supportive in our life together in Jesus Christ. The challenges and the opportunities are many. Numerous congregations are striving to respond to the new and changing demographics of their communities – some by planting or moving toward the planting of new Word and Sacrament ministries – and many congregations are partnering to respond in Christ’s name to the unsaved and undiscipled people around them.

At the same time, some congregations are struggling to maintain their existence and to support a full- or part-time pastor. And a handful of congregations have ended their Gospel ministry with the prayer that this closing has not been the ending of the years of Spirit-breathed proclamation of the cross and the open tomb carried out in their parish’s lifetime – a foundation for strengthening and expanding God’s Kingdom of Grace.

The kind and caring and collegial support of President Hennings, my fellow Vice Presidents, Michael Newman (Mission & Ministry Facilitator for Area C) and the other MMFs, and our consecrated and committed District Staff members and District Office workers, have been a great blessing. I’ll especially express gratitude for the work (and the patience) of Gwendolyn Hohle and Cindy Hilewitz, Administrative Assistants to President Hennings, as I have attempted to serve in our District.

May the Lord of the Church continue to use and guide and bless all of us – in diverse settings and with dif-ferent roles and gifts – that we might separately and together “strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved and care for people.”

FOURTH VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORTREV. DALE SNYDER – AREA A

Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls

“Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come.” (Rev. 1:4)

I begin by thanking the congregations and church workers of west and north Texas for allowing me to serve as their Vice President for the past nine years. It has been an honor to represent Area A on the Texas District Board of Directors, and to serve as an extension of the President’s office to the saints in the “wild, wild west” of Texas. It has also been a tremendous blessing to be able to celebrate ministry milestones with Area A congregations and workers as they have observed installations, ordinations, anniversaries, retirements, etc., and I lift them up in my prayers as God continues to work in our midst.

So what does ministry look like in Area A of the Texas District? It is, at the same time, both exhausting and exhilarating. Ask our gifted Mission and Ministry Facilitator, Rev. Steve Misch, or any of the seven outstanding Circuit Visitors who serve in the vast expanse of Area A, and you will hear that ministry in this corner of God’s kingdom involves …

… Revitalization work for small and struggling congregations, where they are entering into partnership agreements with other established congregations to provide a renewal of ministry work in proclaiming the Gospel. One example is the work that Trinity, Amarillo is doing to revitalize the ministry at a sister congre-



gation, forming Trinity-The Woodlands (formerly Christ) to reach out to families in their Child Development Center.

… Congregations throughout the area actively working to develop and strengthen campus ministry at uni-versities and colleges. Excellent work is being done to reach students at West Texas A&M, Amarillo College, San Angelo State, and more. In addition, a partnership has been developed between Historic Redeemer, Lubbock, and the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Texas Tech, to share a pastor with the goal of increasing the Gospel presence on the university campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

… The Lutheran Literacy Project, conceived and developed by Dr. Margaret Peterson, distributing Arch Books and other religious reading materials at schools and community events in rural and remote areas with the goal of increasing literacy and sharing the Gospel. This ministry has virtually reached franchising status as congregations around Area A and beyond are now taking the initiative to distribute religious books at their own events.

… The Red River Lutheran Mission Society, formed with the goal of sending short-term mission teams to Africa, Central America, New Orleans, and now also the Texas Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Their goal: to equip and send men, women, and youth to share the love of Christ in word and deed, using the gifts God has given them to make an Gospel impact on the lives of others.

… A Comfort Dog from Lutheran Church Charities, helping to open doors for ministry work in north and west Texas. Comfort Dog Elijah is making an impact to area communities, including working with military and police personnel, to bring the comfort and presence of Christ to those in need.

It is my fervent belief that God has great plans for the building up of His Church in Area A. The saints whom God has called and equipped for service here will continue the tasks of reaching the lost and discipling the saved as God’s Spirit continues to move across the plains of west and north Texas.

Finally, I cannot adequately express my love, my thanks, and my heartfelt appreciation to my beautiful wife, Kathy, the “First Lady of Area A,” for holding down the home front as I have attended area Winkels, district meetings, and other events in carrying out the duties of my office over the past nine years. She has been a rock to me and to our family, never wavering in her support of my service in both the parish and the district.

Grace and peace to you through Jesus Christ, our crucified, risen and coming Lord!



TEXAS DISTRICT ORDAINED AND INSTALLEDAllman, Phillip J. (Fort Wayne) Ordained July 2, 2017 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Grace, Midland and installed July 2, 2017 by Rev. Robert Pase at Grace, Midland to serve Grace as Associate Pastor

Ashcraft, Karl (St. Louis) Or-dained August 29, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Water’s Edge, Frisco and installed August 29, 2015 by Rev. Mark Schaefer at Water’s Edge, Frisco to serve Water’s Edge as SMP Pastor

Bailey, Jr., Robert (St. Louis) Ordained June 11, 2017 by Rev. Karl Fay at Prince of Peace, Pal-atine, IL and installed on August 6, 2017 by Rev. Dan Schepmann at Gloria Dei, Houston to serve Gloria Dei as Associate Pastor

Bashir, Sabir Nazir (St. Louis) Ordained February 15, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Prince of Peace, Carrollton and installed February 15, 2015 by Rev. Oscar Benavides at Prince of Peace, Carrollton to serve LINC North Texas as Mission Developer

Celia, Anthony M. (St. Louis) Ordained January 28, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Water’s Edge, Frisco and installed January 28, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Water’s Edge, Frisco to serve Water’s Edge as SMP Pastor

Choi, Young Chol Certified through Colloquy March 4, 2015 and installed March 20, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Peace, Hurst to serve Texas District BMA as District Missionary

Crowe, William L. (St. Louis) Ordained July 24, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Faith, George-town and installed on July 24, 2016 by Rev. Walter Pohland at Faith, Georgetown to serve Faith as Associate Pastor

Daniels, David M. (Fort Wayne) Ordained August 7, 2016 by Rev. Ray Ohlendorf at Salem, Taylors-ville, NC and installed August 14, 2016 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Zion, Tomball to serve Zion as Associate Pastor

Duffy, Joshua P. (St. Louis) Ordained June 14, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Salem, Tomball and installed July 12, 2015 by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther at Pilgrim, Houston to serve Pilgrim, Houston as Pastor

Fickenscher, James W. (St. Louis) Ordained on June 17, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden at Village, St. Louis, MO and installed July 9, 2017 by Rev. Ken Hennings at St. Paul, McAllen to serve St. Paul as Associate Pastor

Grebing, Barrett H. (St. Louis) Ordained May 31, 2015 by Rev. Stephen Sohns at Trinity, Klein and installed July 26, 2015 by Rev. Dr. L. Dean Hempelmann at ACTS,Leander to serve Texas DistrictBMA as District Missionary

Hernandez, Nelson (St. Louis) Ordained April 19, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings at LINC Houston and

installed April 19, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at LINC Houston to serve LINC as Missionary

Hills, Keith M. (St. Louis) Or-dained July 31, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Faith, Sweetwater and installed July 31, 2016 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Faith, Sweetwater to serve Faith as SMP Pastor

Hohnstadt, Kevin A. (St. Louis) Ordained Jun 11, 2017 by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther at Salem, Tom-ball and installed June 25, 2017 by Rev. Joshua Duffy at Pilgrim, Houston to serve Pilgrim as Associ-ate Pastor

Holder, Christopher S. (St. Louis) Ordained June 20, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Holy Cross, Dallas and installed June 20, 2015 by Rev. Tom Zucconi at Holy Cross Dallas to serve Holy Cross as SMP Pastor

Holschuh, Edward B. (Fort Wayne) Ordained August 13, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at St. John, Mansfield and installed September 10, 2017 by Rev. Dr. William Dasch at Zion, Alamo to serve Zion as Pastor

Hopf, Lee A. (St. Louis) Ordained June 26, 2016 by Rev. David Brighton at Mt. Calvary, Warner Robins, GA and installed July 31, 2016 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Trinity, Klein to serve Trinity as Assistant Pastor

Huston, Mark T. (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 28, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Holy Cross, Canton and installed June 28, 2015 by Rev. Paul Ferguson at Holy


Cross, Canton to serve Holy Cross as Pastor

Issak, Kbrab Certified through Colloquy January 31, 2017 and installed March 14, 2017 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Eritrean Evan-gelical, Houston to serve Eritrean Evangelical as Pastor

Jennings, James R. (St. Louis) Ordained June 28, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Faith, Hunts-ville and installed June 28, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Faith, Huntsville to serve Faith as SMP Pastor

Jones, Jarrett D. (St. Louis) Ordained January 29, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at St. John, Man-sfield and installed January 29, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at St. John, Mansfield to serve St. John as SMP Pastor

Kreig, Kelly D. (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 17, 2017 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Mt. Calvary, Eola and installed July 9, 2017 by Rev. Laurence White at Our Savior, Houston to serve Our Savior as Assistant Pastor

Kunze, Seth L. (St. Louis) Or-dained June 12, 2016 by Rev. Dwayne Lueck at St. John’s Wausau, WI and installed July 10, 2016 by Rev. Allen Doering at Christ the King, Kingwood to serve Christ the King as Associate Pastor

Lanham, Curtis L. (St. Louis) Ordained January 22, 2017 by Rev. John Davis at CrossPoint, Katy and installed January 22, 2017 by Rev. John Davis at CrossPoint, Katy to serve CrossPoint as SMP Pastor

Mayland, James L. (Fort Wayne) (Ordained June 5, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Trinity, Livingston and installed June 5, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Trinity, Livingston to serve Trinity as Pastor

Morales, Edilberta Alzate (St. Louis) Ordained February 15, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Prince of Peace, Carrollton and installed February 15, 2015 by Rev Oscar Benavides at Prince of Peace, Car-rollton to serve LINC North Texas as Hispanic Ministry Director-RSO

Nietubicz, Christopher (St. Louis) Ordained June 26, 2016 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Trinity, Klein and installed July 3, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Immanuel, Giddings to serve Immanuel as Associate Pastor

Nuttelman, Christopher K. (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 14, 2015 by Rev. James De Loach at Zion, Kearney, NE and installed June 28, 2015 by Rev. Mark Barz at Crown of Life, San Antonio to serve Crown of Life as Associate Pastor

Pulliam, Mark T. (St. Louis) Ordained February 22, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Mt. Calvary, San Antonio and installed Febru-ary 22, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Mt. Calvary, San Antonio to serve Mt. Calvary as Associate Pastor

Scott, Tobin L. (St. Louis) Or-dained June 11, 2017 by Rev. Peter Lange at Bethany, Eldon, MO and installed July 9, 2017 by Rev. John Heckmann at Immanuel, Copperas Cove to serve Immanuel as Pastor

Smith, Garrett (St. Louis) Or-dained June 21, 2015 by Rev. Randall Bard at Bethel, Bryan and installed June 28, 2015 by Rev. Michael Newman at Christ, Lincoln to serve Christ as Pastor

Smith, Harry R. (St. Louis) Or-dained July 24, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzales at Our Redeemer, Irving and installed July 24, 2016 by Rev. Robert Hemsath at Our Redeemer, Irving to serve Our Redeemer as Assistant Pastor

Thompson, David R. (St. Louis) Ordained January 17, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Our Savior, McKinney and installed January 17, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzales at Our Savior, McKinney to serve Our Savior as SMP Pastor

Torea, Eduardo J., (St. Louis) Ordained October 23, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Peace, Garland and installed October 23, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at Peace, Garland to serve Peace as Associ-ate Pastor

Trempala, Daniel S. (St. Louis) Ordained July 24, 2016 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Redeemer, Cisco and installed July 24, 2016 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Redeemer, Cisco to serve Redeemer at Pastor

Weider, Michael J. (St. Louis) Ordained June 28, 2015 by Rev. John Davis at Memorial, Katy and installed July 28, 2015 by Rev. John Davis at Memorial, Katy to serve Memorial as Associate Pastor

Williamson, Peter C. (St. Louis) Ordained June 11, 2017 by Rev. Robert Pase at Holy Cross, Midland and installed June 11, 2017 by Rev. Robert Pase at Holy Cross, Midland to serve Holy Cross as Pastor


Winters, Thomas J. (St. Louis) Ordained August 16, 2015 by Rev. Bill Tucker at Concordia, San Anto-nio and installed August 16, 2015 by Rev. Bill Tucker at Concordia, San Antonio to serve Concordia as SMP Pastor

Yadessa, Solomon E. Certified through Colloquy August 10, 2015 and installed March 20, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Peace, Hurst to serve Texas District BMA as District Missionary

Yoseph, Demelash Oumer Certified through Colloquy May 10, 2014 and installed March 30, 2017 by Rev. Mark Junkans at Emmaus, St. Paul, MN to serve LINC Inter-national as a Missionary at Large

TEXAS DISTRICT ORDAINED TRANSFERRED AND INSTALLED

Adamson, Terrance S., Pastor, St. Paul, Amherst, OH to Pastor, St. Mark, Lake Jackson, November 15, 2015 by Rev. Alan Taylor

Adler, David L., Candidate to Pastor, Bethlehem, Palestine, August 7, 2016 by Rev. Dennis Bragdon

Ahlman, Christopher S., Candi-date to Associate Pastor, Memori-al, Houston, October 22, 2017 by Rev Dr. Scott Murray

Alzate, Edilberto, LINC North Texas RSO to Associate Pastor, Bethel, Dallas July 2, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzales

Anderson, R. Danny, Pastor, Holy Cross, Midland to Sr/Admin Pastor, Christ Memorial, Houston, November 22, 2015 by Rev. Jerry McNamara

Askins, Roy S., Pastor, Trinity, Livingston to Missionary, LCMS International Missions-Hong Kong, April 5, 2015 by Rev. James Woelmer

Bass, David J., Pastor, St. Paul, Chicago, IL to Pastor, Hosanna, Kerrville, July 28, 2015 by Rev. Dr. Dan Mueller

Bauer, Allen J., Candidate to Associate Pastor, Fisher of Men,

Sugar Land, June 5, 2016 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Behrens, Matthew J., Associate Pastor, LakePointe, Hot Springs, AR to District Missionary, Texas District BMA to serve The Well, Buda March 1, 2015 by Rev. I. Melvin Newman

Benson, Thayer K., Associate Pastor, Redeemer, Peoria, IL to Associate Pastor, Resurrection, Spring, August 13, 2017 by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther

Bersche, Kenneth J., Pastor, Zion/Trinity, Vernon/Seymour to Pastor, Trinity, Sealy, June 28, 2015 by Rev. Wayne Schueler

Bontke, Jonathan C., Candidate to Pastor, Beautiful Savior, Austin, July 24, 2016 by Rev. Mark Barz

Borkenhagen, Daniel G., Candi-date to Associate Pastor, Hope, Lubbock, September 24, 2017 by Rev. Eric Hiner

Bragdon, Dennis J., (Interim) Our Redeemer, Longview to Pastor, Our Redeemer, Longview, January 11, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzales

Brown, J. David, Associate Pastor, Concordia, Fort Wayne, IN to University Faculty, Concordia University, Austin, February 29, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Brynestad, Christopher P., Associate Pastor, St. Paul, Deca-tur, AL to Associate Pastor, King of Kings, Round Rock, June 21, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Buchhorn, Michael G., Pastor, Zion, Auburn, MI to Pastor, St. Paul, Kingsville, November 29, 2015 by Rev. Kevin Jennings

Bunge, Kenneth L., RSO, Luther-an Bible Translators, San Antonio to Pastor, First, Lufkin, December 4, 2016 by Rev. Mark Barz

Cain, John W., Pastor, Gethse-mane, Houston to Pastor, Redeem-er, Nacogdoches, June 18, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Chambers, Danny E., Candidate to Pastor, Evangelists, Kingsbury, November 29, 2015 by Rev. Mark Barz

Chryst, Thomas E., Missionary, LCMS International Missions, to Associate Pastor, Messiah, Keller, May 17, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonza-les

Couchman, David M., Emeritus to Pastor, Christ the King, Victoria, July 30, 2017 by Rev. Ralph Ho-bratschk



Danner, Martin D., Associate Pastor, St. Paul, Fort Worth to Associate Pastor, Bethany, Austin, February 15, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Davidson, Seth T., Associate Pastor, Holy Cross, Nederland to Pastor, St. John, Athens, January 25, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Deterding, Shawn L., Pastor, Trinity, Salina, KS to Pastor, Beau-tiful Savior, Paris July 10, 2016 by Rev Wayne Renning

Doria, Jeffrey S., Sr/Admin Pastor, King of Kings, San Antonio to Associate Pastor, St. John, Cypress, June 5, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

DuBois, Craig, Non-Candidate to Pastor, Grace, San Marcos, September 13, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Duerr, Timothy S., Associate Pastor, St. Mark, Houston to Sr/Admin Pastor, St. Mark, Houston, January 25, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Eckert, Allan C., Pastor, St. Paul, Kingsville to Sr/Admin Pastor, Trin-ity, San Angelo, March 15, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Engel, Timothy A., Pastor, Holy Cross, Portage, IN to Pastor, Messiah, Houston, January 17, 2016 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Griffin, Benjamin, Pastor, theAl-ley, Cottage Grove, MN to RSO, LINC International, Houston, July 1, 2017 by Rev. Mark Junkans

Gruhn, Michael V., Emeritus to Pastor, Shepherd of the Prairie, Franklin, February 26, 2017 by Rev. Christopher Richardson

Gurrala, Vijay, Candidate to Pastor, Our Redeemer Telugu,

Houston, May 31, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Harrow, Gerald W., SMP, Redeem-er, Ft. Collins, CO to SMP, St. Paul, Gatesville, January 8, 2017 by Rev. John Heckmann

Hamilton, Morgan W., Candidate to Assistant Pastor, Peace, Hurst, July 12, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonza-lez

Hardaway, Matthew D., Associate Pastor, Lee’s Summit, MO to Associate Pastor, St. Paul, Waco, September 24, 2017 by Rev. David Bergman

Hartjen, Travis M., SMP, Water’s Edge, Allen to SMP, Tangible Grace, Allen, March 20, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Hawkins, Daniel D., Associate Pastor, Messiah, Charlotte, NC to Associate Pastor, CrossPoint, Katy, February 22, 2015 by Rev. Bill Woolsey

Heitshusen, Scott E., Sr/Admin Pastor, St. Mark Houston to Asso-ciate Pastor, St. Mark, Houston, January 25, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Hemsath, Robert W., Pastor, Christ the King, Waxahachie to Sr/Admin Pastor, Faith, Huntsville, January 22, 2017 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Hildebrandt, Russell C., Emeritus to Pastor (IIP), Christ the King, Waxahachie, July 23, 2017 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Holaday, Robert W., Pastor, Zion, Alamo to Pastor, Emmanuel, Littlefield, March 5, 2017 by Rev. Dale Snyder

Holder, Christopher S., SMP, Holy Cross, Dallas to SMP, Bethel, Dallas, July 2, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Hotopp, Mark A., Associate Pastor, Concordia, Garland to Associate Pastor, Water’s Edge, Frisco, November 20, 2016 by Mark Schaefer

Hull, Christopher J., Pastor, Christ, Normal, IL to Pastor, Zion, Tomball, May 24, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Hull, Robert C., Candidate to Assistant Pastor, Our Savior, Houston, September 18, 2016 by Rev. Laurence White

Issak, Kbrab, Pastor, Eritrean Evangelical, Houston to Mission-ary, LINC International, Houston, September 25, 2017 by Rev. Mark Junkans

Johnson, David A., Faculty, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis to Associate Pastor, Epiphany, Pearland, June 7, 2015 by Rev. Jon Salminen

Johnson, Gene E., Pastor, Grace, Port St. Lucie, FL to Associate Pastor, Trinity, Klein, August 30, 2015 by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther

Kalbas, Aaron, Associate Pastor, Epiphany, Pearland to Sr/Admin Pastor, St. Paul, Thorndale, June 7, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Kasper, R. “Gabe”, Missionary, Texas District to Pastor, ACTS Church, Leander, August 30, 2015 by Rev. Dr. L. Dean Hempelmann

Kieschnick, Gerald B., University Staff, Concordia University, Austin to Other Special Ministry (Legacy Deo), Texas District, January 29, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Kirklen, Donald, Emeritus to Pastor, St. Mark, Mineral Wells, November 12, 2017 by Rev. Dr. John Messmann



Laux, John A., Pastor, Trinity, Decatur, IL to Pastor, Resurrec-tion, Fredericksburg, December 13, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

LeBlanc, Robert E., (Interim) Hope, Winnie to Pastor, Hope, Winnie, October 25, 2015 by Rev. Tim Dinger

Ledlow, Landon M., Missionary, Texas District to Associate Pastor, Redeemer, Austin, August 28, 2016 by Rev. David Schroder

Liefer, Todd W., Associate Pastor, Immanuel, Wentzville, MO to Associate Pastor, Bethany, Austin, May 22, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Lo, Fungchatou T., RSO (Exec. Dir.), LINC Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN to Missionary, LINC Interna-tional, Houston, September 25, 2016 by rev. Mark Junkans

Lofgren, Richard S., Candidate to Pastor, Our Savior, Corpus Christi, May 3, 2015 by Rev. Mark Barz

Lopez, Antonio J., Pastor, Palabra de Dios, Maywood, CA to Pastor, El Calvario, Brownsville, July 31, 2016 by Rev. Mark Barz

Lutjens, Robert W., Non-Candi-date to Pastor, St. John, Wharton, August 14, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Lytle, Aaron L., Associate Pastor, Trinity, Houston to Pastor, Oikos, Houston, November 15, 2015 by Rev. Ken Hennings

McKnight, David M., Emeritus to Assistant Pastor, Concordia, San Antonio, January 31, 2016 by Rev. Bill Tucker

Meissler, Craig, SMP, Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio to SMP, Mt. Calvary, San Antonio, September 10, 2017 by Rev. Carlos Boerger

Mengsteab, Yohannes A., Associ-ate Pastor, Holy Cross, Fort

Wayne, IN to Texas District Staff (MMF), March 20, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Menke, James W., Pastor, Trinity, Waco to Pastor, St. John, Beau-mont, August 20, 2017 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Meyer, Jonathan, F., Pastor, Our Shepherd, Crosby to Pastor, Zion, Victoria, June 11, 2017 by Rev. Wayne Schueler

Miller, Joshua M., Associate Pastor, Community of Life, Ore-gon, WI to Pastor, ACTS Church, Leander, November 12, 2017 by Rev. Peter Mueller

Miller, Micah D., Associate Pastor, Prince of Peace, Carrollton to Sr/Admin Pastor, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, November 6, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Misch, Stephen “Nathan”, Pastor, Lord of Life, Corpus Christi to Associate Pastor, Epiphany, Pearland, November 6, 2016 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Morfitt, Steven A., Texas District Staff, Brownsville to Pastor, Mt. Calvary, Raymondville, May 10, 2015 by Rev. Dr. Robert Holaday

Neumann, Paul D., Pastor, Trinity, Fairfield to Pastor, Redeemer, Baytown, December 13, 2015 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk

Nischal, Jamesraj “Naveen”, Candidate to Assistant Pastor, Grace, Arlington, June 11, 2017 by rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Obersat, Sr., Thomas F., Associate Pastor, Grace, Brenham to Pastor, Ebenezer, Paige, August 27, 2017 by Rev. Carl Roth

Odom, Weslie T., Pastor, Grace Burkburnett to Pastor, Beautiful

Savior, Arlington, July 30, 2017 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Patterson, Craig A., Pastor, Messiah, Longmont, CO to Pastor, St. Paul, Wichita Falls, September 11, 2016 by Rev. Dale Snyder

Paul, Robert W., Sr/Admin Pastor, Immanuel, Roswell, NM to Asso-ciate Pastor, Memorial, Houston, August 13, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Scott Murray

Pilli, Sager, Candidate to Assistant Pastor, Memorial, Houston, No-vember 15, 2015 by Rev. Dr. Scott Murray

Pittock, Travis A., Pastor, Faith, Huntsville to Pastor, Christ, Ft. Worth, November 1, 2015 by Rev. Brian Cummins

Reedy, David D., Non-Candidate to Sr/Admin Pastor, Mt. Calvary, San Antonio, November 1, 2015 by Rev. Mark Barz

Richert, Aaron M., Associate Pastor, St. John, Fraser, MI to High School Staff, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 13, 2017 by Rev. Daniel Schepmann

Rienstra, Jan “Trey”, Pastor, Our Savior, Centerville to Pastor, Genesis, Buchanan Dam, January 17, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Rische, Scott, Associate Pastor, First, El Cajon, CA to Missionary, Texas District BMA, May 31, 2015 by Rev. Shaun Daugherty

Ristow, Jr., August K., Pastor, Zion, Fallbrook, CA to Pastor (IIP), Trinity, Woodway, November 5, 2017 by Rev. David Bergman

Rivkin, Dominic J., Sr/Admin Pastor, Trinity, Temecula, CA to Missionary, LINC Houston, Feb-ruary 15, 2015 by Rev. Dr. Larry Stoterau



Schuller, Richard L., Pastor, Messiah, Houston to Missionary, LCMS International Missions (Puerto Rico), February 21, 2015 by Rev. Theodore Krey

Stadler, Erik W., Non-Candidate to Pastor, Redeemer, Odessa, February 14, 2016 by Rev. Dale Snyder

Stark, T. Clint, Pastor, Zion, Chippewa Falls, WI to Pastor, St. John, Frisco, October 30, 2016 by Rev. Tab Ottmers

Sundbye, Scott A., Pastor, Faith, Gainesville to Pastor, First, Tex-arkana, October 9, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Tews, Mark W., Military Chaplain, LCMS Bd for Mission Services to Pastor, Trinity, Uvalde, September 4, 2016 by Rev. Mark Barz

Thomas, Jonathan R., Candidate to Sr/Admin Pastor, St. John, Mansfield, February 28, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Thompson, John L., Candidate to Pastor, St. Peter, Houston, Sep-tember 25, 2016 by Rev. David Leeland

Van Buskirk, Raymond J., Emeri-tus to Associate Pastor, Lamb of

God, Humble, May 15, 2016 by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther

Vanderbush, Neil S., Pastor, Calvary, Jacksonville, NC to Pas-tor, Christ, Lubbock, September 20, 2015 by Rev. Eric Hiner

Waiser, Walter, Emeritus to Assistant Pastor, Lamb of God, Flower Mound, October 22, 2017 by Rev. Rance Settle

Walker, Andrew J., Pastor, St. Peter’s, La Grange, MO to Texas District Missionary, September 11, 2016 by Rev. Michael Newman

Weaver, Brian S., Assistant Pastor, Concordia, Conover, NC to Asso-ciate Pastor, Gloria Dei, Houston, December 6, 2015 by Rev. Daniel Schepmann

Wehmeyer, Randall C., Pastor, Trinity, San Angelo to Pastor Divine Savior, Devine, March 13, 2016 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Zucconi, Thomas, Pastor, Christ/Shepherd, Alpharetta, GA to Sr/Admin Pastor, Holy Cross, Dallas, June 7, 2015 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez

Robb, Joseph E., Associate Pastor, Hales Corner, WI to RSO, LINC Houston, April 17, 2016 by Rev. Mark Junkans

Schroeder, David B., Associate Pastor, Our Savior, Excelsior, MN to Pastor, Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, December 17, 2017 by Rev. Mark Barz

Settle, Rance A., Pastor, Holy Cross, Prior Lake, MN to Sr/Admin Pastor, Lamb of God, Flower Mound, January 15, 2017 by Rev. Ken Hennings

Scheler, Eddie R., Pastor, St. Paul’s, Decatur, AL to Pastor, As-cension, Cleburne, November 29, 2015 by Rev. Dr.Yohannes Mengsteab

Schinnerer, Craig R., Pastor, Good Shepherd, Azle to Pastor (IIP), Grace, Brownwood, June 22, 2017 by Rev. Allan Eckert

Schmidt, Neldo, Pastor, St. John, Woodbury, MN to Pastor, King of Kings, San Antonio, August 27, 2017 by Rev. Mark Barz

Schnieder, Jack, A., Candidate to Sr/Admin Pastor, Peace, Garland, October 23, 2016 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez



OTHERS ORDAINED TRANSFERRED TO TEXAS DISTRICT

Behrhorst, Wallace D., Emeritus, Kansas District, May 15, 2017

Bergquist, David H., Emeritus, Iowa West District, September 12, 2017

Coppersmith, Michael, Emeritus, Pacific Southwest District, Febru-ary 2, 2015

Donaldson, Robert J., Non-Candi-date, California-Nevada-Hawaii, February 9, 2016

Edge, David A., Candidate, South Dakota District, March 10, 2017

Gallo, Stephen F., Emeritus, Central Illinois District, June 9, 2015

Haberoth, Steve G., Emeritus, Pacific Southwest, January 2, 2016

Hemingway, Jeffrey L., Emeritus, Mid-South District, February 12, 2016

Hull, Robert C., Candidate, Southeastern District, June 2, 2015

Kirk, Alston, Emeritus, Flori-da-Georgia District, April 3, 2016

Kluth, David, Candidate, North-west District, September 30, 2017

Kophamer, Mark, Candidate, Mid-South District, February 13, 2017

Krentz, Eugene, Emeritus, Flori-da-Georgia District, August 18, 2015

Lange, Alvin H., Emeritus, Mis-souri District, August 11, 2017

Limmer, Harlan L., Emeritus, South Wisconsin District, February 1, 2015

Lubeck, Thomas M., Emeritus, Michigan District, May 19, 2016

Macina, Robert D., Candidate, Rocky Mountain District, May 29, 2017

Marth, Walter D., Emeritus, Northwest District, December 15, 2015

Miller, Richard D., Emeritus, Minnesota South District, February 22, 2017

Moeller, Eric, Candidate, Iowa West District, August 2, 2015

Moore, John M., Candidate, Iowa East District, March 6, 2017

Mumm, David P., Emeritus, Northern Illinois District, April 20, 2016

Porter, Donald, Emeritus, Indiana District, July 15, 2015

Reese, David A., Emeritus, Cali-fornia-Nevada-Hawaii District, September 25, 2017

Richmeyer, Edward J., Emeritus, Rocky Mountain District, April 13, 2017

Schaper, Gary G., Emeritus, Missouri District, June 21, 2016

Schultz, Roland, Emeritus, Mid-South District, June 5, 2017

Scroggins, Troy D., Candidate, Kansas District, October 22, 2017

Truenow, Dave, Emeritus, Pacific Southwest District, March 21, 2016

Walquist, Randy, Emeritus, Rocky Mountain District, July 1, 2016

Weise, Russell J., Emeritus, Central Illinois District, August 27, 2017



ORDAINED REINSTATEDLamb, Richard E., to Pastor September 24, 2015

ORDAINED TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DISTRICTS

Bartholomew, Andrew P., Candi-date to South Wisconsin District, January 30, 2016

Braun, Benjamin A., Associate, Mt. Olive, Austin to Eastern District, Call, November 16, 2015

Burton, Kenneth W., Pastor, Good Shepherd, Borger to Pacific South-west District, Call, May 16, 2016

Byler, David R., Candidate to Pacific Southwest District, Febru-ary 1, 2017

Canion, Matthew, Associate, St. Paul, Waco to Minnesota North District, Call, August 15, 2016

Choi, Young Chol, Texas District Missionary to English District, Call, January 13, 2017

Cholak, Steven T., Assistant, Messiah, Keller to Rocky Mountain District, Call, July 22, 2016

Cizek, Curt J., Candidate to Southeastern District, December 9, 2016

Cook, Philip E., Associate, Lamb of God, Flower Mound to Kansas District, Call, July 9, 2015

Cosby, Samuel, Candidate to Southeastern District, Call August 31, 2017

Cummins, Brian, Pastor, Beautiful Savior, Arlington to Calif-Neva-

da-Hawaii District, Call, August 22, 2016

Duerr, Timothy, Sr. Pastor, St. Mark, Houston to Pacific South-west District, Call July 15, 2017

Dupre, Brian, Pastor, Redeemer, Lubbock to Michigan District, Call, September 12, 2016

Edge, David A., Candidate to Minnesota North District, Call, September 21, 2017

Edge, James M., Pastor, Immanu-el, Mercedes to Florida-Georgia District, Call, November 16, 2015

Francisco, Benjamin, J., Pastor, Mt. Calvary, Brady to Nebraska District, Call April 18, 2016

Frerichs, Paul, C., Pastor, Mission Liberty Hill to Ohio District, Call, November 1, 2017

Garcia, Juan, Candidate to Indiana District, December 15, 2015

Gonzalez, Ben, Missionary, LINC Houston to Minnesota South District, Call, November 1, 2017

Hasskarl, Leif, Missionary, LCMS International Missions to Nebraska District, Call, September 8, 2017

Hawkins, Daniel, Candidate to Mid-South District, Call, December 28, 2015

Hillyer, William, Candidate to Minnesota South District, May 12, 2015

Holz, Richard, Emeritus to Minne-sota South District, December 19, 2016

Jacob, David K., Military Chap-lain, LCMS Bd for Mission Services to Iowa East District, April 26, 2017

Jofre, Pedro, RSO, LINC Houston to Rocky Mountain District, Call, March 1, 2017

Kasper, R. Gabe, Pastor, ACTS Leander to Michigan District, Call, March 27, 2017

Kear, Dustin K., Associate, St. Paul, Harlingen to Rocky Mountain District, Call, August 1, 2017

Koch, Mark A., Pastor, St. Andrew, Houston to Southern District, Call, August 29, 2016

Kohlmeier, Theodore, Emeritus to Indiana District, March 1, 2017

Kolb, Barry L., Emeritus to Missouri District, January 6, 2016

Kophamer, Mark, Candidate to Mid-South District, July 25, 2017



Kramin, Howard, Emeritus to Southeastern District, February 2, 2017

Laux, John A., Pastor, Resurrec-tion, Fredericksburg to Central Illinois District, Call, November 1, 2017

McCall, Willis, Pastor, Resurrec-tion, Fredericksburg to Montana District, Call, June 15, 2015

Marhenke, Larry, Emeritus to Mid-South District, August 1, 2015

Moeller, Eric, Candidate to New Jersey District, August 1, 2017

Monterastelli, Michael, Candidate to Missouri District, March 10, 2017

Niemtschk, Bobby, Pastor, Trinity, Taylor to Missouri District, Call, May 1, 2017

Olson, Jr., Donald, Emeritus to Indiana District, March 2, 2016

Parks, Vincent S., Sr. Pastor, Gloria Dei, Houston to Pacific Southwest District, Call, March 11, 2015

Parsons, Jacob, Non-Candidate to Pacific Southwest District, Octo-ber 2, 2015

Patterson, Craig, Pastor, St. Paul, Wichita Falls to Calif-Nevada-Ha-waii District, Call, July 2, 2017

Peffer, Bruce, Candidate to Pacific Southwest District, Call, March 21, 2016

Price, James M., Pastor, St. Mark, Waco to Kansas District, Call, July 2, 2017

Richard-Wokoma, P. A., Candi-date to Missouri District, Call, December 1, 2015

Scheiwe, Logan, Associate, Our Redeemer, Irving to Ohio District, Call, July 15, 2015

Shaw, James, Emeritus to Flori-da-Georgia District, November 29, 2016

St-Onge, Charles, Missionary, LCMS International Missions to Missouri District, Call, February 3, 2016

Vanderbush, Neil S., Pastor, Christ, Lubbock to Mid-South District, Call, September 25, 2017

Vandercook, David, Assistant, Our Savior, Houston to Mid-South District, Call, September 17, 2016

Wagner, Robert, Pastor, Immanu-el, Copperas Cove to Iowa West District, Call, July 15, 2015

Waynick, Thomas, Candidate to Missouri District, Call, June 22, 2016

Wollenberg, Nathan, Associate, St. Paul, McAllen to Southern Illinois District, Call, December 5, 2016

Zersen, David, Emeritus to South Wisconsin District, December 16, 2017

ORDAINED CHANGE OF STATUSAbel, Allan, Candidate to Emeri-tus, December 16, 2016

Anderson, Darren, Pastor, Trinity, Texarkana to Candidate, July 1, 2016

Anderson, Mark, Pastor, Good Shepherd, Cleveland to Candi-date, October 8, 2014

Auger, Edmund, LCMS Missionary to Emeritus, December 8, 2017

Bartholomew, Andrew, Pastor, Alive in Christ, Big Spring to Candidate, January 1, 2016

Bergman, David, Pastor, Bethle-hem, Palestine to Emeritus, July 1, 2015

Beverly Henry H., Candidate to Emeritus, December 12, 2016

Cecil, David, Institutional Chap-lain to Emeritus, June 23, 2015

Chelmo, Walter, Pastor, First, Rosebud to Emeritus, June 16, 2015

Cizek, Curt, Military Chaplain, LCMS Bd for Mission Services to Candidate, August 1, 2016

Cosby, Samuel, Pastor, Mt. Calva-ry, Houston to Candidate, August 1, 2015

Dasch, William, Pastor, St. John, Mansfield to Emeritus, August 1, 2015



Diaz, John, Candidate to Emeri-tus, December 9, 2016

Diaz, John, Pastor, St. Paul, George West to Candidate, Janu-ary 1, 2015

Dobberfuhl, Ned, Non-Candidate to Emeritus, March 17, 2016

Dorn, Paul, Pastor St. Peter, Hous-ton to Emeritus, January 1, 2016

Doyal, Odis, Pastor, Divine Savior, Devine to Emeritus, November 16, 2015

Erickson, Patrick, Pastor, Peace, Garland to Emeritus, August 1, 2015

Finke, Gregory, Candidate to Non-Candidate, February 6, 2015

Franzmeier, Alvin, Associate Pastor, Zion, Tomball to Emeritus, May 25, 2015

Garcia, Ernesto, Institutional Chaplain to Emeritus, March 5, 2017

Garcia, Juan, Assistant, St. Mark, Waco to Candidate, August 25, 2014

Grunklee, Corey, Pastor, Christ, Lubbock to Non-Candidate, April 26, 2015

Haas, Thomas, SMP, Grace, Orange to Emeritus, January 1, 2017

Hadley, Tom, Pastor, Crown of Life, Rowlett to Emeritus, Febru-ary 1, 2015

Hartfield, Paul, Pastor, Christ, Loebau to Emeritus, June 29, 2015

Hawkins, Daniel, Associate, CrossPoint, Katy to Candidate, September 1, 2015

Hernandez, Nelson, RSO, LINC Houston to Candidate, December 4, 2017

Hildebrandt, Russell, Senior Pastor, Grace, Arlington to Emeri-tus, January 9, 2017

Hillyer, William, Pastor, Redeem-er, Odessa to Candidate, May 11, 2015

Jimenez, Dimas, RSO, LINC Houston to Candidate, November 26, 2017

Johnson, Chris, E., Pastor Grace, Victoria to Emeritus, January 1, 2017

Kabell, Douglas, Non-Candidate to Non-Candidate, February 20, 2015

Keistman, Herbert, Pastor, Ebenezer, Manheim to Emeritus, March 1, 2017

Kim, David, RSO Staff, LINC Houston to Candidate, October 1, 2016

Kirklen, Don, Pastor, St. Paul, Hamilton to Emeritus, January 1, 2015

Kobler, Robert, Pastor, Redeemer, Nacogdoches to Emeritus, July 4, 2016

Kretzmann, James, Pastor, Mt. Calvary, Raymondville to Emeri-tus, November 1, 2015

Larsen, Steven, Pastor, St. Mark, Lake Jackson to Non-Candidate, September 22, 2014

Lieder, Lawrence, Pastor, Holy Three-in-One, Houston to Emeri-tus, January 1, 2016

Little, Donald, Assistant Pastor, Zion, Abilene to Emeritus, May 1, 2015

Loeschen, Donald, Pastor, Christ, Pattison to Emeritus, July 17, 2017

Martin, James C., Candidate to Emeritus, April 6, 2017

McMillian, Ricky, Associate Pastor, Resurrection, Spring to Emeritus, February 1, 2017

McNamara, Jerry, Pastor, Fishers of Men, Sugar Land to Non-Candi-date, May 1, 2016

Meyer, Milferd, Pastor, Beautiful Savior, Austin to Emeritus, June 1, 2016

Nelson, Dewayne R., Pastor, Our Savior, Dallas to Emeritus, June 27, 2016

Olson, Jr., Donald, Pastor, Trinity, Uvalde to Emeritus, November 30, 2015

Orea, Hiram, Candidate to Non-Candidate, March 29, 2016

Peffer, Bruce, College Faculty, Concordia University, Austin to Candidate, December 23, 2015

Pittock, Travis, Pastor, Faith, Huntsville to Candidate, January 1, 2015

Raddatz, John, Pastor, Joy, Houston to Emeritus, May 1, 2017

Rathgeber, Douglas, Pastor, St. John, Beaumont to Emeritus, October 9, 2017

Reedy, David, Military Chaplain to Non-Candidate, January 16, 2015

Renning, Wayne, Pastor, Beautiful Savior, Paris to Emeritus, July 11, 2016



Runge, Brian, Non-Candidate to Non-Candidate, September 7, 2015

Schey, Bernard, Pastor, Trinity, Copperas Cove to Candidate, July 1, 2017

Schkade, Jr., Landon, Pastor, Abiding Savior, Zapata to Emeri-tus, November 1, 2017

Schneider, Curtis, Pastor, Grace, Brownwood to Emeritus, February 5, 2017

Sharp, W. Barry, Pastor, St. John’s, Wharton to Emeritus, June 1, 2015

Simon, Steven, Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial, Houston to Emeritus, March 1, 2016

Spitzenberger, Raymond, Pastor, St. Paul, Wallis to Emeritus, August 1, 2017

Stadler, Erik, Candidate to Non-Candidate, August 31, 2015

Stinnette, Eric, Pastor, St. Peter, Gun Barrel City to Candidate, August 7, 2017

Thompson, John L., Pastor, Bethany, Houston to Candidate, November 11, 2015

Waynick, Thomas, Military Chap-lain, LCMS Bd for Mission Services to Candidate, January 1, 2016

Whitson, Craig, Pastor, Hope, Marble Falls to Emeritus, August 24, 2014

Wiechman, Steven, Associate Pastor, CrossPoint, Katy to Non-Candidate, January 24, 2015

Wong, Larry, Assistant Pastor, The Family of Faith, Houston to Emeri-tus, December 2, 2015

Zell, Loren, Pastor, Emmanuel, Littlefield to Emeritus, August 1, 2016

ORDAINED REMOVED/RESIGNEDCraver, James, March 9, 2016 Knippa, Gregory, December 22,

2015Strand, Jr., Ahlert, April 4, 2017



ORDAINED CALLED TO GLORYBiar, Henry H., March 12, 2017

Cardaro, Robert G., October 5, 2017

DeVries, Kim T., January 1, 2015

Dinda, Richard J., February 28, 2017

Dobberfuhl, Gerhard P., May 9, 2017

DuBois, Keith E., July 26, 2016

DuBois, Loren A., May 14, 2016

Fisher, Walter F., August 1, 2017

Florschuetz, Duane W., Novem-ber 15, 2016

Fritz, John D., March 7, 2016

Geisler, Stanley W., December 16, 2015

Georg, Daniel E., August 21, 2017

Gibson, Jr. George, July 15, 2015

Harmann, Eldor J., March 19, 2017

Heine, William C., December 18, 2016

Henning, J. C., November 24, 2015

Herzog, James M., March 25, 2015

Johnson, Dwayne, April 7, 2017 Koch, Marvin O., February 8, 2016

Kroll, Donald O., October 11, 2015

Limmer, Harlan L., October 10, 2016

Luecke, George L., July 27, 2017

Luecke, James R., November 11, 2016

McMillan, Whitfield M., January 10, 2016

Meissner, Alvin G., October 24, 2017 Mennenga, Francis W., November 2, 2017

Meyer, Virgil F., January 12, 2015 Miller, Albert H., November 7, 2016

Neumann, Donald A., July 23, 2016

Oesch, Eugene A., June 5, 2017 Peterman, Gerald W., January 20, 2017

Puig, Carlos H., September 5, 2016

Reich, Raymond D., May 3, 2017

Reiter, Carlos C., January 12, 2016

Richmeyer, Edward J., July 14, 2017

Schoenborn, Ernest F., November 12, 2016

Schroeter, Harold W., June 17, 2017

Schubert, Jr. Alfred W., November 3, 2016

Segovia, Carlos M., October 29, 2016

Simonsen, Jay E., September 18, 2017

Snow, C. Michael, January 21, 2015

Southard, Roy L., July 14, 2017

Vavroch, John, August 16, 2015

Wageman, Harold F., December

16, 2017

Welmer, Michael F., December

17, 2015

Williams, Daniel R., May 15, 2017 Willmann, Victor D., January 21, 2017

Wuensche, Reinhard “Dick” H., July 25, 2017



INITIAL MEMBERSHIP OF CONGREGATIONSAllen, Tangible Grace Lutheran Fellowship, March 20, 2016

Franklin, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, December 11, 2016

Houston, Oikos Lutheran Church, February 22, 2015

Leander, ACTS Church Leander, May 31, 2015

Sealy, Lifebridge Community Lutheran Church, January 24, 2016

Spring, Community of Hope Lutheran Church Northwest, October 1, 2017

NEW CHURCH STARTSArlington, Hope for The Nations, December 9, 2015

Austin, ACTS Church Northwest, October 16, 2016

Cedar Park, ACTS Lutheran Church Antioch, January 31, 2016

Cypress, Iglesia Nuevo Camino, April 16, 2017

Dallas, Oromo Evangelical Church of Dallas, 2016

Franklin, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, April 12, 2015

Frisco, Saint John Lutheran Church, September 1, 2015

Galena Park, Centro Evangelisti-co Jehovah Jireth, April 1, 2015

Houston, EightTen Lutheran Church, October 1, 2017

Houston, Iglesia Cristiana El Buen Pastor, January 31, 2017

Houston, Shalom Oromo Evangel-ical Church of Houston, May 31, 2017

Katy, NewChurch Lutheran Church, September 5, 2015

Kingwood, The Dwelling, Sep-tember 24, 2017

Kyle, ACTS Church Kyle, Septem-ber 10, 2017

McKinney, ART Church, Septem-ber 10, 2017

Port Arthur, La Trinidad Lutheran Church, April 1, 2015

Rockwall, Comunidad Cristiana Expansion, July 1, 2017

Round Rock, Narrative Church, October 4, 2015

Sugar Land, Eritrean Evangelical Lutheran Church-Kumana, July 1, 2016

Watauga, Grace Korean Church, June 1, 2015

Waxahachie, What is Happening Now Ministry, February 1, 2015

Wylie, Veritas Community Lutheran Church & Academy, October 29, 2017

CONGREGATIONS DISSOLVED/DISBANDEDHouston, Bethany Lutheran Church, July 26, 2017

Houston, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, July 13, 2015

Refugio, Trinity Lutheran Church, August 26, 2016

Rowlett, Crown of Life Lutheran Church, January 15, 2015

San Antonio, Immanuel Lutheran Church, February 2, 2015



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS NEWLY COMMISSIONED & INSTALLED

Dietzmann, Lisa, Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, Rev. Tim Niekerk, December 13, 2015

Domin, Michelle, Deaconess, Ft. Wayne, Holy Shepherd, Haslet, Rev. Chris Bramich, August 21, 2016

Drake, Chase, DCE, Austin, Epiph-any, Pearland, Rev. Jon Salminen, July 12, 2015

Fick, Matthew Seward, Lutheran High North, Houston, Rev. Michael Dorn, August 23, 2017

Fraker, Emily, DCE, Austin, Zion, Georgetown, Rev. John Davenport, August 9, 2015

Gorline, Gretchen, Seward, Concordia, Tomball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, August 18, 2015

Hardaway, Harmony, DCE, Austin, Messiah, Boerne, Rev. Rick Pfaff, May 24, 2015

Helfers, Brooke, DCE, Austin, CrossPoint Community, Katy, Rev. Paul Goeke, September 24, 2017

Hoch, Afton, Mequon, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann August 16, 2015

Hovsepian, Natalie, Austin-Collo-quy, Concordia, San Antonio, Rev. William Tucker, March 24, 2017

Jablinski, Olivia, DCE, Austin, Our Savior, McKinney, Rev. Tim Radkey, February 26, 2017

King, Elizabeth,Seward, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 13, 2017

Krahn, Suzanne, Deaconess, Ft. Wayne, St. Paul, Waco, Rev. Larry Krueger, June 4, 2017

Lawrence, Katy, Austin-Colloquy, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 13, 2017

Lohman, Tessa, River Forest, Zion, Dallas, Rev. Robert Preece, August 20, 2017

Loppnow, Matthew, DCE, Austin, St. Paul, Fort Worth, Rev. Peter Couser, August 9, 2015

Martin, Jayanne, Austin-Colloquy, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 16, 2015

May, Karlie, Seward, St. Paul, Thorndale, Rev. Aaron Kalbas, August 16, 2015

Mellor, Paige, Austin-Colloquy, St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Timothy Duerr, March 8, 2017

Milbrath, Elizabeth, DCE, Austin, Epiphany, Pearland, Rev. Jon Salminen, November 28, 2017

Miller, Rachel, Austin, Immanuel, Giddings, Rev. Robert Tiner, August 9, 2015

Moore, Patrick, DCE, Austin, Epiphany, Houston, Rev. Jeffrey Muchow, May 21, 2017

Oberg, Meghan, Austin, Redeem-er, Austin, Rev. Dave Schroder, August 20, 2017

Bahr, Natalie, Austin, Pilgrim, Houston, Rev. Joshua Duffy, August 21, 2016

Barnes, Joanna, Deaconess, Fort Wayne, Bethel, Bryan, Rev. Ken Hennings, August 30, 2015

Bethany, Christiansen, Chicago, Faith, Plano, Rev. Stephen Kieser, August 16, 2015

Bogle, Aubrie, Irvine, Faith, Plano, Rev. Stephen Kieser, August 6, 2017

Braun, Sylvia, Seward, Dallas Lutheran School, Dallas, Rev. Paul Ferguson, August 27, 2017

Bredehoft, Laura, DCE, Irvine, Peace, Hurst, Rev. James Mueller, April 10, 2016

Brock, Kayla, DCE, Austin, St. Paul, Harlingen, Rev. Nathan Wendorf, August 9, 2015

Campbell, April, Austin-Colloquy, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, September 25, 2016

Clifford, Emma, DCE, Austin, Lutheran High School, San Anto-nio, Rev. Aaron Goeke, October 11, 2016

Copeland, Laura, Austin-Colloquy, St. Paul, McAllen, Rev. Gregory Lorenz, August 16, 2015

Crouch, Richard, DCE, Austin, Fishers of Men, Sugar Land, Rev. Jerry McNamara, February 28, 2016

Dayton, Allison, DCE, Austin, Christ the King, Waxahachie, Rev. Robert Hemsath, June 14, 2015



Pomerenke, Lydia, Seward, Our Savior, Houston, Rev. Laurence White, August 23, 2015

Pruhs, Shea, Deaconess, St. Louis, Christ the King, Kingwood, Rev. Al Doering, October 16, 2016

Redmond, Jordan, Austin, Re-deemer, Austin, Rev. Dave Schrod-er, August 20, 2017

Rittgers, Nicholas, DCE, Austin, Grace, Arlington, Rev. Joe Ardy, July 30, 2017

Royuk, Rachel, Seward, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 13, 2017

Ryan, Hannah, Austin, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, September 18, 2016

Sanchez, Leticia, Deaconess, St. Louis, St. Paul, Fort Worth, Rev. Doug Widger, August 14, 2016

Schultz, Melanie, Seward, Concor-dia, Tomball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, January 25, 2017

Seeliger, Michaela, DCE, Austin, Our Redeemer, Wichita Falls, Rev. Dale Snyder, May 28, 2017

Segovia, Brenda, DCE, Irvine, St. Paul, Harlingen, Rev. Nathan Wendorf, August 14, 2016

Simonis, John, Mequon, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 16, 2015

Smith, Melissa, Austin-Colloquy, Epiphany, Houston, Rev. Jeff Muchow, September 18, 2016

Snow, Barbara, Seward, Concor-dia, Round Rock, Rev. Landon Ledlow, August 29, 2017

Snyder, Laura, River Forest, Memorial, Houston, Rev. William Heine, April 19, 2015

Stoneburner, Elizabeth, Austin, St Paul, Austin, Rev. Mark Nuckols, August 23, 2015

Thomas, Katie, DCE, Austin, Camp Bethesda, Cypress, Rev. Doug Krengel, February 28, 2016

Wasson II, John, DCE, Austin-Col-loquy, Our Savior, McKinney, Rev. Timothy Radkey, June 5, 2016

Wittig, Rebecca, Seward, Luther-an High School, San Antonio, Rev. Ben Schrank, October 15, 2015

Wolfram, Mark, Irvine-Colloquy, Dallas Lutheran School, Dallas, Rev. Paul Ferguson, September 13, 2015

Worthing, Brianna, Austin, Im-manuel, Giddings, Rev. Robert Tiner, August 9, 2015

Zieschang, Zachary, River Forest, Cross of Christ, DeSoto, Rev. John DeYoung January 25, 2015

Zoch, Riley, Austin, Redeemer, Austin, Rev. Kevin Westergren, July 27, 2016

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS REINSTATED & INSTALLED

Birnbaum, Julie, to candidate, 9/2015

Dail, Christine, to candidate 9/2017

Fraker, Jonathan, to candidate, 11/2016,

Headley, Matthew, 11/2016, to call, Good Shepherd, Cedar Park, Rev. Dr. Martin Brauer, December 18, 2016

Hengeveld, Adam, to candidate 9/2017

Neumann, Becky, to candidate 9/2017

Stoneburner, Audrey, to candi-date 9/2017

Telschow, Phillip, to candidate 9/2017



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS INACTIVE STATUS TO INSTALLED

Ankerberg, Erik, Candidate, Concordia University Texas, Austin, Rev. Mark Nuckols, August 29, 2016

Bergman, Peter, Candidate to Oikos Church, Houston, Rev. Aaron Lytle, December 17, 2017

Bowen, Carol, Non-Candidate, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 14, 2016

Drees, Emily, Non-Candidate, Our Savior, Houston, Rev. Laurence White, August 21, 2016

Fitzgerald, Lisa, Non-Candidate, Concordia High School, Round Rock, Rev. Eric Borchers, Septem-ber 2, 2015

Fowler, Eleanor, Candidate, St. Paul, Fort Worth, Rev. John Mess-mann, August 9, 2015

Garrabrant, Rachel, Candidate, Lutheran South Academy, Hous-ton, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 14, 2016

Hannemann, Lauren, Non-Candi-date, Mount Calvary, San Antonio, Rev. David Reedy, May 1, 2016

Kalbas, Pamela, Candidate, St. Paul, Thorndale, Rev. Aaron Kalbas, August 20, 2017

Knea, Stephanie, Candidate, Gloria Dei, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, April 2, 2017

Lange, Kristi, Candidate, Salem, Tomball, Rev. Tim Niekerk, August 20, 2017

Luedemann, Sheri, Non-Candi-date, St. Paul, Fort Worth, Rev. John Messmann, October 25, 2015

McConnell, James, DCE/Emeri-tus, Concordia University Texas, Rev. Steve Fick, August 28, 2017

Mueller, Carol, Non-Candidate, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 14, 2016

Newton, Brittany, Candidate, Faith, Plano, Rev. Stephen Kieser, August 7, 2016

Obersat, Jane, Deaconess/Candi-date, Grace, Brenham, Rev. Matthew Jacobs, January 31, 2016

Olson, Tanner, Certified Lay Minister/Candidate, ACTS Church Antioch, Austin, Rev. Gabe Kasper, December 4, 2016

Phelps, Jason, DCE Non-Candi-date, Oikos, Houston, Rev. Ken Hennings, November 2015

Riske, Curtis, Emeritus, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carroll-ton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Schkade, Juli, Non-Candidate, Zion, Dallas, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece, December 6, 2015

Tobaben, Kara, Non-Candidate, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller August 7, 2015

Vaupel, Christina, Candidate, Tangible Grace, Allen, Rev. Ken Hennings, March 20, 2016

Ward, Jennifer, Non-Candidate, Lutheran South Academy, Hous-ton, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August, 14, 2016



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS TRANSFERRED WITHIN TEXAS & INSTALLED

Ashcraft, Ashley, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Austin, Kim, DCE, Salem, Tom-ball, Rev. Tim Niekerk, January 18, 2015

Austin, Ryan, Salem, Tomball, Rev. Tim Nierkerk, March 1, 2015

Bailes, Cheryl, Living Savior, Montgomery, Rev. David Bailes, August 28, 2016

Bangert, Jason, Dallas Lutheran, Dallas, Rev. Paul Ferguson, August 27, 2017

Bangert, Jessica, Our Redeemer, Dallas, Rev. Brent McGuire, August 13, 2017

Benscoter, Andrew, Upbring, Austin, Rev. Michael Newman, September 18, 2015

Brandon, Ruth, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Burdick, Brenda, Upbring, Austin, Rev. Chris Singer, July 2, 2017

Carlove, Patrick, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Cavage, Rebecca, St. Paul, Thorn-dale, Rev. Aaron Kalbas, August 27, 2017

Christian, Dr. Donald, Concordia University Texas, Austin, Rev. Ralph Hobratschk, September 11, 2015

Cleland, Laura, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Cleland, Laura, Crown of Life, Colleyville, Rev. David Jung, August 27, 2017

Drosche, Amy, St. Mark, Houston, August 14, 2016

Dwyer, Michelle, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Eilers, Christine, Our Redeemer, Dallas, Rev. Brent McGuire, August 13, 2017

Entzenberger, Kathryn, Upbring, Austin, Rev. Bill Tucker, November 12, 2017

Evans, Tanner, ACT Church, Leander, Rev. Dr. L. Dean Hempel-mann, August 20, 2015

Graham, Betsy, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Grant, Michelle, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Griffin, Michelle, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Hahn, Christopher, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carroll-ton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Hanson, John, DCE, St. John, Cypress, Rev. David Bahn, Septem-ber 27, 2015

Henke, Chad, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Henke, Heidi, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

House, James, St. Paul, Giddings, Rev. John Schmidt, April 30, 2017

Kalbas, Pamela, St. Paul, Thorn-dale, Rev. Aaron Kalbas, August 16, 2015

Keiper, Christa, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 13, 2017

Kleb, Michelle, Our Savior, Hous-ton, Rev. Laurence White, August 21, 2016

Knippa, Kenneth, DCE, Concor-dia, Garland, Rev. Ken Krippner, December 3, 2017

Knotts, Richard, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Krause, Kacie, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Kuiper, Emily, Immanuel, Gid-dings, Rev. Robert Tiner, August 14, 2016

Kuiper, Jason, Immanuel, Gid-dings, Rev. Robert Tiner, August 14, 2016



Lang, David, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Lorenzen, Micah, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Lusk, Michael, St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Timothy Duerr, August 16, 2015

Matasovsky, Kristin, Concordia, San Antonio, Rev. William Tucker, August 14, 2016

May, Karlie, St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Andrew Roettjer, August 13, 2017

Meyer, Eunice, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Mueller, Carol, Redeemer, Austin, Rev. Kevin Westergren, August 23, 2015

Mueller, Carol, Redeemer, Austin (Principal), Rev. David Schroder, May 15, 2016

Parker, Daniel, DCE, St. Timothy, Houston, Rev. Steve Henze, August 9, 2015

Patterson, Joshua, DCE, Tangible Grace Lutheran Fellowship, Allen, Rev. Ken Hennings, March 30, 2016

Perry, Joey, Salem, Tomball, Rev. Tim Niekerk, August 28, 2016

Roesel, Lori, St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Timothy Duerr, August 14, 2016

Runge, Alan, Hong Kong Interna-tional School (HKIS), Hong Kong, Rev. Joel Scheiwe, January 25, 2015

Sanabria, Ashley, Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 13, 2017

Sandlin, Linda, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Seris, Phil, Prince of Peace Chris-tian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Seter, Guy, DCE, Zion, George-town, Rev. John Davenport, August 27, 2017

Snyder, Laura, Lutheran High North, Houston, Rev. William Heine, August 17, 2016

Stark, Paul, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Stuenkel, Katelyn, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carroll-ton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Swanson, Craig, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Taylor, Caleb, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 13, 2017

Taylor, Elizabeth, Memorial, Houston, Rev. William Heine, August 23, 2015

Thibodeau, Sandra, Redeemer, Austin, Rev. Kevin Westergren, August 23, 2015

Timm, Tracey, Redeemer, Austin, Rev. David Schroder, August 20, 2017

Wallingsford, Jason, DCE, Mount Olive, Austin, Rev. Paul Meyer, November 6, 2016

Warneke, Kimberly, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carroll-ton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Weiss, Nicolas, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Weiss, Rebecca, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Whitaker, Abby, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, August 7, 2015

Worthing, Brianna, St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Timothy Duerr, August 14, 2016

Zimmerman, Lea, Memorial, Houston, Rev. William Heine, August 23, 2015

Zoch, Jonathan, DCE, Texas District LCMS Board for Mission Administration, Rev. Ted Doering, June 14, 2015



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS TRANSFERRED TO TEXAS WITH CALL & INSTALLED

Erickson, Douglas, California-Ne-vada-Hawaii District to LEAH/Lu-theran High North, Houston, Rev. Michael Dorn, August 23, 2017

Finley, Jessica, DCE, Pacific Southwest District to St. Paul, McAllen, Rev. Gregory Lorenz, June 28, 2015

Flattley, Blake, Dir of Parish Music, Atlantic District to LINC International, Houston, Rev. Dominic Rivkin, October 24, 2017

Fleming, Kate, Pacific Southwest District to Lutheran South Acad-emy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schep-mann, August 14, 2016

Freitag, Krista, Rocky Mountain District to Lutheran High School, San Antonio, Rev. Ben Schrank, October 15, 2015

Gehrke, Seth, California-Neva-da-Hawaii District to St. John, Cypress, Rev. David Bahn, January 4, 2015

Gorline, Jeremy, M Div Pastor, Ohio District to Concordia Lu-theran H.S., Tomball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, August 18, 2015

Garrabrant, Steven, Michigan District to Lutheran South Acad-emy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schep-mann, August 14, 2016

Geyer, Thomas, Mid-South District to Redeemer, Austin, Rev. Kevin Westergren, August 21, 2016

Hagge, Nathaniel, Pacific South-west District to Lutheran South

Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 16, 2015

Hengeveld, Elizabeth, Nebraska District to Our Redeemer, Dallas, Rev. Brent McGuire, August 16, 2015

Hill, Matthew, Missouri District to Concordia Lutheran High School, Tomball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, August 23, 2017

Hill, Vicki, Northwest District to Immanuel, Giddings, Rev. Robert Tiner, August 14, 2016

Hong, Janis, Southern District to St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Andrew Roettjer, August 13, 2017

Iwabuchi, Amanda, English District to Redeemer, Austin, Rev. Kevin Westergren, August 23, 2015

Jahnke, Amanda, DCE, Northern Illinois District to St. Paul, Fort Worth, Rev. John Messmann, August 14, 2016

Jensen, Heather, Pacific South-west District to St. Paul, Thorn-dale, Rev. Aaron Kalbas, August 20, 2017

Justice, Donald, Michigan District to Lutheran South Academy, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 13, 2017

Kirchenberg, Jonathan, North-west District to Concordia, Tom-ball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, August 24, 2016

Kromminga, Kevin, Nebraska District to Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy, Rev. John Davis, August 31, 2016

Auger, Cherie, Deaconess, Mis-souri District to Texas District as Missionary, August 25, 2017

Brandenburger, Corey, Rocky Mountain District to Cross, New Braunfels, Rev. Don Fraker, August 16, 2015

Bartz, Bradley, DCE, North Dako-ta District to Zion, Abilene, Rev. Clyde Kieschnick, December 18, 2016

Bleier, Heather, DCE, Flori-da-Georgia District to ACTS, Leander, Rev. Gabe Kasper, Janu-ary 15, 2017

Crowe, Carolyn, Missouri District to Zion, Georgetown, Rev. John Davenport, July 1, 2015

Crouch, Kellye, DCE, Southern District to Fishers of Men, Sugar Land, Rev. Allen Bauer, January 29, 2017

Cunningham, Chloe, Northern Illinois District to Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, Rev. Chris Kennedy, August 19, 2017

Dahl, Inese, DCE, California-Neva-da-Hawaii District to St. Paul, McAllen, Rev. Gregory Lorenz, September 18, 2016

Duensing-Werner, Audrey, DCE, Missouri District to Redeemer, Austin, Rev. David Schroder, December 3, 2017

Duke, Jacqueline, Deaconess, Missouri District to Texas District as Missionary, August 24, 2016



Menke, Joshua, Iowa East District to Immanuel, Giddings, Rev. Robert Tiner, August 9, 2015

Metzger, Mary, Minnesota North District to Fishers of Men, Sugar Land, Rev. Allen Bauer, January 29, 2017

Morris, Sarah, California-Neva-da-Hawaii to Crown of Life, Colleyville, Rev. David Jung, November 27, 2016

Muehl, Ashley, Pacific Southwest District to Memorial, Houston, Rev. William Heine, August 23, 2015

Nunes, Brenna, Deaconess, Michigan District to Upbring, Austin, Rev Mark Nuckols, June 30, 2017

Pinick, Gregg, Pacific Southwest District to LEAH, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 14, 2016

Ragaisis, DeeAnn, Pacific South-west District to Concordia Univer-sity Texas, Austin, Rev. Steve Fick, August 28, 2017

Schleicher, Jason, DCE, Montana District to Salem, Tomball, Rev. Doug Dommer, May 10, 2015

Schroeder, Bret, Mid-South District to Lutheran South Acad-emy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schep-mann, August 13, 2017

Schultz, Ryan, English District to St. Mark, Houston, Rev. Timothy Duerr, September 20, 2015

Semler, Karin, Southern Illinois to Texas District (Shanghai, China), November 1, 2015

Sievert, Kathryn, DCE, Califor-nia-Nevada-Hawaii District to Gloria Dei, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, September 11, 2016

Stratton, Kristi, Pacific Southwest District to Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 14, 2016

Straub, Vincent, Northwest District to Trinity-Klein, Spring, Rev. Chris Singer, August 16, 2015

Steinbrenner, Mark, Certified Lay Minister, English District to LINC International, Houston, Rev. Joe Robb, August 20, 2017

Styf, Sarah, Indiana District to Concordia, Tomball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, August 24, 2016

Taylor, Caleb, Pacific Southwest District to Concordia, Round Rock, Rev. Eric Borchers, September 2, 2015

Topp, David, Montana District to Pilgrim, Houston, Rev. Joshua Duffy, August 23, 2015

UmaShankar, Kanagasabai, DCE, Northwest District to Concordia, Tomball, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus, August 24, 2016

Zarick, Brooke, English District to LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Rev. Dan Schepmann, August 13, 2017

Koontz, Charessa, DCE, English District to Trinity, Amarillo, Rev. Brian Hesse, June 7, 2015

Kromminga, Rebecca, Nebraska District to Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy, Rev. John Davis, August 31, 2016

Kueck, Jonathan, Missouri Dis-trict to Faith Lutheran H.S. of Central Texas, Warda, Rev. Ken Hennings, August 20, 2017

Kueck, Nicole, Missouri District to Faith Lutheran H.S. of Central Texas, Warda, Rev. Ken Hennings, August 20, 2017

Kuegele, Laura, DCE, Califor-nia-Nevada-Hawaii District to Trinity, Tyler, Rev. Art Hill, Sep-tember 10, 2017

Lettow, Kari, Rocky Mountain District to Cross, New Braunfels, Rev. Don Fraker, August 7, 2016

Littmann, Aaron, DCE, Indiana District to Lutheran Outdoors Min-istry of Texas, Rev. Paul Hoemann, July 30, 2017

Lowe, Dr. Jeremy, Rocky Moun-tain District to Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton, Rev. Micah Miller, September 18, 2016

Marsh, Benjamin, DCE, Missouri District to Salem, Tomball, Rev. Tim Niekerk, June 4, 2017

Maxwell, Elizabeth, Kansas District to Pilgrim, Houston, Rev. Joshua Duffy, August 20, 2017



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS TRANSFERRED TO TEXAS WITH INACTIVE STATUS

Anderson, Chris, Candidate, Kansas District, May 21, 2017

Ankerberg, Eric, Candidate, Michigan District, March 15, 2016

Bahr, Donald, Non-Candidate, California-Nevada-Hawaii District, July 17, 2016

Bleeke, Fred, Emeritus, Missouri District, December 17, 2015

Brandenburger, Melissa, Candi-date, Rocky Mountain District, August 10, 2015

Carey,Carrie, Non-Candidate, Nebraska District, August 24, 2015

Constantino, Correne, Candi-date, Pacific Southwest District, October 18, 2016

Coppersmith, Donna, Emeritus, Pacific Southwest District, January 11, 2015

Derong, Wynn, DCE/Candidate, Florida-Georgia District, October 18, 2016

Elliott, Gayle, Non-Candidate, Pacific Southwest District, January 27, 2015

Finke, Elizabeth, DCE/Candidate, Nebraska District, December 31, 2015

Garrabrant, Rachel, Candidate, Michigan District, June 16, 2016

Hengeveld, Adam, Candidate, Nebraska District, July 31, 2015

Jacob, Dorothea, Emeritus, Mid-South District, January 18, 2017

Kluth, Carol, Emeritus, Northwest District, December 6, 2017

Knea, Stephanie, Candidate, Michigan District, March 27, 2017

Lerch, Kathleen, Candidate, Pacific Southwest District, January 26, 2017

Liefer, Kelly, Candidate, Missouri District, January 31, 2017

Mieger, Paul, DCE/Kansas District, July 7, 2015

Mischnick, Walter, Emeritus, Indiana District, January 1, 2017

Mueller, Stephanie, Non-Candi-date, North Wisconsin, February 8, 2016

Newton, Brittany, Candidate, Iowa East, May 10, 2016

Olson, Tanner, Certified Lay Minister/Candidate, North Wis-consin District, August 30, 2016

Paul, Amy, Teacher, Rocky Moun-tain District, September 1, 2017

Penney, Tina, Candidate, New England District, August 3, 2016

Robbins, Penny, Non-Candidate, Nebraska District, July 31, 2016

Roettjer, Stephanie, DCE/Non-Candidate, Rocky Mountain District, October 3, 2015

Schleicher, Amy, Non-Candidate, Montana District, May 9, 2015

Schuster, Phil, Emeritus, Michigan District, December 18, 2015

Sernett, Gilbert, Emeritus, South Wisconsin District, July 14, 2017

Souza, Connie, Emeritus, Califor-nia-Nevada-Hawaii District, July 5, 2016

Souza, William, Emeritus, Califor-nia-Nevada-Hawaii District, July 5, 2016

Stelzer, Kenneth, Emeritus, Indiana District, March 22, 2017

Weaver, Victoria, DCE/Non-Can-didate, Southeastern District, February 26, 2016



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DISTRICTS

Ankerberg, Erik, Called to North-ern Illinois District, July 15, 2017

Bahr, Mark, Called to South Wisconsin District, June 30, 2015

Bates, Tracy, Non-Candidate to Minnesota South District, August 17, 2015

Beaver-Perez, Nichole, Called to Iowa East District, June 30, 2015

Berkesch, Hannah, Certified Lay Minister/Candidate to North Wisconsin District, October 25, 2016

Birnbaum, Julie, Candidate to Oklahoma District, September 22, 2015

Braun, Suzanne, Called to Mis-souri District, June 12, 2015

Brandenburg, Melissa, Candidate to Pacific Southwest District, June 15, 2017

Bretthauer, James, DCE/Called to English District, April 17, 2017

Britton, Sarah, DCE/Called to Pacific Southwest District, Sep-tember 10, 2017

Brockman, Rebecca, DCE/Non-Candidate to Rocky Mountain District, February 23, 2016

Burgess, Julie, Called to Michigan District, July 1, 2015

Burgess, Robert, Called to Michi-gan District, July 1, 2015

Busch, Erin, Called to Oklahoma District, September 8, 2016

Cahill, Cheryl, Called to South Wisconsin District, August 5, 2016

Cario, Matthew, DCE/Called to Northwest District, December 15, 2016

Cario, Meredith, Candidate to Northwest District, December 15, 2016

Chittick, Dr. Cari, Called to Pacific Southwest District, July 1, 2017

Cleveland, Kadie, DCE/Called to Rocky Mountain District, July 1, 2015

Dash, Denise, Emeritus to English District, August 1, 2017

Dierks, Kevin, Called to Kansas District, June 1, 2015

Druckhammer, Jaclyn, DCE/Called to Northwest District, July 28, 2016

Engelhard, Marissa, Called to Missouri District, June 30, 2015

Erickson, Bradley, Called to Rocky Mountain District, July 1, 2015

Hansen, Sheryl, Tch/DCE/Candi-date to Missouri District, February 23, 2016

Heinrich, Stacy, Called to South Wisconsin District, July 31, 2017

Hollatz, Jacob, Call to Pacific Southwest District, July 26, 2016

Ingram, Lydia, Non-Candidate to Southeastern District, October 3, 2015

Jagels, Brett, Called to Nebraska District, June 30, 2015

Johnson, Paul, DCE/Called to Michigan District, September 1

Koscik, Celeste, DCE/Called to Pacific Southwest District, Decem-ber 21, 2017

Krueger, Jessica, Called to South Wisconsin District, July 20, 2015

Krueger, Julie, Candidate to Michigan District, May 10, 2017

Krueger, Steven, DCE/Called to Michigan District, December 28, 2016

Loewe, Jennifer, Called to English District, July 10, 2017

Marshall, Christopher ,Called to South Wisconsin District, June 5, 2017

Martin, Sarah, Called to Indiana District, June 1, 2015

Menke, Thomas, Called to Flori-da-Georgia District, June 1, 2017

Miller, Rachel, Called to Central Illinois District, September 15, 2016

Mohr, Rhonda, Called to Iowa West District, November 1, 2016

Muth, Janet, Called to Southern Illinois District, August 1, 2017

Nichols, Jayme, DCE/Called to Missouri District, January 31, 2015



Robbins, Stephen, Called to Rocky Mountain District, July 1, 2016

Rudy, Sally, Emeritus to Michigan District, May 15, 2017

Runge, Alan, Called to Missouri District, July 1, 2017

Schatte, William II, Called to Missouri District, July 1, 2016

Schwenneker, Christopher, DCE/Candidate to Northwest District, June 2, 2017

Simonis, John, Called to South Wisconsin District, June 1, 2017

Simonis, Mallary, Called to South Wisconsin District, August 1, 2017

Steffen, Benjamin, Called to Southeastern District, July 31, 2017

Stewart, Nicole, DCE/Called to Pacific Southwest District, May 12, 2016

Taylor, Nicholas, Dir of Parish Music Called to Pacific Southwest District, July 31, 2017

Thacker, Jess, Called to Ohio District, June 30, 2015

Thibodeau, Sandra, Called to South Wisconsin District, October 23, 2016

Tubbs, JoAnna, Non-Candidate to Florida-Georgia District, June 3, 2015

Walker, Sara, Called to Mid-South District, July 28, 2017

Wiseman, Levi, Candidate status to Northwest District, December 26, 2017

Wittig, Rebecca, Called to Pacific Southwest, July 26, 2017

Zieschang, Zachary, Dir of Parish Music/Called to Michigan District, October 17, 2016

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS CHANGE OF STATUS

Ankerberg, Erik, Active to Candi-date, January 1, 2017

Auger, Cherie, Deaconess, Active to Candidate, December 1, 2017

Baacke, Bruce, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2015

Barnes, Joanna, Deaconess/Active to Candidate, September 10, 2017

Becker, Teshia, Active to Candi-date, June 1, 2016

Bergman, Peter, DCE Active to Candidate, March 1, 2016

Berkesch, Hannah, Certified Lay Minister/Active to Candidate, October 20, 2016

Blackley, Jenny, Candidate to Non-Candidate, January 14, 2015

Brandenburg, Melissa, Non-Can-didate to Non-Candidate, Novem-ber 8, 2015

Browning, Kristen, Non-Candi-date to Non-Candidate, June 15, 2015

Cahill, Cheryl, Candidate to Non-Candidate, June 30, 2015

Constantino, Correne, Candidate to Emeritus, February 8, 2017

Dash, Denise, Active to Emeritus, July 31, 2017

Davis, Kim, DCE/Candidate to Non-Candidate, April 25, 2016

Doering, Mike, Active to Candi-date, July 1, 2017

Domin, Michelle, Active to Candi-date, July 10, 2017

Dorn, Veloyce, Candidate to Emeritus, March 1, 2017

Einem, Gary, Non-Candidate to Emeritus, June 1, 2016

Evert, Catherine, Candidate to Non-Candidate, June 1, 2015

Frank, Margaret, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2016

Frieling, Gary, Active to Emeritus, July 1, 2015

Fuchs, Michael, Active to Emeri-tus, October 22, 2015

Glandorf, Steven, Active to Emeritus, July 1, 2017

Greenwald, Linda, Active to Emeritus, September 7, 2016



Griffith, Billie, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2015

Grupe, Sandra, DCE/Active to Candidate, October 30, 2017

Gutekunst, Richard, DCE/Active to Emeritus, January 1, 2017

Haggard, Shelli, Non-Candidate to Non-Candidate, April 1, 2015

Hauter, Donna, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2017

Hengeveld, Elizabeth, Active to Candidate, July 1, 2017

Horton, Nancy, Active to Emeri-tus, December 20, 2015

Ingram, Lydia, Active to Non-Can-didate, October 3, 2015

Kalbas, Pamela, Active to Candi-date, June 30, 2016

Kemnitz, Alec, Active to Candi-date, June 1, 2017

King, Jennifer, Active to Candi-date, January 29, 2017

Kluth, Adam, Active to Candidate, June 30, 2015

Koslan, Carolyn, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2016

Kramer, Wayne, Active to Emeri-tus, June 30, 2016

Krause, Barbara, Active to Emeri-tus, June 30, 2016

Krueger, Julie, Active to Candi-date, January 26, 2017

Kueck, Janice, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2015

Lange, Kristi, Candidate to Non-Candidate, March 17, 2015

Liebenow, Mark, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2017

Loppnow, Matthew, Active to Candidate, July 1, 2017

Lund, Keith Active to Emeritus, December 31, 2017

Mitchell, Deborah K. , Active to Candidate, June 1, 2017

Mitchell, Joel, Active to Candi-date, July 1, 2017

Moore, Bonnie, Active to Candi-date, January 1, 2015

Mueller, Carol A., Non-Candidate to Non-Candidate, June 15, 2015

Nelson, Christie, Deaconess/Candidate to Emeritus, March 21, 2017

Noack, Dalton, Active to Emeri-tus, October 19, 2016

Obersat, Jane, Deaconess/Active to Candidate, July 31, 2017

Rathje, Michael, Active to Emeri-tus, June 30, 2016

Reagan, Theresa, Non-Candidate to Non-Candidate, January 2, 2015

Reber, Carrie, Candidate to Emeritus, July 1, 2017

Sawhill, Julia, Candidate to Emeritus, March 9, 2017

Schildwachter, Joel, Active to Candidate, August 1, 2017

Schwenneker, Christopher, DCE/Active to Candidate, June 1, 2017

Simonis, Mallory, Active to Candi-date, May 27, 2016

Smith, Jacci, Candidate to Non-Candidate, February 2, 2015

Stoneburner, Elizabeth, Active to Candidate, August 1, 2017

Stoneburner, Gordon, Active to Candidate, August 1, 2017

Strandt, Marlene, Active to Emeritus, July 1, 2016

Straub, Vincent, Active to Emeri-tus, June 30, 2016

Swanson, Craig, Active to Emeri-tus, June 17, 2016

Tauscher, Jane, Active to Emeri-tus, July 1, 2017

Terral, Paul, DCE/Active to Non-Candidate, July 1, 2015

Thibodeau, Sandra, Active to Candidate, May 31, 2016

Tubbs, JoAnna, Active to Non-Candidate, June 3, 2015

Walker, Sara, Active to Candi-date, January 18, 2017

Wetuski, Angela, Non-Candidate to Non-Candidate, January 26, 2015

Wiseman, Levi, Active to Candi-date, July 1, 2017

Wottrich, Sharon, Candidate to Emeritus, December 5, 2017

Zuehsow, Angela, Candidate to Emeritus, February 11, 2017



COMMISSIONED MINISTERS CALLED TO GLORY

Allen, Debra Pflugerville, Janu-ary 9, 2016

Bernhardt, Beverly Fort Worth, February 22, 2015

Brady, Tia Fort Worth, May 6, 2016

Braun, Gregg Round Rock, August 30, 2015

Dash, Russell Harlingen, April 20, 2017

Goeke, John Georgetown, De-cember 12, 2016

Hansen, J.B. (Ben) Odem, De-cember 13, 2015

Hardt, Peggy Lou Meyer Double Oak, May 8, 2015

Hight, Pamela Hannusch George-town, July 21, 2017

Kueck, Janice Koeltzow Plano, December 5, 2016

Loomans, Keith Austin, February 5, 2015

Mieger, Paul Hideaway, October 16, 2015

Mock, Herbert Houston, Septem-ber 6, 2016

Mueller, Martin Houston, January 11, 2016

Zehnder, George Cedar Hill, February 16, 2017

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS REMOVED FROM ROSTER

Anderson, Sherry, Candidate, Resigned, December 15, 2017

Bradley, Joel, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Browning, Kristen, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Black, Kari, DCE/Non-Candidate, Removed, February 23, 2016

Bostick, Tiffany, DCE/Non-Candi-date, Removed, February 23, 2016

Brinkley, Eleanora, DCE/Non-Can-didate, Removed, February 23, 2016

Cattau, Matthew, Active, Resigned, August 16, 2015

Crowe, Carolyn, Active, Resigned, October 26, 2016

Davis, Kim, DCE/Candidate, Resigned, December 15, 2017

Engman, Sarah, Candidate, Resigned, October 12, 2015

Fetzer, Melissa, Candidate, Resigned, November 20, 2017

Fraker, Jonathan, Active, Resigned, September 1, 2015

Hall, Daniel, DCE/Non-Candidate, Removed, February 23, 2016

Hankemeier, Kurtis, DCE/Candi-date, Resigned, August 13, 2015

Hengeveld, Adam, Candidate, Resigned, September 6, 2016

Henze, Nathan, DCE/Non-Candi-date, Removed, February 23, 2016

Hildebrandt, Mary, DCE/Non-Candidate, Removed, February 23, 2016

Janda, Alexandrea, Active, Resigned, September 5, 2017

Krengel, Amy, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Lierbo, Julie, Non-Candidate, Removed, May 12, 2016

Lutjens, Kristian, Deaconess/Non-Candidate, Removed, Febru-ary 23, 2016

McIntyre, Rose, Candidate, Resigned, November 16, 2017

Moerbe, Kevin, DCE/Candidate, Resigned, December 18, 2017

Mora, Edward, DCE/Candidate, Removed, January 30, 2015

Mueller, David, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Mueller, Stephanie, Candidate, Removed, December 14, 2017



Naumann, Eric, DCE/Non-Candi-date, Removed, February 23, 2016

Nazaroff, Patrick, DCE/Active, Removed, September 23, 2015

Nordmeyer, Keith, Non-Candi-date, Removed, April 20, 2016

Palisch, Jason, DCE/Candidate, Removed, January 7, 2016

Richter, Kimberly, Active, Removed, April 20, 2016

Roberts, Angie, DCE/Non-Candi-date, Removed, February 23, 2016

Rustan, Erin, DCE/Non-Candi-date, Removed, February 23, 2016

Scheer, Steven, DCE/Candidate, Resigned, July 13, 2017

Schermbeck, Timothy, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Smith, Rebecca, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

St. Clair, Britany, DCE/Non-Candi-date, Removed, April 1, 2015

Stigler, Steve, Active, Resigned, October 7, 2015

Taylor, Angele, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Telschow, Jonathan, Non-Candi-date, Resigned, January 12, 2015

Titus, Amy, Non-Candidate, Resigned, January 15, 2015

Wallingsford, Nathan, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Wilber, Patrick, DCE/Candidate, Removed, May 27, 2015

Wilson, Allison, Candidate, Removed, December 15, 2017

Wolfram, Carlene, Non-Candi-date, Resigned, January 15, 2015



ANNIVERSARIESSignificant anniversaries, beginning with the 25th, are being observed at the District Convention for the three years beginning with the last convention year. Therefore, in 2018, we observe anniversaries in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Anniversaries for 2018 will be observed at the District Convention in 2021.

ORDAINED MINISTERS’ ANNIVERSARIES

70TH ANNIVERSARY

Eldor Mickan 1945

65TH ANNIVERSARY

Wallace Behrhorst 1950

Ronald Lawrenz 1950

Erwin Metz 1950

60TH ANNIVERSARY

Hubert Beck 1956

Walter Chelmo 1955

John Diaz 1955

James Dretke 1956

David Ebert 1957

David Ebs 1957

Alvin Franzmeier 1957

Herbert Graf 1956

Elmer Hohle 1957

William Johnson 1956

Robert Kuhlmann 1957

Roger Neeb 1956

Thomas Petersen 1956

Andrew Simcak 1955

Henry Stoeppelwerth 1957

Otto Urban 1957

Robert Wedergren 1956

55TH ANNIVERSARY

Paul Dorn 1961

Herbert Eifert 1960

John Fibelkorn 1962

LaVerne Fitch 1960

Charles Froehlich 1960

Roger Grummer 1961

Ronald Halamka 1960

James Haupt 1962

Robert Hill 1961

Marvin Kilian 1960

Carroll Kohl 1961

Donald Muchow 1962

Gerald Nichols 1960

Glenn O’Shoney 1962

Ronald Rodeck 1961

50TH ANNIVERSARY

Bruce Blakelock 1966

Daniel Canion 1966

Ernesto Garcia 1966

Fred Gersch 1967

James Haner 1966

L. Dean Hempelmann 1966

Charles Houska 1967

Steve Kappler 1967

Donald Kaspar 1965

Lawrence Kelm 1965

Albert Loeschman 1965

Fred Neumann 1965

Wayne Renning 1966

James Ristvedt 1965

Gary Schaper 1966

Walter Schmidt 1965

Richard Schroeder 1967

Frank Starr 1967

John Stelling 1965

Herman Symmank 1965

Dennis Tegtmeier 1966

45TH ANNIVERSARY

Alan Abel 1970

Walter Albers 1971

George Ascher 1971

Neil Bockelmann 1972

Gilbert Franke 1972

Kenneth Haupt 1970

Paul Howe 1972

Richard Kessler 1971

Gerald Kieschnick 1970

John Kieschnick 1970

Bert Klein 1970

Elmer Kubitz 1972

Richard Kurth 1970

Paul Muench 1972

Irvin “Mel” Newman 1972

Marion Parker 1970

Gary Pohl 1971

Douglas Rathgeber 1970

Charles Rogers 1972

David Schroder 1972

Wayne Schumpe 1971

John Selle 1971

Kenneth Sinclair 1971

Stephen Stallings 1970



40TH ANNIVERSARY

Kenneth Baisden 1975

Allen Bauer 1977

Charles Boerger 1977

Gerald Boerger 1977

Robert Budewig 1976

Todd Dittloff 1976

John Frahm 1976

Victor Frank 1975

Tom Hadley 1977

Joel Heck 1975

David Hintze 1977

Ralph Hobratschk 1976

Laverne Janssen 1977

David Kluth 1977

Robert Kobler 1976

Donald Loeschen 1976

George Loudenback 1977

James Mann 1976

Elder McCants 1977

Daniel Mueller 1975

Robert Nordlie 1975

Mark Paul 1975

David Quail 1976

August Ristow 1976

Donald Rosentreter 1977

Curtis Schneider 1977

Paul Schroeder 1975

Roland Schutz 1977

Walter Waiser 1975

35TH ANNIVERSARY

Burt Benson 1980

Donald Bahr 1982

Mark Barz 1982

Henry Beverly 1981

Robert Boyce 1982

Dennis Bragdon 1982

Kenneth Burkhard 1982

Robert Cheney 1980

Michael Coppersmith 1980

Timothy Dinger 1982

Douglas Dommer 1981

Craig DuBois 1981

Alfred Gallmeier 1982

Michael Gruhn 1981

Randall Haedge 1982

Steven Henze 1981

Art Hill 1982

Glenn Huebel 1980

Chris Johnson 1981

Douglas Kabell 1982

Mark Karle 1982

Donald Kasper 1982

Harry Klepper 1980

Victor Kollmann 1981

Alan Korinek 1981

Rolf Larsen 1982

David Leeland 1981

Dale Leland 1980

Thomas Lubeck 1982

John Messmann 1982

Paul Meyer 1981

Steven Misch 1982

Steve Morfitt 1982

David Mumm 1981

Paul Neumann 1982

James Otte 1980

Donald Porter 1980

John Raddatz 1982

Ralph Sackschewsky 1981

David Sawhill 1981

Wayne Schueler 1982

Richard Schuller 1982

Richard Snyder 1981

Thomas St. Jean 1980

Russell Tieken 1981

Russell Weise 1982

Donn Williams 1981

30TH ANNIVERSARY

Edmund Auger 1985

John Austin 1986

Michael Bailey 1986

James Baxter 1986

Dale Bohm 1985

Patrick Erickson 1986

Ronald Gebauer 1986

Richard Goodwill 1987

David Grassley 1985

Edward Greenthaner 1987

John Heckmann 1985

Russell Hildrbrandt 1985

Joseph Howlett 1985

Harvey Kelm 1985

Thomas Konz 1986

Larry Krueger 1986

Lee Kunkel 1985

Randy Ledbetter 1986

Lawrence Lieder 1987

Richard Lofgren 1986

Ric McMillian 1985

Glenn Merritt 1985

John Moore 1986

Michael Newman 1987

Louis Redmann 1986

Brian Runge 1985

Stephen Rynearson 1987

William Sager 1985

Bernard Schey 1985

John Thompson 1986

William Tucker 1987

Kevin Westergren 1987

Bill Woolsey 1987

Jimmie Wright 1986

Thomas Zucconi 1986



25TH ANNIVERSARY

Terrance Adamson 1992

Joseph Ardy 1991

Ron Bogs 1992

Michael Dorn 1991

John Elser 1992

Russell Etzel 1992

Norman Finke 1992

Michael Hafer 1992

Peter Heckmann 1992

Dimas Jimenez 1992

Paul Kaiser 1992

Clyde Kieschnick 1990

Douglas Krengel 1991

Jerry McNamara 1991

Yohannes Mengsteab 1991

Ninh Huu Nguyen 1992

Thomas Obersat 1991

Donnie Poole 1990

Daniel Quinn 1990

David Reese 1991

Stace Rollefson 1992

Eddie Scheler 1991

John Schmidt 1992

Scott Stewart 1991

Robert Sweet 1992

Mark Tews 1992

Doyle Theimer 1990

John Walther 1991

Edmund Weber 1990

Delton Weiser 1991

James Woelmer 1990

COMMISSION MINISTERS’ ANNIVERSARIES

75TH ANNIVERSARY

Ruth Braun 1942

70TH ANNIVERSARY

Ruth Doering 1947

Ruby Mueller 1947

65TH ANNIVERSARY

Leroy Tschatschula 1951

Harold Rutz 1952

60TH ANNIVERSARY

Katherine Bolland 1955

Lillian Deterling 1955

Dorothea Jacob 1957

Reynold Kunz 1956

William Leimbach 1955

Donald Rotermund 1955

Walter Schramm 1956

Dorothy Stuemke 1955

55TH ANNIVERSARY

Gerald Brunworth 1960

Marilyn Comotto 1961

Edward Gallmeier 1962

Elizabeth Gallmeier 1962

Katherine Gerdes 1962

Cherry Hammon 1962

Gary Hintz 1960

David Koenig 1961

Lois Lange 1962

Pauline Miller 1962

William Rutherford 1961

Janice Sage 1960

Darrell Schepmann 1962

David Schultz 1962

Phil Schuster 1962

Beverly Smith 1960

Helen Wenthe 1961

William Wenthe, Sr. 1961

Carolyn Wilke 1962

50TH ANNIVERSARY

Woodrow Arp 1965

Jerome “Gayle” Berry 1967

Peggy Berry 1965

Fred Bleeke 1967

Janet Brunette 1967

Linda Buls 1965

Shirley Buser 1965

Dorothea Eckert 1966

Rodney Eckert 1966

Trina Fischer 1965

Sharlyn Fritz 1966

Kenneth Germann 1965

Lowell Goecker 1967

Rose Ann Grissett 1965

Stephen Henke 1966

Larry Hoffschneider 1966

Terry Hynous 1965

Lou Jander 1966

Martha Jander 1966

Eloise Kuhlmann 1967

Bonnie Noack 1966

Daniel Palisch 1967

Melvin Schiwart 1967

Kenneth Schmidt 1967

Carolyn Shaver 1967

David Sommermeyer 1966

Donald Zielke 1967

45TH ANNIVERSARY

Kathleen Achterberg 1970

Robert Achterberg 1970

Steven Allmon 1972



Bruce Baacke 1970

Audrey Barnes 1970

Donna Coppersmith 1972

Gary Einem 1972

Gary Frieling 1970

Michael Fuchs 1970

Susan Fuessel 1970

David Goeke 1970

James Kamprath 1970

Sylvia Kokel 1971

Wayne Kramer 1972

Paul Krentz 1971

Rebecca Krentz 1971

David Kroft 1970

Cheryl Linebrink 1971

Michael Linebrink 1970

Jan Lohmeyer 1971

Norbert Malenke 1972

Robert Malzahn 1971

Evelyn Mann 1970

Mary Mountford 1971

Sharon Mueller 1972

M. Ted Nelson 1970

Eloise Nisayas 1970

Sandra Nun 1971

Diane Wallis 1970

Marilyn Petersen 1971

Gerhardt Pipho 1971

Joel Robinson 1972

Linda Rottermond 1971

Sally Rudy 1971

Ardith Vandercook 1971

James Vandercook 1971

Janet Whitson 1971

Charles Wildauer 1970

Bruce Wurdeman 1971

40TH ANNIVERSARY

Donald Bahr 1977

Deborah Beisert 1977

Annette Boehnke 1977

Dorothy Burroughs 1975

Sandra Clinkenbeard 1976

Connie Devine 1977

Christine Eilers 1977

Lynette Eickemeyer 1977

Margaret Frank 1975

Ronald Fritsche 1976

David Glienke 1975

Elizabeth Gremmer 1975

Margaret Harris 1975

Donna Hauter 1975

Thomas Hilgendorf 1975

Ann Jung 1977

Randall Kerkman 1975

Carolyn Koslan 1977

Elizabeth Landfrie 1975

Bobbie Ledbetter 1975

Keith Lund 1976

David Lundin 1977

Eileen Lyons 1975

Leann McClain 1976

Mark McClain 1976

James McConnell 1977

Cynthia Melcher 1977

Kathleen Menzel 1975

Deborah Merkord 1977

Lanny Merkord 1977

Judith Perez 1975

Michael Rathje 1976

Julia Sawhill 1977

Mark Wilk 1975

Angela Zuehsow 1976

35TH ANNIVERSARY

Kimberly Appel 1982

Virginia Axtell 1982

Theresa Bielefeldt 1980

Dennis Boldt 1981

Linda Braun 1980

Elizabeth A.-Brooks 1982

Robert Cahill 1981

Mary Caldwell 1980

Deborah Christian 1980

Donald Christian 1981

Mary Dahn 1982

Mark Davis 1980

Sue Davis 1982

Timothy Eickstead 1980

Robert “Jeff” Fink 1981

Eleanor Fowler 1981

Sharon Fraker 1980

Judith Friesenhahn 1982

Steven Glandorf 1980

Keith Goedecke 1982

Matthew Headley 1982

Gary Himmler 1981

Nancy Horton 1982

Dirk Kemnitz 1981

Pamela Krause 1982

Ruth Maas 1981

Steven Menke 1981

Cindy Miller 1982

Linda Miller 1982

David W. Mueller 1980

Donna Mueller 1981

Gene Marie Mueller 1980

Kevin Pieper 1980

Greg Pinick 1980

Richard Ryan 1982

Daniel Schaefer 1982



Susan Schaefer 1982

Diane Severson 1981

William Siegrist 1981

Ellen Stamp 1982

Kenneth Stelzer 1980

Douglas Urban 1981

30TH ANNIVERSARY

Phillip “Gil” Abbott 1985

Judith Arldt 1985

Kevin Baker 1986

Gene Benson 1986

Bruce Biedinger 1985

Lisa Bohm 1985

Ellen Brda 1986

Katherine Dobbins 1985

Veloyce Dorn 1986

Rosanne Eberts 1985

Monica Ehrhardt 1985

Karla Einspahr 1985

Kathryn Entzenberger 1987

Susan Gary 1985

Dana Gerard 1985

Lance Gerard 1986

Michelle Griffin 1986

Richard Gutekunst 1986

Sandra Hampton 1986

Lorna Hill 1985

Nancy Hurst 1987

Paul Keiper 1987

Patricia Klekamp 1985

Bradley Krause 1986

Elizabeth Krause 1986

Stanley Kruse 1987

Kathryn Leslie 1986

Amy Lunsford 1987

Rebecca McArthur 1986

Penny Robbins 1987

Carolyn Rouse 1987

Donna Rupp 1987

Donna Schelen 1986

Melissa Sindlinger 1987

Bethel Sticklus 1987

Cynthia Struckmann 1986

Craig Swanson 1987

Cathy Swanstrom 1985

John Troutman 1985

Julie Walther 1985

Dorinda Werner 1985

John Williams 1985

Sharon Wottrich 1986

Thomas Wrege 1985

Lea Zimmerman 1987

Anita Zoch 1985

25TH ANNIVERSARY

Jan Brennan 1991

Harold Boldt 1992

Maxine Bradshaw 1992

Patrick Carlove 1991

Bruce Collet 1990

RaeLynn Dover 1992

Audrey Duensing-Werner 1992

James Eifert 1992

Julie Finke 1990

Martha Fredenburg 1990

Nathan Frerking 1991

Chris Hahn 1990

Howard Lacey 1992

Melissa Larsen 1991

Rebecca Kromminga 1990

Walter Mischnick 1992

Christie Nelson 1990

Todd Nitz 1991

Mark Palmer 1991

Brenda Paulsel 1991

Heidi Peterson 1992

Sarah Popp 1991

Jana Redmond 1991

Cassandra Schermbeck 1991

Paul Wilke 1990

Rebecca Westhar 1992

Chris Winkler 1991

Janice Yung 1990



REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018

PERSONNEL

The voting members of the Texas District Board of Directors for the 2015-2018 triennium are:

The Reverend Kenneth Hennings – PresidentThe Reverend Dale Snyder – Vice-President Area AThe Reverend Eloy Gonzalez – Vice-President Area BThe Reverend Mark Barz – Vice-President Area CThe Reverend Ralph Hobratschk – Vice-President Area DThe Reverend Larry Krueger – SecretaryMr. Tim Miesner – Commissioned MinisterMr. Mark McClain - Commissioned MinisterMr. David Baldner – Layperson Area AMrs. Eunice Otte – Layperson Area BMr. Ron Lammert – Layperson Area CMrs. Karisa Schepmann – Layperson Area DMr. Glenn Hurta – Layperson at Large

The board is served on a full-time basis by Treasurer, Mrs. Linda Hagge, who is a non-voting member of the board of directors. The Reverend Walter Pohland was appointed as Assistant Secretary.

The Board of Directors did experience a change during this triennium due to the death of Mr. Ray Lauter-bach, Layperson Area A. Mr. David Baldner was appointed in January of 2017 to the fill that vacancy on the board.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

The bylaws of the district state, “The board of directors shall serve as the policy making body within the district and as such shall act on behalf of and in the best interest of the district between conventions where such action is required” (District Handbook 6.009).

In addition, the bylaws of the synod charge the district board of directors, as follows:

“It shall be vested with the general management and supervision of the district’s business and legal affairs and shall adopt policies and require procedures which assure that said management and supervision is effected” (Synod Handbook 4.5.1.b) and further, “Between conventions it shall provide for implementation within the district of the decisions of the national and district conventions and allocate necessary funds for the support of the national and district budgets” (Synod Handbook 4.5.1.d).

For the full description of the responsibilities of the District Board of Directors, see the respective hand-books of the district (District Bylaw Article VI) and synod (Synod Bylaw 4.5.1).

BOARD ACTIONS THIS TRIENNIUM

Given its charge, for the sake of the mission of God in Christ Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit in Word and Sacrament, the Board of Directors conducted its work under God’s grace during this past trienni-um, summarized, as follows:

The board routinely ratified the appointment of circuit visitors to fill vacancies, ratified the constitutions and bylaws of congregations that had been approved by the District Constitution Committee, and approved



circuit assignments for new or reassigned congregations of the district. The board appointed members, as per bylaw directives, to the Board for Church Extension, the Texas District Lutheran School Accreditation Commission, the Board of Mission Administration and District Reconcilers. The Board also fulfilled its re-sponsibilities in regard to the Board for Church Extension (BCE), providing oversight and giving approval to decisions by the BCE that required Board of Directors action.

The Board of Directors received reports from district staff on the work of the Board of Mission Administra-tion, School Ministry and the Board for Church Extension, as well as from several missionaries and church planters serving across the district. Additionally, reports were shared with the Board from a variety of ministries within the district including Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas (LOMT), Legacy Deo (formerly Lutheran Foundation of Texas), Texas Partners in Mission, Upbring (formerly Lutheran Social Services of the South), CAN-DO, Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), and Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL). The Board was updated regularly on relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey and supported the actions of district staff and personnel in response to those efforts.

In personnel matters for the district, the Board approved the extending of a call to The Reverend Dr. Yo-hannes Mengsteab to serve as Mission and Ministry Facilitator of Area B, which he accepted. The Board also extended a contract offer to Becca Jones to serve as the Executive Director of Church Extension Fund, which she accepted.

In general oversight regarding the welfare and well-being of district workers, the Board approved and adopt-ed updated Salary Guidelines for the professional church workers of the Texas District, approved and accept-ed changes to policies of the Texas District Employee Handbook, and approved salary recommendations and “Worker Choice” selections from Concordia Health Plan Options for district staff and employees.

The Board approved and sent two overtures to be considered by the 2016 Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. These two overtures were titled, “To Retain Licensed Deacon Ministry” and “To Retain Current System of Ecclesiastical Supervision.” The full text of these overtures was included in the Workbook of the 2016 LCMS Convention.

The Board annually reviewed and adopted budgets for the work of mission and ministry in the district. The annual budgets adopted were, as follows:

2016 – $7,393,319; 2017 – $7,216,253; 2018 – $7,601,269.

The Audit Committee of the Board annually reviewed and presented for Board approval the annual audit report of the district.

In support of the ongoing mission efforts of the district, the Board endorsed the mission board’s goal of “500 New Communities and 500 New Servant-leaders by 2031” as the next mission emphasis for the Texas District, beginning January 1, 2018.

The Mission of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod remains to “Strengthen congrega-tions to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people… locally and globally.” The goal of the Board of Directors is to support, encourage and enable the people of God in the Texas District of the LCMS to fulfill that mission. To God alone be the glory!

Reverend Larry KruegerSecretary, Texas District Board of Directors



TEXAS DISTRICT CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE REPORT

When congregations apply for membership in our Synod or when they revise their Constitution or Bylaws, the Bylaws of Synod (2.2.1 and 2.4.1) require each congregation to submit their Constitution and Bylaws for review by their District’s Constitution Committee. Our Synod’s Bylaws also state that submission and approv-al of new and/or revised Constitutions and Bylaws is a condition of continued membership in the Synod.

Over the past three years, the Texas District Constitution Committee has helped congregations craft doc-uments which meet the above requirements and provide clarity so members may better serve the Lord in their congregation and community. As a resource for congregations drafting their documents and revisions, the Committee has updated a checklist and posted it on the Texas District website, http://www.txdistlcms.org/constitution.html. The committee has reviewed and approved 35 sets of documents since the last District Convention.

The members serving on this committee are: Rev. Mark Wiesenborn (chair), Rev. Matthew Brackman (or-dained), DCE Cheryl Bailes (commissioned), and Leif Olson, J.D. (lay).

As of January 31, 2018 the following congregations have completed the review process with the committee and have received approval from the Texas District Board of Directors for their Constitutions and Bylaws:

Beautiful Savior, Arlington

Beautiful Savior, Austin

Christ, Lincoln

Christ Our Savior, Lago Vista

Community of Hope NW, Spring

Divine Savior, Devine

El Calvario, Brownsville

Epiphany, Houston

Epiphany, Pearland

Grace, Burkburnett

Grace, San Marcos

Holy Cross, Canton

Immanuel, Clifton

King of Kings, San Antonio

Mount Calvary, San Antonio

Narrative, Round Rock

Our Savior, Whitney

Our Shepherd, Crosby

Pilgrim, Houston

Pilgrim, Kilgore

Prince of Peace, Carrollton

Redeemer, Fort Worth

Resurrection, Spring

St. John, Hamilton

St. John, Mansfield

St. John, Uhland

St. Mark, Waco

St. Matthew, Houston

St. Paul, Bishop

St. Paul, Fort Worth

St. Paul, Harlingen

St. Paul, Waco (Bellmead)

St. Peter, Gun Barrel City

Shepherd of the Prairie, Franklin

Trinity, San Angelo

Respectfully,Rev. Mark Wiesenborn, Chairman



REPORT OF THE TREASURERREPORT OF THE TREASURER

The Texas District, LCMS is one of the largest districts within Synod and a significant contributor to Synod mission work. Texas continues to be one of the largest mission fields in our nation.

The district is one corporation comprised of two funds: General Fund and Church Extension Fund. (Please see separate CEF Report.)

SOURCES OF FUNDS

The primary source of funding for the General Fund are contributions from Texas District member congrega-tions. Other sources include: restricted gifts; Texas Partner in Missions; Fan-Into-Flame campaign proceeds; endowments; school assessments; and funding agreement repayments. Please see data provided below for use of this funding.

USE OF FUNDS

Rev. Mike Newman, Mission and Ministry Facilitator (MMF) Area C, coordinates and directs the mission budget within the district’s total General Fund budget. Within the mission budget the district provides financial support to the Synod, Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (Camp Lone Star), Upbring, Legacy Deo and CAN-DO Missions.

A large portion of the mission budget pays for mission-planter screening and selection, planter training and coaching, mission conferences, and mission field-worker salaries. The district provides funding for some new missions through direct subsidy but primarily through the use of “Funding Agreements.” Subsidy dollars (non-repayable dollars) are being diminished over time in favor of “Funding Agreements.” Funding Agree-ments are no-interest loans to missions and repayable over a number of years. Repaid dollars are applied to fund more church starts in the district.

The mission fund also sponsors a variety of ministries including ethnic, deaf, campus and Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalitions (LINC) in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The construction of the new Universi-ty of Texas Lutheran Student Center was completed fall of 2017. (Please see Board of Mission Administration Report for additional information on mission projects.)

Other budget categories include the provision of scholarships to undergraduate students interested in church work as well as seminary students. Through the Texas District President’s Office, confidential financial assistance from both anonymous contributors and Soldiers of the Cross and Veterans of the Cross (a Synod program) is granted to church workers needing such assistance.

Contributed mission dollars support our Lutheran schools as well as their administrators and educators through our Office of School Ministry. School assessment revenue does not fully cover the cost of operating the Office of School Ministry. More information on our school ministries program can be found in the School Ministry Report.

Additional funds are used for two annual Texas District Circuit Visitors meetings, six annual Texas District Board of Director meetings as well as for confidential counseling services for pastors and their families. Additionally, the president’s team coordinates, to list only a few examples, the Pastoral Call Process, the district’s pastor/congregation database and congregation reconciliation efforts.

The General Fund budget also covers services to congregations as provided by four “Mission and Ministry Facilitators” (MMF) who are deployed around the state.

The Texas District Treasurer’s Office provides financial services and counsel to the Texas District President’s Office, Texas District Board of Directors and Circuit Visitors, district mission staff, district congregations and



new mission starts. The treasurer’s office serves as a resource for pastors, church leaders and congregation treasurers with questions related to many aspects of church administration. Two resource examples include annual distribution of the Treasurer’s Manual in the fall and Salary Guidelines in April. Additionally, the trea-surer’s office provides services and advice in regard to property management, convention/conference plan-ning, network/internet administration, payroll and Concordia Plan benefits, Lutheran Witness subscriptions, employee policies and practices, internal control as it relates to safeguarding assets, budget development and the annual district pledge process.

The treasurer’s office played a major role in the receipt and distribution of donations in response to Hurri-cane Harvey. Under the direction of the district’s communications director, Lisa Candido, the needs of the survivors were quickly communicated through various media. The financial response to the need was incred-ible. The district received more than $2,000,000 in disaster relief donations from individuals throughout the United States. This level of disaster relief receipts was unprecedented in the financial history of the district. Rev. Steve Misch (MMF, Area A), coordinates our disaster relief program. (Please see Disaster Relief Report for details.)

Director of Information Technology, Keith Howanitz, plays a critical role in the district’s network security and administration. Online fraud is increasing and is Keith is instrumental in establishing policies and proce-dures that safeguard district online usage and investor data. He is available to consult with congregations on these topics.

The Texas Partners in Mission development program has been a huge blessing to the financial success of the district. Texas Partners in Mission Development Director, Lanny Moore, plays a vital role in sharing the success of all district ministries. He is available to meet with ministry leaders, individual donors and other district stakeholders.

FINANCIAL DATA

Below is a three-year synopsis of financial data. The 2016 increase in “Total all Sources” reflects ground-lease revenue used for the construction of the University of Texas Lutheran Student Center. A decrease in unrestricted congregational contributions resulted in a decline in total dollars remitted to Synod during this three-year period. We are thankful mission receipts from congregations increased slightly in 2017. However, it is a concern that not all congregations financially support the district’s vital ministries. Please prayerfully consider your particular situation.

Please note that the General Fund and CEF are audited annually in April. District financial statements are available by July/August of each year.

District leadership continually questions and refines its effectiveness in applying resources for ministry. We welcome members’ feedback and suggestions. Thank you for supporting the Texas District financially and in prayer!

Linda Hagge, MBA, MAFM, CPATreasurer (CFO) of the Texas District

2015 (ended 1/31/16)

2016 (ended 1/31/17)

2017 (ended 1/31/18)

Total All Sources $6,562,674 $6,937,596 $6,790,050

Total All Uses $6,126,566 $6,993,261 $7,004,954

Total Mission Receipts from Congregations (included in “Total All Sources” above)

$4,738,413 $4,655,112 $4,673,095

World Mission Contributions to Synod $1,375,000 $1,349,702 $1,335,000

World Mission Contribution % 29.01% 28.99% 28.57%



REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSION ADMINISTRATION

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accor-dance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4 ESV).

This Gospel message is what we have received and what we are called to deliver “as of first importance” to all who do not yet know the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Standing firmly on the Gospel, we join together in boldly sending redeemed servants of the Savior through-out the Texas District to share the Good News and to start new congregations.

Over the past triennium, Texas District LCMS congregations have partnered together to facilitate an ex-panding movement of the Gospel. Through the prayers, financial gifts, and encouragement of faithful and mission-focused congregations, thousands of people are being reached every week with the love of Christ. In addition to helping to start new churches, the generous financial blessings and prayers of Texas District congregations and church members also provide resources and blessing for the mission of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and key Texas mission partners: Concordia University, CAN-DO Missions, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, Legacy Deo, and Upbring. How blessed we are to be part of God’s mission movement in Texas!

Thank you for your faithful partnership in mission. Thank you for firmly standing and boldly sending!

NEW MISSIONS PROGRESS REPORT

The Board of Mission Administration (BMA) of the Texas District is strongly committed to reach out with the Gospel in partnership with congregations and organizations in our District.

A. New Ministries

Over the past triennium we have been blessed with twenty-five (25) newly planted churches/satellites of existing congregations. These Word and Sacrament ministries are:

2015St. John, Frisco Hope for The Nations (UTA Student Center), Arlington Narrative Church, Round Rock NewChurch, Katy

2016La Trinidad, Port Arthur Cypress Chapel, Cypress Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, Franklin Shalom Oromo Evangelical Church of Dallas What is Happening Now Ministry, Waxahachie ACTS Church Northwest, Austin ACTS Church Antioch, Cedar Park Haven for Hope Homeless Shelter, San Antonio Eritrean Evangelical Lutheran Church - Kunama, Houston



2017Acts Church Kyle, Kyle ART Church, McKinney Comunidad Cristiana Expansion, RockwallEightTen, HoustonGrace Korean Church, Watauga Iglesia Cristiana El Buen Pastor, Houston Iglesia Nuevo Camino, Cypress Shalom Oromo Evangelical, Houston The Dwelling, Kingwood Veritas Community Lutheran Church & Academy, Wylie Oikos-Montrose, HoustonJesus and Me Ministry, Houston

These new ministries allowed the Texas District to celebrate a total of 122 newly started Word and Sacra-ment ministries in Texas between 2004 and 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We praise God for the local congregations and church planting networks in Texas that facilitate the start of new missions and the support of existing ministries.

B. New Ministry Planning and Support

A key component of starting new missions is a sound strategy. The Texas District seeks to assist in the start-up of new churches with an approach that focuses on the right person, the right place, and the right plan. Rev. Dr. John Hirsch leads a careful Church Planter Assessment process for each potential ministry leader sponsored by the Texas District. The Texas District MMFs work with regional networks and local con-gregations to develop the right plan for the right place. Coaching and ongoing training are also provided for church planters as the Texas District seeks to catalyze a church planting movement in Texas.

FUNDING THE MISSION

The BMA continues to focus on practicing the best possible stewardship of the offerings given by God’s people in the Texas District. More people than ever need the solid foundation of Jesus Christ in their lives. To that end, the BMA continues to move forward in a sound and strategic mission funding plan.

The BMA continues to implement funding plans for new ministries. Up to $200,000, repayable over a twen-ty-year period with no interest, is made available to qualifying new mission starts. In addition to the finan-cial support, church planter assessment, training and coaching are made available for workers who serve new starts.

Returned capital from Funding Agreements is placed in a Texas District Church Extension Fund account and reinvested in new mission repayable funding agreements every year for the purpose of starting new con-gregations. Nearly $200,000 is returned by ministries each year to be reinvested in additional new mission starts.

The BMA gives thanks to God for His guidance and for the support and partnership of congregations and organizations in boldly sharing the Gospel with those who do not know Christ.



THANK YOU

In addition to self-sacrificial offerings and donations from congregations and individuals, generous and com-mitted servants of Christ continue to offer assistance for the District Mission Program through the following organizations:

A. MISSION PROGRAM

The B. M. Woltman Foundation of Houston provides grants to financially assisted congregations to aid in the developing of their ministry.The Texas District, Lutheran Women’s Missionary LeagueTexas Partners In MissionIn addition, Legacy Deo oversees a number of endowment funds that also directly benefit the Texas District Mission Program.The Herwald Family Endowment FundThe St. Michael Endowment FundThe Ernest and Marie Moerbe Endowment FundTexas District Mission Planting Endowment FundTexas District Hispanic Endowment FundDeaf Ministry Endowment Mathilde E. Taube UnitrustMathilde E. Taube Irrevocable TrustGrace Urban Endowment FundHarry & Edna Mitschke Endowment for Deaf MinistryBorn Endowment FundHenry C. and Joanna D. Ritter Endowment Fund

B. SCHOLARSHIPS

The following provided assistance with tens of thousands of dollars for student scholarship aid for Texas District students preparing for church vocations at our Lutheran schools and seminaries.The B. M. Woltman Foundation The Texas District Lutheran Women’s Missionary LeagueThe Texas District, LCMS Mr. Robert R. Trapp

In addition to the above, the following scholarship endowments are managed by Legacy Deo and awarded by the BMA.The Lin Charles Pfluger Scholarship Trust FundThe Mr. and Mrs. August Symmank Student Scholarship Endowment FundThe Joseph Maxwell and Elizabeth Jane McKinney Memorial Endowment FundThe Prince of Peace Student Seminary Endowment FundThe Oscar Paul Thieme Memorial Endowment FundThe Doris (Dodie) Heckmann DeYoung Scholarship Endowment FundThe Wanda and Harold Jungman Scholarship EndowmentThe Elma K. Dutschmann Memorial Scholarship EndowmentThe Alvin & Martha Kieschnick Family Scholarship EndowmentThe Rev. Edmund P. and Esther J. Frank Student Loan EndowmentThe Texas District Professional Church Workers Endowment Fund The Vastine E. and Louise R. Pietsch Endowment Trust FundThe Fred H. and Virginia I. Weber Memorial Endowment FundThe Henry P. L. and Caroline S. Studtmann Family Scholarship Endowment FundThe Paula B. Stratton and B. J. King Memorial Scholarship EndowmentThe Hope Lutheran Church Scholarship Endowment



Fishers of Men Scholarship Endowment of Trinity Lutheran Church – TaylorOur Shepherd Lutheran Church (Crosby) Legacy Endowment FundThe William E. Bird and Edna L. Bird Scholarship EndowmentThe Eckert-Watters Endowment Pearly Vorwerk & Walter Anton Theiss EndowmentErnest and Ruth Bolland Endowment

During the last triennium a number of congregations and individuals have given gifts above and beyond regular District/Synod support for specific ministries. This type of support has continued to grow and, we pray, will multiply significantly in the years to come.

We profoundly thank all of these groups for their assistance and pray that they will continue to be support-ive of the Mission Program of our District.

C. The Board of Mission Administration

We also praise God for those who have served the Texas District as members of the Board of Mission Adminis-tration during the last triennium:

Mr. Ryan Busse Harlingen, Texas (chairman)Rev. Stephen DeMik Houston, TexasMr. Stewart Harms Hurst, TexasRev. Dr. David Kim Houston, TexasMrs. Stephanie Knea Houston, TexasDr. Margaret Peterson Midland, TexasRev. Walt Pohland Georgetown, TexasRev. Tim Radkey McKinney, TexasMr. Mike Ratke Farwell, TexasMrs. Amber Schraeder Austin, TexasRev. Doug Widger Fort Worth, Texas

Many thanks to Ryan Busse, Pastor Walt Pohland, Pastor Tim Radkey, Mr. Mike Ratke and Rev. Doug Widger as they complete their terms on the BMA and are no longer eligible to continue on the board. We praise God for these faithful, wise and dedicated servants with mission hearts!

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The Mission of the Texas District is to strengthen congregations to:reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people...locally and globally.

Mission and Ministry Facilitators (MMF) of the Texas District partner with congregations and local mission networks to facilitate a mission movement in Texas.

MMF CONTACT INFORMATION:

Area A (Circuits 1-7):

Rev. Steven Misch 1511 Gawain Rd. Borger, TX 79007 806-433-4536 (Cell/Office) / 806-273-3821 (Home/Fax) / [email protected]

Area B (Circuits 8-19):

Rev. Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab5012 Glen Springs TrailFort Worth TX 76137(260) 458-4825 / [email protected]



Area C (Circuits 20-30)

Rev. Michael Newman 4527 Jarrell San Antonio, TX 78253 210-633-4368 (Cell and office) / 210-764-1291 (Fax) / [email protected]

Area D (Circuits 31-43):

Rev. Jon Braunersreuther23334 E. Pine Ivy LaneTomball TX 77375314-471-1072 / [email protected]

FIRMLY STANDING, BOLDLY SENDING

The Texas District LCMS has seen remarkable and miraculous mission development over the past triennium. From the organic growth of regional church planting networks, to creative local congregational mission development, to the vast array of new ethnic church starts, God has blessed the Texas District mission partnership. Our Savior has allowed us to be part of His mission to reach all people with the life-giving news of Jesus.

If you would like to become a prayer partner for the Texas District mission efforts, go to http://txlcms.org/mission-prayer/. If you would like contribute financial support for missions in the Texas District, go to http://txlcms.org/support/.

Your prayers, your encouragement, and your ongoing financial support bring blessing upon blessing as we stand firmly on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and boldly send servants to share His grace and salvation!

Rev. Michael NewmanLiaison to the Board of Mission Administration


http://txlcms.org/mission-prayer/

http://txlcms.org/mission-prayer/

http://txlcms.org/support/


REPORT FROM TEXAS PARTNERS IN MISSION

Lanny Moore, Director of Development

The mission statement of the Texas District is to strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people—locally and globally. Texas Partners in Mission (TPIM) exists to support the mis-sion effort of the Texas District by creating awareness and financial support to supplement the budget for new mission starts. As TPIM’s director of development, I have grown to realize the importance of Romans 10:13-15, which addresses the need for new missions and missionaries: “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”

Since 2004, 122 new Texas District church starts have been planted. The math works out to one new plant every 6 weeks! It is a great start, but with more than 1,200 people moving to Texas every day, and many of those not knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, it is clear we have much to do. The approximately 150 missionaries working in the Texas District are hearing God’s call to “make disciples.” Through support of these missionaries, agencies and congregations are assisting these workers in the mission harvest field.

From July 2015 to January 2018, TPIM helped raise approximately $700,000 to supplement the district’s budget for mission work. Through partnerships with Texas Church Extension Fund and Legacy Deo, opportu-nities exist to ensure a continuing flow of funds for the mission effort. TPIM presentations to congregations, groups or individuals are available throughout the year. If you are interested in hearing more about these opportunities, please visit http://txlcms.org/tpim/

TPIM considers it an honor and privilege to serve you as you contemplate serving others by sharing your blessings with those who bring the Good News to those who have not heard it. Your support is vital in con-tinuing to ensure the Gospel message is heard by everyone and all have the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our convention theme, Firmly Standing, Boldly Sending, speaks powerfully about the message of God’s redemption through His son, Jesus, and about all of us proclaiming to the world this same message of sal-vation. God’s blessings on our convention and our continued efforts in our mission work through the Texas District.

Peace be with you always, Lanny Moore


http://txlcms.org/tpim/


REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Lisa Candido, Director of Communications

The Communications Department of the Texas District promotes the mission of the district—To Reach. To Disciple. To Care. It supports the president’s office, mission outreach including Texas Partners in Mission and other district departments in creating, coordinating and producing print and digital materials. It utilizes various means to network congregations and church workers, and effectively keep them up-to-date on the happenings of the district. This includes: Catalyst (monthly online newsletter), Minister to Minister, Texas Messenger, social media, events and district website.

In 2015 the Texas District underwent a branding initiative to increase awareness of the offerings of the district to congregations and church workers to better support their endeavors. The initiative led to the development of a comprehen-sive communications strategy as well as revived visual identity and solidified branding guidelines. Additionally, the district launched a new website, reen-gaged and expanded social media, created videos—Mission Story Minute—with stories of . The first Mission Update was produced in 2017 highlighting mission work happening across the Texas District.

Beginning on Thursday, August 17, 2017, Hurricane Harvey began battering the Texas coast and moving its way towards Houston. The Golden Triangle and parts of Houston were devastated by this unprecedented weather event. Approximately 14 pastors and 41 other church workers, and 700 church members had flood damage to their homes. Additionally, 11 churches had significant flooding. The communications department worked diligently with other district staff to communicate the needs of those affected but also to connect them with the outpouring of prayers and generosity that came nationwide. As Hur-ricane Harvey disaster relief continues, the communications department shares the ongoing stories of God working through His people to help and comfort those affected.


http://txlcms.org/

https://www.facebook.com/Texas.District.LCMS/

http://txlcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/txlcms-annualreport-FINAL.pdf


DISASTER RELIEF — TEXAS DISTRICTThis report includes activity from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017.

The following report outlines the goals and priorities of the Texas District regarding disaster response as well as specific incidents over that the past triennium. This includes the response to Hurricane Harvey through December 31, 2017.

Please keep in mind that each incident involves people who lost some, if not all, of their possessions. Some people injured physically, and all challenged spiritually. Each incident also realized the tremendous response of God’s people. Gifts, talents, time, and simple presence given graciously and abundantly in the effort of recovery. By listening, laughing, crying and praying with those in recovery, people were encouraged and assured of the love of Jesus. Stories of courage, valor, and sacrifice for a neighbor or a stranger are too nu-merous to recount. Many non-faith members of communities, seeing the hands of Christ through the church, changed their views about the church. Some came to faith. Others simply softened their opinions toward Christianity, grateful to receive any assistance.

One final note regarding grant dollars. None of the dollars granted through grant requests from the Texas District are in the operating budget. All dollars granted are available only through the generous donations of people and congregations in Texas and around the nation and managed by the Texas District Disaster Relief committee. 100% of the dollars are available for disaster recovery efforts only.

The Goals of the Texas District Disaster Relief are to:

» Encourage prayer by God’s people for individuals and communities who have experienced a disasterincident;

» Encourage congregations and individuals to prepare for such events;» Be a missional (Gospel) presence in the midst of an incident;» Assist in restoration of property.

Included in the role of the Texas District, is the distribution of grant requests from individuals, congrega-tions, and Lutheran organizations impacted by an incident. The priority of such distribution is:

1. Rostered Leaders and Church Workers in the LCMS;2. Church members of an LCMS congregation;3. Local LCMS Property;4. Community members connected with local LCMS congregations.

During this past triennium, the Texas District assisted the recovery of eight incidents, which included flood-ing, tornadoes, hail and one hurricane.

» May – 2015: Flooding (Lubbock)One grant request for $5,000

» October - 2015: Flooding (Austin)One grant request for $2,986

» December – 2015: Tornadoes (Garland/DFW)Two grant requests for a total of $3,035

» April – 2016: Hail (Dallas)One grant request for $10,000

» April – 2016: Flooding (Houston)Eighteen grant requests for a total of$69,815

» February – 2017: Tornado (Thrall)One grant request for $750

» April – 2017: Tornado (Canton)Two grant requests for a total of $9,750

» August – 2017: Hurricane HarveyTwo-hundred sixty grant requests for$3,450,089. Able to fill $1,158,995


HURRICANE HARVEY

According to meteorologists, Harvey had three landfalls from the end of August to the beginning of Sep-tember, including two at Rock Port and one at Houston. This slow moving storm dumped record amounts of rainfall over some areas and brought significant wind damage to other areas. The wind/rain field of this storm was the size of South Carolina. From Corpus Christi to the Golden Triangle, the damage was devastat-ing. Hundreds of thousands of homes were flooded with the water covering the roofs of some of the homes. Over a million vehicles were rendered useless because of the flooding. Nothing of this size had ever before been seen or experienced in North America. As one pastor said, “This storm is transformational.” The chal-lenge for Disaster Response was enormous at every level.

The response was extraordinary: from volunteers willing to work, to equipment made available, from do-nated warehouse space, to congregations both large and small opening their fellowship halls and kitchens for use. Men and women contributed their administrative and organizational skills in the recovery process. Congregations and Districts from around the country brought both material and volunteer help. In partner-ship with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Disaster Response, hundreds of thousands of grant dollars were made available to establish, fund, and resource staging areas from Corpus Christi to Houston to Port Arthur. Staging areas and local coordinators were established in seven different locations where volunteers completed the proper forms to work and then received safety orientations before going to homes to tear out drywall and then replace the drywall (and other such demolition/restoration) when the homes were ready.

A tremendous blessing for the District was the availability of Mrs. Julie Tucker from Concordia, San Antonio, to work full-time in facilitating recovery. Having a gift to make connections between people and organiza-tions, Julie has been working tirelessly in communities and congregations and with local coordinators from Corpus Christi to the Golden Triangle. She makes things happen with joy and determination.

President Ken Hennings has worked tirelessly in the recovery efforts and his support has been invaluable. President Hennings traveled with President Harrison from Corpus Christi to Houston as the storm exited the area. There he met with church workers as well as community members to listen to and to encourage them in this overwhelming recovery. Rev. Michael Newman and Rev. Jon Braunersreuther, Area C and Area D MMFs, have both worked very hard in this recovery by communicating, visiting and advising organizations in their respective areas. They have been both essential and encouraging in the recovery.

It has also been a delight to work with Mrs. Linda Hagge, Texas District Treasurer, and her office. The grant requests and dollars approved all had to work through her office. She and her office worked tirelessly at processing two-hundred and sixty vouchers identified for this report.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Disaster Response from St. Louis has been essential and a great bless-ing as well. It has been a joy, and the Texas District is honored to work in partnership with Rev. Ross Johnson and Rev. Michael Meyer, receiving their insights and encouragement as well as material and financial support for ongoing recovery efforts. We would not be able to have done what has been done without them.

Finally, In addition to those mentioned above, I would like to acknowledge the countless pastors, church workers, school principals, teachers, congregation members, local business owners and volunteers, all with-out whom this recovery would not be where it is today. It is fascinating to listen to the stories of recovery from people who were in the middle of the storm. One pastor told me, “This is the most difficult ministry of my career.” When families are displaced in such a wide spread manner, the look and even the focus of ministry changes. Things that were once so important move to the background and the message of hope in Christ takes on heightened and urgent meaning. God indeed has opened doors.

Of course, recovery from this storm is not complete with the close of the past triennium. Ongoing efforts for months and perhaps years will be needed. The continued support of the members of the district will be greatly appreciated by those communities who have such a long way to go in getting back to the “old nor-mal.” Please keep this effort in your prayers.

Respectfully Submitted Rev. Steven J. Misch, Disaster Relief Coordinator


REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF SCHOOL MINISTRY

OFFICE OF SCHOOL MINISTRY – HERE TO SERVE

The office of the school ministry has been established by the Texas District to serve its congregations and those who are in ministry in congregations and schools. Please call us if we can assist your congregation in any way.

SCHOOL MINISTRY IN CONGREGATIONS

The opportunity for Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Centers today is to minister to the children en-rolled in the school and centers and also to the families of these children. Children and their families expe-rience the love and care of Jesus Christ as they enter the “school door” of the congregation. Many families, who would otherwise not be touched by our ministries, are looking for the excellence that they experience in many of our Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Centers. Families are willing to pay for their children for educational excellence and we have the great opportunity to share Christ’s love with them as they do that. The mission field has, like so many other aspects of our global society, reached our front door. Faculty and staff are in a position to minister to the children and other family members. Students are generally in our schools for over thirty-five hours a week. This provides us with a tremendous opportunity to share the love of God in Jesus Christ and His love and forgiveness to students and families. Many congregations are becoming more intentional about their school ministries being strong family ministries. School ministries are outreach ministries for congregations as they are involved in reaching into their communities. The teachers and staff members are Front Line Missionaries. The students/children are being equipped as they hear and learn of the love of Jesus every day, to become Front Line Missionaries wherever God places them right now and in their future endeavors. What a tremendous blessing we have in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod with our heritage of Lutheran schools. Each school day our students hear about God’s great love in Christ Jesus for each of us. Schools and centers are often able to reach students, children, and family members that would otherwise often not be reached. The faith of all students is strengthened as they experience the love of Christ and learn more about Him in their Lutheran schools daily.

LUTHERAN SCHOOL MINISTRY IN THE TEXAS DISTRICT

During the 2016-2017 school year 127 school ministries were operated by congregations and school asso-ciations of the Texas District. Of the 127 programs there are 87 free-standing early childhood centers, 31 elementary schools and 9 highs schools for a total of 18,199 students. We have 1,242 teachers, caregivers and administrators in the early childhood division, 1,067 teachers/administrators in the elementary division, and 149 personnel in the high school division for a total of 2,707 educators.

SYNODICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL STATISTICS

Statistics are gathered each year by the LCMS Department of School Ministry. Data for 2016-2017 contains the following important statistics: Children Baptized: 2,486

Total number of schools: 2.029; Early Childhood Centers: 1,150; Elementary schools: 793; High schools: 86. Total number of students: 185,968; Early Childhood Centers: 80,416; Grades K-8: 87,993; Grades 9-12: 17,559 Total number of teachers: 21, 731; Rostered teachers: 10,690; Non-rostered teachers: 11,041

Largest LCMS schools in the United States: (from Texas) [Both in the Top Five]

Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton and Lutheran South Academy, HoustonEC Centers with enrollment over 300: [in the Top Six]Cross Point Christian School, Katy



Elementary Schools with enrollment over 500: [in the Top Five]

Trinity-Klein Lutheran School, Spring

High Schools with enrollment over 500: [in the Top Eight]

Concordia Lutheran High School, Tomball

OFFICE OF SCHOOL MINISTRY – SCHOOL ASSESSMENT

The Office of School Ministry is involved in a variety of activities and processes affecting schools such as: accreditation, staffing assistance, legal issues, curriculum, Texas Education Agency (TEA) issues, teacher certification, continuing education, conferences, synodical connections, consulting, coordination, visioning, educational trends, conflict management, federal & state educational issues and the like.

The work of the office of the school ministry is supported in part by the school assessment fee. The current school assessment fee is $12 per student attending a Lutheran high school; $9.50 for students in Lutheran schools in grades one through eight, and $7.00 per student for infants through kindergarten students.

In 2016 the Texas District Board of Directors passed a $1 increase per student beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

FIVE TEXAS DISTRICT LUTHERAN SCHOOLS NAMED AS NATIONAL EXEMPLARY SCHOOLS

We have been very blessed to have had five National Exemplary Schools in Texas recognized by the National Accreditation Office. The following schools have been named as National Exemplary Schools: Lutheran South Academy, Houston for 2012-2013, for the 2012-2103 only nine schools were named as National Exemplary Schools in the entire country; Prince of Peace, Carrollton, and Concordia Lutheran High School, Tomball for 2013-2014, with only eight schools in the country; and Trinity-Klein Lutheran School, Spring; and Salem Lutheran School, Tomball for 2014-2015, with only seven schools in the entire country. We congratulate the administrative teams, faculty, and staff, and the entire church and school families for a GREAT JOB!

We look forward to congratulating our next National Exemplary Schools. Not qualifying as a National Ex-emplary School does not mean that you don’t have an excellent school. We have a number of outstanding schools that have not yet been recognized as a National Exemplary School. Being named as a National Exemplary School is a wonderful statement to your community that has multiple benefits for your school internally and externally.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MINISTRY

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Council of the Texas District was formed in 1998 to assist congregations with early childhood centers. Members of the ECE Council of the Texas District include the following: Rhonda Scott, Redeemer, Baytown; Brenda Porter, Prince of Peace, Carrollton; Celeste May, St. John, Cypress; Gail Winningham, Bethel, Dallas; Kristen Elizondo, Zion, Dallas; Cora Nash,-Family of Faith, Houston; Kathy Entzenberger, Upbring School of Discovery & Leadership, Houston; Liz Homans, Light of the World, Keller; Bonnie Hahn, Leander ISD; Diane Dillow, Crown of Life, San Antonio; Kelly Brymer, St. Paul, Thorndale; Sheri Losoya, Salem, Tomball; along with Dr. William Hinz, Director of School Ministry and Mrs. Lee Gaines, Execu-tive Assistant, Office of School Ministry office.

Annual Early Childhood Educators’ (ECE) Conference - the ECE Conference is usually held in late January each year and rotates to different regions. In 2015 the conference was held in Dallas; in 2016 the confer-ence was held in Houston; in 2017 the conference was held in San Antonio and our most recent conference was held on January 25-27, 2018 in Austin with over 780 in attendance.

Directors and Assistant Directors Workshop – The ECE Council began the annual Directors and Assistant Directors Workshop in 1998. This workshop promotes leadership development and an opportunity to look at new resources and gain additional help through networking. The workshop takes place usually the first weekend in November. The next Directors’ Leadership Workshop will be held November 4-6, 2018.



Professional Development Opportunities for Early Childhood Directors and Teachers - The Early Childhood Certificate of Christian. This program consists of 4 modules; Mission and Ministry in Early Childhood Edu-cation; Lutheran Thought and Teaching; Methods and Materials of Early Childhood Christian Education and Faith Development of Children and Families. The Texas District School Ministry Office and Early Childhood Council members are committed to providing these 10 hours of professional development to any region where 10 or more educators are registered for this instruction.

Genesis Project - The Genesis Project assists congregations who are seeking to start a Lutheran School. Applications can be received through the Texas District-Office of School Ministry.

Lutheran School Consulting Services (LSCS) – The purpose of Lutheran School Consulting Services (LSCS) is to strengthen and revitalize Lutheran schools so God’s children are well served and His kingdom expanded. LSCS focuses on the school and its ministry. As schools are strengthened, so are congregations and their ministries.

LSCS uses a specific process to assess, evaluate, and make relevant recommendations based around the various needs of the ministry requesting assistance. Trained assessors and consultants work hand in hand with ministries throughout the entire process to ensure that their needs are met and their overall ministries are strengthened.

CONGREGATIONS CALLING A PRINCIPAL OR AN EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR

One of the most critical times in the school ministry of a congregation is the calling of a new Principal or an Early Childhood Director. The Director of School Ministry of the Texas District works together with Call Committees in this important endeavor. Dr. Hinz and the Office of School Ministry, Texas District assist throughout the Calling Process. Often the congregational leadership team invites Dr. Hinz to meet with the Call Committee at the start of the process to review the important steps of the Calling Process and the generation of potential candidates. An 11-page document has been prepared by the Texas District-Office of School Ministry to assist congregations

Congregations Calling Teachers - The Concordia University System of ten colleges is unique in all of Amer-ica. We are blessed to have Concordia University Texas right here in our District. The teachers coming out of Concordia are exceptionally well prepared. In addition to our Lutheran Schools some of the best public districts in the state love to have Concordia graduates. Congregations need to continue to encourage young people to prayerfully consider church work. Many congregations have established financial assistance for these young people.

Beginning Teachers’ Workshop - Each year a special workshop is held for all first year teachers. There is a need for congregations and schools to provide special care during the first few years of transitioning into the teaching profession. The Beginning Teachers’ Workshop is held the first Sunday and Monday in October.

LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY IN THE TEXAS DISTRICT

The Texas District is blessed to currently have nine high schools: Concordia High School, Austin; Prince of Peace, Carrollton; Dallas Lutheran School, Dallas; Lutheran High North, Houston; Lutheran South Academy, Houston; Faith Lutheran School, Plano; Lutheran High School, San Antonio; Concordia Lutheran High School, Tomball and Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas, Warda (Giddings). The administrators of the Texas District Lutheran High Schools meet on a regular basis for the purpose of spiritual growth and for leadership development.

The graduates of our Lutheran high schools have been blessed to go on to the finest schools (Universities) in our country and do exceptionally well as leaders in their own families, communities and congregations. This is a tribute to the Christian upbringing they receive in their own families and also to the development of their Christian faith through the various Christian teachers and mentors they experience. This process is enhanced by the Christian role models they see each day in their Lutheran High Schools.



LUTHERAN SCHOOL ACCREDITATION COMMISSION (LSAC)

The Lutheran School Accreditation Commission (LSAC) is an accrediting agency for schools (Early Childhood Centers, Elementary and High Schools) of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Accred-iting associations recognized by the Texas Commissioner of Education to accredit non-public schools in Texas through the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC). Member associations of TEPSAC, like LSAC, are authorized to accredit those schools that meet are the Accreditation Standards. All accredited schools of the Texas District are listed on the TEPSAC website: www.tepsac.com Texas School Directory.

The accreditation of non-public schools in Texas is a function of TEPSAC and is recognized by the Commis-sioner of Education as having standards comparable to 19 TAC Chapter 97. The accreditation on non-public schools under this arrangement became effective on February 12, 1986.

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) allows student teachers to do their student teaching in an accredited non-public school. The teaching requirement for Texas certification may be fulfilled by teaching in an accredited non-public school. The website www.sbec.state.tx.us gives information about certification in Texas.

In addition to accreditation by LSAC, LCMS schools may also apply for National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). All of the schools accredited by LSAC also hold national accreditation.

LSAC through an NLSA agreement has a working agreement with AdvancEd (formerly known as Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - SACS). CCLE (Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education) has a work-ing agreement with NLSA. CCLE also has a working agreement through LSAC, for schools accredited through the CCLE process to be recognized by LSAC, and therefore by TEPSAC.

A total of forty-six schools (which consist of freestanding early childhood centers, elementary and high schools) are now accredited or currently in the process by LSAC & NLSA.

The following schools are accredited by Lutheran School Accreditation Commission of Texas (LSAC) and the National Accreditation Commission (NLSA) of the LCMS. The current school administrator is also listed. Schools currently accredited By the Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commission of Texas (LSAC) (2017):

School Name City AdministratorTrinity Amarillo Rick Ryan

Concordia High School Austin David Mueller

Mt. Olive Preschool Austin Karen Keswick

Redeemer Austin Carol Mueller

Grace Brenham Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz

Prince of Peace Christian School Carrollton Chris Hahn

Crown of Life Colleyville Laura Cleland

St. John Preschool Cypress Tiffany Bunker

Dallas Lutheran School Dallas Dave Bangert

Our Redeemer Dallas Lois Frischmann

Zion Dallas Jeff Thorman

Lamb of God Preschool Flower Mound Brandy Simmons

St. Paul Ft. Worth Scott Browning

Zion-Walburg Georgetown Tom Wrege

St. Paul-Serbin Giddings Jim House

Immanuel Giddings Dan Schaefer

St. Paul Harlingen Billie Griffith

Gloria Dei Preschool Houston Kathie Walker

Christ Memorial Preschool Houston Barb Tanz



Epiphany Lutheran School Houston Tim Miesner

Immanuel Preschool Houston Cathy Swanstrom

Lutheran High North Houston Dana Gerard

Lutheran South Academy Houston Sheila Psencik

Memorial Houston Rev. Robert Paul

Our Savior Houston Lance Gerard

Pilgrim Houston David Topp

St. Mark Houston Dallas Lusk

Trinity Houston Matt Meier

Faith Huntsville Kristie Pacher

Cross Point Preschool Katy Amy Sanders

Memorial Lutheran Preschool Katy Linda Stahmer

Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy Katy Judith Gerber

Messiah Classical Academy Keller Betsy Kirk

St. Paul Mc Allen Dr. Jeannie Kretzmann

Grace Preschool Midland Mary Wood

Cross New Braunfels Corey Brandenburger

Faith Plano Rev. Steve Kieser

Trinity San Angelo Ron Fritsche

Concordia San Antonio Sally McBee

Lutheran High School San Antonio Patrick Maynard

Shepherd of the Hills San Antonio Sue Gary

Trinity-Klein Spring Keith Goedecke

St. Paul Thorndale Corey Moss

Concordia Lutheran High School Tomball Joel Bode

Salem Tomball Dr. Mary Beth Gaertner

Trinity Preschool Tyler Aimee Schutz

Each year an accredited school must submit an Annual Report documenting the progress being made toward meeting the recommendations made by the Accreditation Visit Team. Each report is reviewed by LSAC. The progress of each school is rated on the basis of the report. For those schools holding National Lutheran School Accreditation the District commission is responsible for reviewing annual reports and submitting to the National Accreditation Commission its recommendations for continuing national accreditation for Texas District schools.

Each commissioner is appointed by the Texas District Board of Directors for a three-year term - Commission members are:

Chairperson Dave Glienke, Pilgrim, Houston

Vice-Chairperson Steven Jahnke, Redeemer, Austin

AUSTIN AREACarol Mueller, Redeemer, AustinJeff Fink, Cross, New BraunfelsKris Becker, Public school representative (emeritus), member of Redeemer, Austin



HOUSTON AREADebbie Baacke, Lutheran South Academy, HoustonMatt Schleicher, Concordia High School, TomballSheryl Seybold, St. Mark, Houston

DALLAS AREATim Merritt, Faith, PlanoScott Browning, St. Paul, Ft. WorthLaura Cleland, Crown of Life, Colleyville

Dr. William V. Hinz, Executive DirectorMrs. Lee A. Gaines, Executive Assistant

Office of School Ministry



PARISH COMMISSIONED WORKERS & YOUTH MINISTRY

Paul Krentz, DCE and former Area B Mission and Ministry Facilitator of 20 years, serves part-time as Associate for Youth Ministry and Commissioned Minister Call Process for roles other than Lutheran schoolteachers and administrators. These include providing call lists for DCE’s, directors of music and worship, evangelism staff and deaconesses. He relates directly with DCE’s who work at the congregational level to lead and coordinate ministries of various kinds including youth ministry, children’s ministry discipleship and worship.

Just over 800 DCE’s serve in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 124 of whom serve in DCE roles in the Texas District. There are 114 on the Commissioned Minister’s Roster. (Most are certified DCE’s; several certified Lutheran Teachers; several Deaconesses.) Most serve in congregations, but some serve various agencies such as newly planted missions and three are on staff at Concordia University Texas (CTX). Fifteen congregations in the Texas District have two or more DCE’s on staff.

Over the past triennium, an average of 25 call lists per year were provided to congregations calling commissioned workers. The process involves reviewing position descriptions, convers-ing with call committee chairs and pastors, and providing Commissioned Minister Information Forms (CMIF) of potential candidates.

The associate for youth ministry works with the planning team of more than 30 people for Glorybound, the Texas District Triennial Youth Gathering. The 2018 Gathering takes place in Irving on July 12-15. Additionally, the associate for youth ministry coordinates and writes the grant proposals for MYR, Missional Youth Retreat in partnership with CTX. The CTX DCE Pro-gram Director and Assistant Program Director work with student leaders and a team of church worker mentors to plan this retreat each year. Finally, the person in this role works with a regional planning team to prepare the DCE Spiritual Renewal Retreat held at Camp Lone Star in early February of each year. More than 40 DCE’s participate.

It is an honor to continue serving the people and congregations of the Texas District LCMS in this small way.

Mr. Paul KrentzAssociate for Youth Ministry


TEXAS CHURCH EXTENSION FUNDThe mission of the Texas District Church Extension Fund (CEF) is to extend God’s Kingdom by boldly and responsibly assisting congregations to acquire land and buildings and by linking investors with congregations.

This process channels the resources God has placed in the hands of His people to congregations that need additional physical facilities to extend their Gospel proclamation.

CEF LOGO

The CEF Logo is a visual representation of the mission statement. The cross element is the central part of the logo and it is also central to our mission. The two intersecting nails remind us that Christ paid a price for each of us. They are also a basic element of construction. All of the other elements are attached to the cross because without Jesus Christ there would be no purpose for our ministry. The open land (panhandle and west Texas) and the brick element (central and east Texas) represent the two principal ways CEF assists congregations … loans to acquire property and build worship facilities. The person figure represents God’s people filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit (the body of the person is the symbol of a dove) who raise their hands to worship Him and support ministry. The overall image wraps all of the elements together in a unified way in the State of Texas where our ministry is accomplished for the glory of our Heavenly Father.

$183 MILLION IN ASSETS

The Board for Church Extension, under the supervision of the Texas District Board of Directors, seeks to keep the Church Extension Fund ministry safe, strong and ready to serve congregations in the future. At the end of 2017, CEF total assets were $183 million and the capital fund had grown to $41 million. The capital to assets ratio is 22.4%. This means that CEF is a safe, secure place for Texas District Lutherans to invest their savings. It also means that CEF is prepared to grow to meet the borrowing needs of Texas District congrega-tions in the future.

SERVING CONGREGATIONS

During the past three years, CEF has approved loans for 61 Texas District congregations. The new loan com-mitments for these congregations totaled $64.5 million. The projects financed ranged from acquiring land to new, renovated and expanded sanctuaries; to funds for repair and refurbishing. At the end of 2017 CEF had $112 million in loans outstanding to 121 congregations of the District. CEF continues to provide low-cost financing for Texas District congregations.

CEF maintained the lending rate for self-supporting congregations at 3.00% and for new mission starts at 2.25%. Both self-supporting congregations and newly formed congregations qualify to participate in CEF’s Incentive Rebate Program. This program provides cash rebates to the congregations of up to 2% of their loan balance annually based on the level of supporting investments from their members and friends.



SERVING INVESTORS

Investments in Church Extension Fund are $141 million at the end of 2017. CEF continues to offer investors a competitive interest return on their funds and the added bonus of helping congregations extend the Kingdom. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) service is available to investors. This service permits investors to execute transactions to their CEF investments automatically by transfers to and from their checking ac-count. CEF also provides My Texas CEF, which is a free, secure online service in which investors and borrow-ers can quickly access their investment and loan information and statements, as well as request transactions from certain accounts. Interest rates paid to CEF investors continue to be competitive with other investment options.

Connecting with our youth is important to Church Extension Fund. Kids Into Discipleship and Stewardship (K.I.D.S.) is a program to teach children about stewardship and savings. Their quarters build churches. The Super Savers program continues to motivate children to save more regularly.

100 PLUS 1

The Church Extension Fund ministry was created to serve congregations; particularly newly formed congre-gations. Missions and church extension have always gone together. To serve the church and to multiply the funds available for mission planting, CEF created the 100 PLUS 1 Challenge.

The program is a simple “Texas Two-Step”:

Here’s what you do —Step 1 - Make a gift of $1,000 or more to Texas Partners in Mission to support new mission planting.Step 2 - Open a new investment of $5,000 or more in a CEF fixed-rate note.

Here’s what you get —CEF will match your gift to Texas Partners in Mission 100%.CEF will pay you a bonus 1% for the initial term of your investment.*

Here’s what you see —Since the program was introduced in 2001, CEF has matched gifts totaling $1.8 million and received $23.2 million in new investments!

*The investment account earning a 1% bonus is limited to 10x the gift amount.



THE BOTTOM LINE

The preceding sections provide several measures of the growth of the CEF ministry. However, we do not measure success in terms of growth in assets, growth in the number of investors, or growth in the capital fund alone. We measure success by the souls of people, touched by the Holy Spirit, who come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. “Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything,” Hebrews 3:4. CEF seeks to be a useful tool in His hand to accomplish His purposes. In building the link between individual investors who supply the means and congregations who have the need, CEF seeks to make possible a church, a school, a baptism, a confirmation, a place for the Gospel to be proclaimed! That is the real bottom line.

Thank YOU for being part of Texas Church Extension Fund!

TEXAS DISTRICT BOARD FOR CHURCH EXTENSION MEMBERS

Michael Abel John Hunt (term expires 2019) (term expires 2019)Trinity, Waco Point of Grace, Pflugerville

Eugene Bode Kris Nehring(term expires 2018) (term expires 2020)St. Paul, Waco Faith, Stephenville

Brett Bortnem Rev. Ryan Neuhaus (term expires 2020) (term expires 2019)Salem, Tomball Salem, Tomball

Paul Burrough Alan Werchan (term expires 2018) (term expires 2018)Trinity, Weatherford Christ, Austin

Dennis Huffman (term expires 2020)First, Texarkana

CEF EXECUTIVE STAFF

Mrs. Becca Jones - Executive DirectorMrs. Pam Herber - Director of Operations

CEF STAFF

Mrs. Ruby Cruz - Loan Administrative AssistantMrs. Sue Eckert - Transaction Processing AssistantMs. Debbie Potter – Investor Services RepresentativeMrs. Raelyn Pracht – Rep CoachMrs. Jess Rosenwinkel - Web and Graphic DesignerMrs. Kenda Zawadzki- Investor Services RepresentativeMrs. Joan Zieschang - Investor Services Representative

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO:

Mr. Stephen BlockMr. Bill Siegrist


TEXAS DISTRICT 2018 CONVENTION WORKBOOK | 86III. ELECTIONS

The nomination process for the Offices of President and Area Vice Presidents was initiated on schedule as ballots and instructions were mailed October 10, 2017 to the chair of each congregation of the district.

All nomination ballots sent to the secretary by the deadline of February 14, 2018 for the Office of President and Area Vice Presidents were tabulated. The pastors with the highest number of ballots, who received at least five nominations (President) or three nominations (Vice President) and who accepted nomination, defines the slate for these offices. The slate for these offices is limited to five nominees, or fewer, if fewer than five nominees received the minimum number of nominations. The slate could exceed five nominees if there was a tie for the fifth spot on the ballot. However, that scenario did not occur in this convention cycle.

The willingness of each nominee for inclusion of his name on the convention ballot was secured in writing, in accord with bylaw requirements. Biographical information for the workbook was received from each nominee, which was then compiled by district office staff for inclusion in the workbook. The results of the nominating procedure is reported in this workbook as reflected in the slate of candidates for the office of president and the respective offices of area vice presidents.

Regarding the slate for president and vice presidents, “The convention shall have the right to alter each slate at the proper time by amendment. The amendment procedure shall include merely a motion, a second, and a vote on the amendment, deliberately excluding verbal characterizations and discussion of the motion (except for the chair to ascertain that the requirements have been met as to eligibility, consent, and the filing of the biographical form). Any delegate making a nomination from the floor shall have secured prior written consent of the candidate whom he wishes to nominate. Such delegate shall immediately submit to the secretary of the district this document and written pertinent information concerning this nominee. After all such amendments have been voted on, the convention shall ratify the slate of candidates prior to each election” (Bylaws 1.023 f & g and 1.047 f & g, 2015 Handbook of the Texas District).

Voting for circuit visitor nominees was accomplished within each circuit at circuit forums in accord with procedures detailed in the Handbook of the Synod. The complete slate of circuit visitor nominees for ratification by the 2018 convention is presented in this work-book.

Election to any office is by majority vote.

Respectfully submitted,Larry Krueger

District Secretary

REPORT ON 2018 NOMINATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT SECRETARY



DISTRICT SECRETARY REPORT OF DISTRICT PRESIDENT AND AREA VICE PRESIDENT NOMINATIONS

DISTRICT PRESIDENT

Name Rank BallotsMichael Newman 1 65Jon Braunersreuther 2 31Dale Snyder 3 26Mark D. Barz 4 17Eloy Steven González 5 6

Others receiving less than five ballots (nomination requires five nominating ballots): Tim Appel, John Davis, Jason Galler, John Heckmann, Ralph Hobratschk, Larry Krueger, Stephen Misch, Kenneth Mitschke, Scott Murray, Robert Preece, Ely Prieto, Carl Roth, and Laurence White

VICE PRESIDENT AREA A

Name Rank BallotsAllan C. Eckert 1 (tied) 4Larry Knobloch 1 (tied) 4Robert J. Pase 1 (tied) 4David W. Rohde 1 (tied) 4Dale Snyder (declined) 2 3

Others receiving less than three ballots (nomination requires three nominating ballots): Brian Hesse, Eric Hiner, and Samuel Wirgau

VICE PRESIDENT AREA B

Name Rank BallotsEloy Steven González 1 22James Woelmer 2 5Michael J. Mattil 3 4

Others receiving less than three ballots (nomination requires three nominating ballots): Jason Galler, John Heckmann, Yohannes Mengsteab, John Messman, Tab Ottmers, and Robert Preece

VICE PRESIDENT AREA C

Name Rank BallotsMark D. Barz 1 16David N. Schroder 2 10William B. Knippa 3 8Michael Newman (declined) 4 4

Others receiving less than three ballots (nomination requires three nominating ballots): Don Fraker, Chris Kennedy, Ken Mitschke, Mark Nuckols, Ely Prieto, Carl Roth, Stephen Wagner, Kevin Westergren, Nathan Wendorf, and Thomas Winter

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VICE PRESIDENT AREA D

Name Rank BallotsDavid Bahn 1 12John F. Davis 2 11Alan Taylor 3 7Jon Salminen 4 3

Others receiving less than three ballots (nomination requires three nominating ballots): Allen Doering, Donald Kaspar, David Leeland, Scott Murray, Jon Salminen, Francis Schroeder, Stephen Sohns, and Mark Wiesenborn


DISTRICT SECRETARY REPORT OF CIRCUIT VISITOR NOMINEE ELECTIONS

Circuit Number Name

1 Rev. Joseph Andrajack2 Rev. Michael Heckmann3 Rev. Eric Hiner4 Rev. Robert Pase5 Rev. Allan Eckert6 Rev. Tom Chandler7 Rev. Larry Knobloch8 Rev. Tab Ottmers9 Rev. Greg Beutel10 Rev. Dr. John Messmann11 Rev. Joel Shaltanis12 Rev. Paul Ferguson13 Rev. Jim Woelmer14 Rev. Dennis Bragdon15 Rev. Dr. Russell Hildebrandt16 Rev. William Lowrey17 Rev. John Heckmann18 Rev. Kurt Rutz19 Rev. Luke Madsen20 Rev. Jonathan Bontke

21 Rev. Peter Heckmann22 Rev. Carl Roth23 Rev. John Schmidt24 Rev. Rick Pfaff25 Rev. Dr. Christopher Kennedy26 Rev. Tom Winter27 Rev. Kevin Jennings28 Rev. Gregory Lorenz29 Rev. Carlos Boerger30 Rev. John Selle31 Rev. Wayne Schueler32 Rev. Kermit Bostelman33 Rev. David Quail34 Rev. Robert LeBlanc35 Rev. Randy Ledbetter36 Rev. Jon Petering37 Rev. Ken Sinclair38 Rev. John Davis, Jr.39 Rev. Dr. Stephen Sohns41 Rev. Scott Heitshusen43 Rev. Michael Dorn

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THE NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT PRESIDENT

* = Incumbent(Alphabetical order by last names.)

REV. MARK BARZ – SR. PASTOR, CROWN OF LIFE, SAN ANTONIO; AGE 62

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Asst. Pastor, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saginaw, MI, 1982-1987;

Years as Member of Synod: 36

Year of Ordination: 1982

Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District Area C Vice President, 2012-2018; Member & Chair of Texas District Education Task Force, 1987-2003; PALS Facilitator, 2005-2014; Doctrinal Reviewer for LCMS President’s Office, 2002-2009; LCMS National Youth Gatherings Community Life Builder, 1998, 2001.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, MDIV; Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI, BA;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: DOXOLOGY – Member, 2014-present; Gathering & Encore Events Chaplain; Seelsorger Journal Writer; Grand Reunion Presenter. Eurasia LCMS Missionaries Conference Chaplain, Wittenberg, Germany, 2016; Hippos-Sussita, Israel Archaeological Dig Volunteer, 2017; Lutheran High School, San Antonio: Soccer Coach, 1995-2009; Golf Coach, 2008-present. Valero Texas Open, 2009-present.

Other Experience/Qualifications: DOXOLOGY has given me a greater and deeper understanding of the Pastoral Office and the relationships and dynamics of pastor and people within a congregation. Serving as the Area C Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors has provided opportunities for involvement with various congregations and servants across South Texas as well as insight into the structure, planning, and processes of the Presi-dent’s Office and our District. My involvement with Post-Seminary Applied Learning & Support (PALS) along with my wife, Connie, gave me (us) a great appreciation for and understanding of the new

pastors of our Synod within the Texas District as we provided support and encouragement to them and to their wives.

Goals: The Lord of the Church has given me the privilege and responsibility of serving as a parish pastor for almost 36 years (31 of those at Crown of Life). If He would choose me for the humbling honor of being elected President of the Texas District, I would strive, by God’s grace, to faithfully lead the congregations and ministries, the pastors and other called workers, and the committed and consecrated lay people of our Texas District to be witnesses and servants of Christ in their diverse roles, even as we are united within that visible part of the Body of Christ known as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. My desire is that the Gospel would always, and only, be our treasure and our motivation for all that we do individually and corporately. As we live in a dying and despairing culture, my hope is that every congregation (small and large, new and old, Anglo and ethnic, rural or small town, center-city or suburban) and every ordained and commissioned servant would firmly stand on our Biblical, doctrinal foundation as confessional Lutherans, and be bold in sending ourselves, our resources, and other witnesses to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ in our communities, across our state, throughout our country, and around the world.

REV. JON BRAUNERSREUTHER - MISSION & MINISTRY FACILITATOR, AREA D, TEXAS DISTRICT—LCMS, TOMBALL; AGE 55

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Senior Assistant to the President, LCMS, 2001-2010; Mission & Ministry Facilitator, Area A, Texas District—LCMS, 1996-2001; Pastor, Prince of Peace, Amarillo, 1992-1996; Assoc. Pastor, Zion, Brighton, CO, 1989-1992.




Previous District or Synod Offices: Circuit Visitor, Texas District; Asst. Secretary, Rocky Mountain District.

Educational Background: Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, doctoral candidate; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MDIV; Concordia University—Nebraska, BS, Education.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church In-volvement: Chaplain, Volte Endurance Athletes, 2017-present; Member, Church Planters Leadership Fellowship, 2011-present; Board of Directors, Lutheran Community Foundation, 2003-2012; LCMS liaison to Thrivent Financial, 2004-2010; LCMS President’s Church Relations Cabinet, 2001-2010; Rotary Club, Brighton, CO, 1989-1992; Board of Directors, House of Neighborly Services, Brighton CO, 1989-1992.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Texas District staff liaison to district convention floor committees, 2015, 2018; Steering Committee, Texas District Profes-sional Church Worker Conferences, 2011, 2014, 2016; Board of Directors (ex officio), LINC—Houston, 2011-present; LCMS Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance, 2007-2010; LCMS Pres-ident’s Assistant, Council of Presidents’ meetings, 2001-2010; Meeting Facilitator, LCMS Corporate Synod Executives, 2001-2010; Meeting Facilitator, LCMS President’s Leadership Group, 2001-2010; Developing Leaders for Ministry, Texas District coor-dinator, 1996-2001; Texas District convention floor committee member, 1994; Developing Leaders for Ministry facilitator, Texas District, 1993-2001.

Goals: If I were chosen by God through the people of the Texas District to be its president, my goal would be consistent with that of the district’s mission “to strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people, locally and global-ly.” Congregations should be the focus of district ministry, not the institution of the district itself, because Biblically and practically, congregations are on the front lines of ministry (Mt 16:18, Ac 2:46-47, He 10:24-25). Those who serve on district staff, including its president, are there to encourage, enable, empower, and resource congregations—their professional church workers and laity—catalyzing a mission movement that reaches out to the millions of people in Texas and the billions of people around the world with the pure, precious Gospel of our Lord

and Savior, Jesus Christ (Lk. 19:10, Mt. 28:16:20, 1 Ti. 2:3-4). To that end, I would implore God’s help: “Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small” (Breton Fisherman’s Prayer).

REV. ELOY S. GONZÁLEZ – SR. PASTOR, OUR REDEEMER, IRVING; AGE 63

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Concordia Semi-nary, St. Louis, Assoc. Director, Center for Hispanic Studies, 2006–2008; Pastor, Christ Our Savior, San Antonio, 2001-2006; Missionary-at-Large/Church Planter of the Texas District, San Antonio, 1999-2000; Worker-Priest/Licensed Deacon, Misión Eman-uel, Mercedes, 1989-1992; El Buen Pastor, McAllen, 1992-1998;



Previous District or Synod Offices: Member of Syn-odical Board for Mission Services, with tenure on Executive Committee of the Board, 2004–2010; Texas District Personnel Committee, 2012–present.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, DMin Studies; Pastoral Leadership Institute, 2007; University of Texas, Austin – Post Graduate Studies, emphasis on organizational leadership, policy analysis and research methodologies; Univer-sity of Texas, Pan American, Post Graduate Studies, emphasis on statistical methodologies and research methods; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis - Center for Hispanic Studies, Certificate of Ordination; University of Texas, Pan American – MS, Educational Administration; Southern Illinois University, BS;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Active in the public square by doing invoca-tions at School Board and City Council meetings; Veteran of the U. S. Navy, Chief Petty Officer.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Member of Concor-dia Seminary St. Louis’ National Campaign Council; Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services Board of Directors, 2012-2013; Concordia Seminary St. Louis: Alumni Council and Adjunct Instructor, 2009-present; President of LCMS National Hispanic Convention, 2000-2003; Concordia University Austin, Adult Degree Program Instructor, 2004-2006; Chairman, North American Missions Hispanic Task Force, 2001-2004; Hispanic Institute of Theology, Advisory Board Member, 2001-2004; Hispanic Institute of Theology,

III. ELECTIONS


2004-2006; Varied experiences that included manag-ing multi-million-dollar budgets and projects as well as leading large groups of employees; Sr. Project Coordinator, Société Watkins; Adjunct Statistics Professor, University of Texas, Pan American;

Goals: The current mission of the Texas District, LCMS is: “To strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people – locally and globally.”

The faithful congregations, teachers, church work-ers and pastors in Texas live out this mission on a daily basis: Encouraging unity around the Cross through faithful Word and Sacrament ministry for the congregations and brethren; Equipping and training evangelists through local intensive classes and sending these new workers into mission fields; Gathering a cadre of “Apostolic Missionaries” to help lead evangelists in the establishment of new Word & Sacrament ministries; Preparing those who are particularly suited for rostered work through seminary education; Promoting collaboration among congregations so that through the establishment of partnerships and missional networks we can encour-age and support each other in the task of reaching the lost, discipling the saved and caring for people.

In addition to those, I believe that it would be im-portant for the Texas District DP also to engage these goals: Reviewing the mission of the District – and if necessary, updating it – to ensure that it addresses the changing demographic and cultural realities that congregations face in the State of Texas (i.e. – huge numbers of unchurched Millennials, rapidly growing population that includes people relocating from other States and immigrants from all over the world; changing economic realities, including recognition of how and why people contribute, etc.); Address-ing the declining financial inflows to the District proactively. (Nota bene: Declining membership in congregations and the financial challenges that this causes requires Districts to think creatively in order to continue to fund their mission. This requires much thought, prayer and consultation with ministries and entities that have addressed similar challenges, such as Concordia Seminary-St. Louis. The future viability and support that the District provides to the congregations and workers of the District depends on addressing this financial challenge proactively.); Aligning District efforts around the mission of the

District (whether existing or revised) to include budgets, personnel and operations; Identifying ways to serve the needs of rural congregations and minis-tries.

REV. MICHAEL NEWMAN - MISSION & MINISTRY FACILITATOR, AREA C, TEXAS DISTRICT— LCMS; SAN ANTONIO; AGE 56

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Concordia, San Antonio, Assoc. Pastor, 2004-2008; Prince of Peace, Palatine, IL, Sr. Pastor, 1989-2004; Our Redeemer, Owatonna, MN, Asst. Pastor, 1987-1989;



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District Liaison to the Board of Mission Administration; Texas District Mission Budget oversight and planning; Chairman, LCMS Frontera Ministry; Chairman, Admin-istrative Cabinet, Center for United States Missions; Member of North American Mission Endeavor (NAME); Member of the LCMS Church Planting Roundtable; LCMS Representative for the International Lutheran Roundtable on Refugees and Immigration; District Convention floor committee member and floor committee staff advisor; PALS facilitator; Concordia Commentary Advisory Committee; District Strategic Planning Committee; District Committee on Min-isterial Health; District Youth Committee; Circuit Program Committee.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, 1983-1987, MDIV; Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI, 1979-1983, BA.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Governance Committee Chair and Board Member, Upbring, 2013-present; Board Member, ACTS Network, 2011-present; Palatine Public School District Advisory Committee, 1990-2004; President and Board Member, Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, Palatine, 1990-1997; Chairman of the Religious Association of Palatine, 1991-1997.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Keynote presenter for Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Society for Missiology, Association of Lutheran Mission Agencies, Lead a Child Ministry, and other ministry entities; Writer and host for Lutheran Hour Ministries videos and study materials; Author for Concordia Publishing

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House; Certified Church Planter Coach; Consecrated Stewards Facilitator; Trained Facilitator, Peacemaker Ministries; Trained Facilitator, Peace in the Parish.

Goals: By God’s grace and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to STRENGTHEN congregations, schools, church workers, church members and agen-cies in their Gospel mission and service; to SERVE the members of the district by representing them faithfully on a Synodical level; to STEWARD district resources well as we partner in ministry and in the development of new mission efforts; and to SHARE the love and Good News of Jesus through faithful communication and Christ-centered conduct in the fulfillment of the duties of district president.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Ministerial Alliance, 1998-2005; Coordinator, Youth Soccer League, 1990-1998.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Lifelong Texan, having lived, worked, and worshiped in all areas of the state; Licensed Professional Engineer for 14 years, on a design team for large projects; As layman, held numerous congregational offices, giving me an appreciation for the perspective of the men and women in the pews; Served Vicarage year under a District President; Elected President of Seminary Class; Have led congregations for the past 20 years as a pastor in both small town and multi-staff, larger city setting.

Goals: The District President, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to see that the Great Commission is carried-out throughout Texas, and that the Gospel is shared, by word and deed, with all. However, while our state has recently seen unprecedented growth, membership at most of our churches has been either flat or declining. My goal is to reverse this trend by leading the District toward more focused attention on individual congregations, empowering local churches so that they can grow, and walking togeth-er with them to plant new churches. Because they know their communities best, local church leaders must be enabled to make decisions regarding how they can most effectively share the Gospel, with the District there to support them in their efforts. In addition, as a parish pastor, I believe the District must encourage and support all her congregations, regardless of size. Therefore, if elected President of the Texas District, I will be a leader in supporting our Synod, in promoting faithfulness to our common doctrine, and in serving as a strong advocate for each, and every LCMS congregation in Texas.

REV. DALE SNYDER – PASTOR, OUR REDEEMER, WICHITA FALLS; AGE 59

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, Sweetwater, TX (1998-2005)



Previous District or Synod Offices: District Vice President; Chairman, District Constitution Commit-tee; Chairman, Seminary Interview Committee; LWML Zone Pastoral Counselor; Coordinator of Mission Trips to Kenya, Honduras, and Panama SMP/Vicar/DCE Intern Supervisor; Advisory Council, Texas Partners in Mission; Convention Planning Committee; Circuit Realignment Committee; Lay Ministry Task Force; Pastors’ Conference Planning Committee; Conven-tion Floor Committee.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MDIV; University of Texas, Austin – BS, Archi-tectural Engineering.

III. ELECTIONS TEXAS DISTRICT 2018 CONVENTION WORKBOOK | 92


THE NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT AREA A

REV. ALLAN C. ECKERT – SR. PASTOR, TRINITY, SAN ANGELO; AGE 55

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Pastor, St. Paul, Kingsville, 1999-2015.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District Circuit Visitor, Circuit 27 and Circuit 5.

Educational Background: Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, MDIV; University of Texas, Arlington, BA.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: San Angelo Chamber of Commerce; Pregnancy Help Center-San Angelo; Lions Club; Rotary Club; Kingsville Chamber of Commerce. Other Experience/Qualifications: District Convention Planning Commit-tee; District Convention Floor Committee; Synodical Convention Pastoral Voting Delegate; Model Confer-ence Planning Committee, Chairman.

Goals: My entire life of faith has been shaped by the faithful Lutherans in the Texas District, from my baptism at Grace, Brownwood to my education and confirmation at Zion, Ft. Worth to the faithful ladies of the LWML across Texas who provided financial support in my seminary years. I have been blessed to spend my entire ministry in Texas and continue to be humbled by the zeal for the Lord’s mission and the faithfulness to God’s Word that I find here among my fellow Lutherans. I would be honored to do all that I can as the District Vice-President to help further that mission to reach the lost and keep our commitment to bear faithful witness to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions.

REV. LARRY KNOBLOCH – PASTOR, ST. PETER, BOWIE; AGE 51

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Pastor, Grace, Crockett.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District Circuit Visitor, Circuit 7

Educational Background: Concordia Theological Sem-inary, Fort Wayne, IN, MDIV; Concordia University Wisconsin, BA; Blinn College, Brenham; Community College of the Air Force, Abilene; On-Call Hospital Chaplain, Crockett, 2005–2008;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: On-Call Fire Department Chaplain, Bowie, 2010-present.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Being a second career pastor equipped me well to serve as a full time pastor. I served many years as an elder in my home congregation prior to leaving for the seminary. This has enabled me to approach situations in the ministry from a lay perspective as well as from a pastoral perspective. As a circuit visitor I am learning the dynamics of different sized churches as well as different ministries and how they work with different populations and a variety of demographics.

Goals: To faithfully represent the congregations of Area A and also to serve as the representative of the District President to the congregations of the area. My goal is to help equip and encourage the congre-gations of Area A in working together to proclaim the Gospel in its purity to all nations. This begins in each community and by the power of the Holy Spirit, reaches out to all nations as our Lord has given us to do in the Great Commission.

REV. ROBERT J. PASE – SR. PASTOR, GRACE, MIDLAND & FAITH, ANDREWS; AGE 55

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Pastor, Bethlehem, Palestine, 1996-2000; Pastor, Grace, Lamesa, 1989-1996; Pastor, Peace Lutheran Mission, Seminole, 1989-1991.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Circuit Visitor, Circuit 4, 2000-present; Synodical Convention Pasto-

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ral Delegate, 1995, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016; Circuit Counselor, Circuit 14, 1999-2000.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MDIV; Concordia, Ann Arbor, BA.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Chaplain on Medical Mercy Teams of LCMS to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, 2015-2017; Secretary of ReaCHina, Inc.; District 5730 Assistant Governor and member of Finance Committee; Rotary Club, 1991-2014, as president 2005-2006; Midland County Child Welfare Board, 2000-2002; President Anderson County Child Welfare Board, 1996-2000; President Dawson County Child Welfare Board, 1991-1996.

Other Experience/Qualifications: My work in Rotary on the finance committee I believe has helped me to form important questions to keep us on the right track, to get the mission to the next level.

Goals: I would seek to be an active listener and a voice for Area A of the Texas District, while remem-bering the mission and goals of the entire District as well as Synod as a whole. Serving on the Board of Directors as Area A Vice President I would be led to lift up all the congregations and ministries of our beloved District in my daily prayers, as I do now with all the congregations of Circuit #4 of which I am privileged to serve as Circuit Visitor. My specific goal in this office would be the same I have in my pastoral office – to be faithful to the Lord, His Word and our Lutheran Confessions.

REV. DAVID W. ROHDE – PASTOR, ST. PAUL, WILSON; AGE 59

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: None. I have remained serving St. Paul, Wilson since placement in 1984.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District Circuit 3 Visitor; Vice President of Area A; 3rd Vice President of the Texas District; 2nd Vice President of the Texas District; 1st Vice President of the Texas District; District Floor Committee on Theology and Church Relations; Zone LWML Pastoral Counselor; Texas District LWML Pastoral Counselor; Various committees for both Area and District professional conferences.

Educational Background: Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN, MDIV; Concordia College Ann Arbor, MI, BA;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Wilson Lions Club 10 years with one year as president; 2 seasons of Little League Baseball as coach; 3 years as a Foster Parent; 5 years involved in a Developing Leaders for Ministry Group.

Other Experience/Qualifications: I served for six years (2000-2006) as the Texas District Vice President and to the best of my abilities performed the func-tions of this office. Having served in Texas as well as Area A for 34 years, I believe I am well aware of both the challenges and opportunities, which face our congregations.

Goals: Area A is unique to the four areas of the Texas District in that it is the largest geographical area with the fewest and perhaps many of the smallest congregations. With decline and stagnant popula-tion, expectations for most of the counties in Area A, one of my goals will be to provide pastoral care for the small struggling congregations of the area, which may assist them in retaining and growing their memberships so that they can become stronger and healthier proclaimers of the Gospel to their own communities. Secondly, I would also like to gather the pastors of the area together periodically for an Area A Exegetical or Theological Conference. With pastors in the area so geographically spread out, it is always healthy to get away for a couple of days of study and discussion. Lastly, my duty as Vice Presi-dent is to assist the President of the District.

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THE NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT AREA B

*REV. ELOY S. GONZALEZ – SR. PASTOR, OURREDEEMER, IRVING; AGE 63

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Concordia Semi-nary, St. Louis, Assoc. Director, Center for Hispanic Studies, 2006–2008; Pastor, Christ Our Savior, San Antonio, 2001-2006; Missionary-at-Large/Church Planter of the Texas District, San Antonio, 1999-2000; Worker-Priest/Licensed Deacon, Misión Eman-uel, Mercedes, 1989-1992; El Buen Pastor, McAllen, 1992-1998;



Previous District or Synod Offices: Member of Syn-odical Board for Mission Services, with tenure on Executive Committee of the Board, 2004–2010; Texas District Personnel Committee, 2012–present.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, DMIN Studies; Pastoral Leadership Institute, 2007; University of Texas, Austin–Post Graduate Studies, emphasis on organizational leadership, policy analysis and research methodologies; Univer-sity of Texas, Pan American, Post Graduate Studies, emphasis on statistical methodologies and research methods; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis-Center for Hispanic Studies, Certificate of Ordination; Universi-ty of Texas, Pan American–MS, Educational Adminis-tration; Southern Illinois University, BS;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Active in the public square by doing invoca-tions at School Board and City Council meetings; Veteran of the U. S. Navy, Chief Petty Officer.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Member of Concor-dia Seminary St. Louis’ National Campaign Council; Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services Board of Directors, 2012-2013; Concordia Seminary St. Louis: Alumni Council and Adjunct Instructor, 2009-present; President of LCMS National Hispanic Convention, 2000-2003; Concordia University Austin, Adult Degree Program Instructor, 2004-2006; Chairman, North American Missions Hispanic Task Force, 2001-2004; Hispanic Institute of Theology, Advisory Board Member, 2001-2004; Hispanic Institute of Theology,

2004-2006; Varied experiences that included manag-ing multi-million-dollar budgets and projects as well as leading large groups of employees; Sr. Project Coordinator, Société Watkins; Adjunct Statistics Professor, University of Texas, Pan American;

Goals: The current mission of the Texas District, LCMS is: “To strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people – locally and globally.”

The faithful congregations, teachers, church work-ers and pastors in Texas live out this mission on a daily basis: Encouraging unity around the Cross through faithful Word and Sacrament ministry for the congregations and brethren; Equipping and training evangelists through local intensive classes and sending these new workers into mission fields; Gathering a cadre of “Apostolic Missionaries” to help lead evangelists in the establishment of new Word & Sacrament ministries; Preparing those who are particularly suited for rostered work through seminary education; Promoting collaboration among congregations so that through the establishment of partnerships and missional networks we can encour-age and support each other in the task of reaching the lost, discipling the saved and caring for people.

REV. MICHAEL J. MATTIL – PASTOR, GRACE, DENISON; AGE 59

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Pastor, Mt. Calva-ry, Watonga, OK, 1984-1988.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas Circuit Visitor; Texas District Nominating Committee.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, MDIV; Concordia Teachers College, Seward, NE, BS Ed.; Concordia College, Austin, TX, AA; Texas A&M University.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Family Promise of Grayson County, Board Member, 2016-present; LOMT Board, 2016-present;

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LCMS NYG CLB 2004, 2007, 2016; National LWML Pastoral Counselor, 2007-2011; Texoma Prolife Association, 2002-2008; Texas District MYR Counselor 1990-2002; Texas District LWML Pastoral Counselor, 2000-2004.

Other Experience/Qualifications:

Goals: I have always considered it a privilege to serve the church at large, and my congregation has been supportive of me doing so. If I were to serve in this position, I would hope to foster a sense of joyous cooperation and unity in Christ among the congregations and church workers in our District.

REV. JAMES WOELMER – PASTOR, FAITH, PLANO; AGE 57

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI, BA, 1986;



Previous District or Synod Offices: Dal-North Zone LWML Pastoral Counselor, 2017–present; LCMS Convention Ordained Voting Delegate 1998, 2016; Board of Regents Concordia University Nebraska, 2016-present; Texas District Circuit Visitor, Circuit 13, 2015–present;

Educational Background: Concordia College, Seward, NE, MS, 1999; Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, MDIV, 1990; Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI, BA, 1986;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: “Love Where You Live” community program, 2015-2016; Randolph Foundation Secretary, 2014– present;

Other Experience/Qualifications: It was a joy for me to help start two missions: Faith Lutheran Church in Wylie (2003) and St. John Lutheran Church in Frisco (2015). I serve as Chairman of the Lutheran Mission Alliance (2014-present). I participated in the LCMS Church Planting Roundtable (2016). I am on the steering committee for Multi-Ethnic Ministry in North Texas (2017-present). I have a heart for missions and a passion for starting new churches.

Goals: I will, by the grace of God, be faithful in fulfilling the duties outlined in the Texas District bylaws. I am willing to serve in any way that our district president may seem helpful. I will, to the best of my ability, visit the congregations of my area as the bylaws state and to help pastors who are in need. God grant me faithfulness to the Word of God and to our Lutheran Confessions.

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THE NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT AREA C

*REV. MARK BARZ – SR. PASTOR, CROWN OF LIFE,SAN ANTONIO; AGE 62

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Asst. Pastor, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saginaw, MI, 1982-1987;



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District Area C Vice President, 2012-2018; Member & Chair of Texas District Education Task Force, 1987-2003; PALS Facilitator, 2005-2014; Doctrinal Reviewer for LCMS President’s Office, 2002-2009; LCMS National Youth Gatherings Community Life Builder, 1998, 2001.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, MDIV; Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI, BA;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: DOXOLOGY – Member, 2014-present; Gathering & Encore Events Chaplain; Seelsorger Journal Writer; Grand Reunion Presenter. Eurasia LCMS Missionaries Conference Chaplain, Wittenberg, Germany, 2016; Hippos-Sussita, Israel Archaeological Dig Volunteer, 2017; Lutheran High School, San Antonio: Soccer Coach, 1995-2009; Golf Coach, 2008-present. Donate blood platelets regularly; Valero Texas Open20, 09-present.

Other Experience/Qualifications: DOXOLOGY has given me a greater and deeper understanding of the Pastoral Office and the relationships and dynamics of pastor and people within a congregation. Serving as the Area C Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors has provided opportunities for involvement with various congregations and servants across South Texas as well as insight into the structure, planning, and processes of the Presi-dent’s Office and our District. My involvement with Post-Seminary Applied Learning & Support (PALS) along with my wife, Connie, gave me (us) a great appreciation for and understanding of the new pastors of our Synod within the Texas District as we provided support and encouragement to them and to their wives.

Goals: The Lord of the Church has given me the privilege and responsibility of serving as a parish pastor for almost 36 years (31 of those at Crown of Life). He has also given me the humbling honor of serving as a Vice President of the Texas District, if I were again elected I would strive - by God’s grace, to faithfully support our District President as he leads the congregations and ministries, the pastors and other called workers, and the committed and consecrated lay people of our Texas District to be witnesses and servants of Christ in their diverse roles, even as we are united within that visible part of the Body of Christ known as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. My desire is that the Gospel would always, and only, be our treasure and our motivation for all that we do individually and corporately. As we live in a dying and despairing culture, my hope is that every congregation (small and large, new and old, Anglo and ethnic, rural or small town, center-city or suburban) and every ordained and commissioned servant would firmly stand on our Biblical, doctrinal foundation as confessional Lutherans, and be bold in sending ourselves, our resources, and other witnesses to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ in our communities, across our state, throughout our country, and around the world.

REV. DR. WILLIAM B. KNIPPA – SR. PASTOR, BETHANY, AUSTIN; AGE 71

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Asst. Pastor, Christ, Austin; Dean of Men, Concordia Jr. College, Austin.



Previous District or Synod Offices: District: Texas District nominating committee; Circuit Visitor, 4 terms; Committee on Ministerial Growth and Sup-port. Synod: Convention Ordained Voting Delegate, 5 times; Floor Committee-Social ministry, 2010; Committee on Ministerial Growth and Support; Ad hoc committee on synodical name change.

Educational Background: Menninger Clinic Marriage and Family Therapy Center; University of Texas at

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Austin, PhD; University of Texas at Austin, MA; Con-cordia Seminary, St. Louis, MDIV; Westfield House of Studies, Cambridge University, Cambridge, England; Concordia Sr. College, Ft.Wayne, IN, BA; Concordia Jr. College, Austin, TX, AA.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Austin Independent School District/Bowie High School Citizens’ Bond Implementation Committee, 2018.

Other Experience/Qualifications: I believe I have a sense of both the blessings and challenges of serving as a church worker in the Texas District. I have visited with many church workers, conducted work-shops for new pastors, consulted with congregations experiencing conflict, have over 40 years of experi-ence as a parish pastor. I am also aware of the fiscal realities involved in funding, expanding, and making decisions that impact individuals and ministries.

Goals: I desire to see the Texas District continue to be place where the truth of God’s grace in Jesus Christ is shared among its members and declared to those not yet connected to Him. This involves intentional strengthening of existing ministries and establishing new ministries, some of which are “tra-ditional” and others of which are “new” in terms of setting, format, and structure. This further involves strengthening and encouraging church workers’ in their spiritual and family lives and providing resourc-es for congregations to fulfill our mission to make disciples, baptize, and teach.

REV. DAVID N. SCHRODER – SR. PASTOR, REDEEMER, AUSTIN; AGE 73

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Assoc. Pastor, Redeemer, Austin, 1972-1983.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Texas District- Vice President - Area C; Austin Lutheran High School Board of Directors; LLL Capital Zone Pastoral Advisor; Lutheran School Accreditation Commission; Chairman of the Stewardship Committee; Director of Ministerial Youth Retreats; Recruitment Committee.

Synod - Board of Parish Services.

Educational Background: Urban Ministry “Theology in Metropolitan Experience” Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Immanuel Lutheran Medical Center – Omaha, NE; Central Griffin Memorial Hospital, Norman, OK; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, MDIV; Concordia Senior College – Ft. Wayne, IN, BA; St. John’s College, Winfield, KS, AA.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Advisory Panel of the Huntsman Corporation, Austin Facility.


Goals: I never planned to be a parish pastor but God had other plans. I never planned to stay in one place very long, but Redeemer has been my life ministry. I never planned to live in Texas (born in Oklahoma) but I have a beautiful Texas wife, children and grandchildren. I do have an Oklahoma dog but that is another story. I have stopped planning and now total enjoy God’s plan for me in ministry in the Texas District. I thank God for the Texas District and the opportunity to serve in leadership again if it is God’s plan.

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THE NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT AREA D

REV. DR. DAVID L. BAHN – SR. PASTOR, ST. JOHN, CYPRESS; AGE 66

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Senior Pastor, Holy Cross, Arlington, 1993-2004; Pastor, Trinity, Pine Bluff, AR; Church Planter, Faith, Roosevelt, UT, 1981-1983; Pastor, Our Saviour, Vernal, UT and Trinity, Rangely, CO.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Lutheran Church Extension Fund Board of Directors, 2 terms; Board for Church Extension, 2008-2010; Mid-South District Area Vice President; Mid-South District, and Texas District Circuit Visitor.

Educational Background: Fuller Theological Semi-nary, DMIN, 1992; Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, MDIV, 1979; Southeast Missouri State University, BA, 1974;

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: PLI Presenter, Team Leader, and Host Couple, Coach, 2014-present; Northwest Houston Photo Club, President, Vice President, Competition Chair, Sec-retary/Newsletter Editor, 2005-present; LINC North Houston Board of Directors, 2000-2004; Mid-South District Stewardship Committee, 1991-1993; Pine Bluff Ministerial Alliance, 1984-1993; Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, 1979-1983.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Texas District Floor Committees; PLI Missional Leader Coach, 2014-2015; Governance and Executive Training (PLI), 2006-2007; Congregational Conflict Resolution Taskforce, 2000; LCMS Continuing Education Task Force, 1998; Peace-maker Ministries Training, 1997; Strategic Ministry Training Initiative, 1996; PLI Entry Class, 1999.

Goals: I believe that the Mission of God to seek and save the lost culminated in Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, His resurrection from the grave for our justification, and His ascension to the right hand of God to reign in glory forever. The Church is best defined in terms of Jesus’ mission mandate: to make disciples of all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and

of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded us. Whatever we do or support, reject or initiate should support that mis-sion. I strongly support the Texas District’s mission of “Strengthening congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people locally and globally,” and would do all I am able to pursue that mission.

REV. JOHN F. DAVIS – SR. PASTOR, MEMORIAL, KATY; AGE 54

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Sr. Pastor, Imman-uel, Giddings, (2002-2007); Assoc. Pastor, Immanuel, Giddings, 1999-2002; Assoc. Pastor, Memorial, Katy, 1993-1999;



Previous District or Synod Offices: Circuit Visitor, Circuit 38, 2008-present; Circuit Visitor, Circuit 22, 2001-2003.

Educational Background: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, DMIN candidate; Concordia Seminary, St. Lou-is, MDIV; Texas A&M University, BS Civil Engineering.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Katy Elementary Campus Advisory Team, 2013, 2018; Katy ISD Keys Mentoring Program, 2011-pres-ent; Katy ISD Superintendent’s BEAM committee, 2 years; •Whispering Lakes Homeowners Association President, 2011–present; Texas District Theological Convocation Committee, 2005-present, chair 2007-present; Contributor, Texas District Evangelism Curriculum, 2017; LCMS Convention Ordained Voting Delegate, 1998, 2013, 2016; Texas District LWML Pastoral Counselor, 2006-2010; Texas High School Basketball Referee, 1998-2008; Can-Do Missions Steering Committee, 1995-2002, chair 1997-2002; Apple of His Eye Houston, Board of Directors, 1997-1999; Williamschase Homeowners Association Vice President, 1995-1999; Surface Warfare Officer, US Navy, 1985-1989, active reserve, 1989-1991; Protes-tant Lay Reader, USS Nicholson, DD-982, 1986-1989; Little League Baseball Coach, 9 years; Lutheran

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Social Services of the South, Spiritual Care Advisory Committee, 2 years.


Goals: I believe the Texas District’s mission to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people locally and globally is exactly what Jesus called His Church to do. This is the picture of the early Church! I would be humbled and honored to assist and support our district president and the congregations of Area D to continue to make this mission a reality. My goals would be to simply be a faithful servant to the congregations and schools of Area D, encourage their laity and church workers, provide Godly coun-sel when sought or necessary, and apply Spirit-led discernment. My goal would also be to provide the same service, encouragement, counsel and discernment to our district president and the district Board of Directors. Most of all, I pray that in all I do, Jesus’ name will be glorified and the Kingdom of God increased.

REV. DR. JON SALMINEN – SR. PASTOR, EPIPHANY, PEARLAND; AGE 58

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: It has been my joy to serve my entire pastoral ministry at Epiphany, Pearland, first as the mission planter and later as her first pastor.



Previous District or Synod Offices: District Board of Evangelism; Circuit Visitor; Area D Pre-seminary Interview Committee; LWML Zone Counselor.

Educational Background: Fuller Seminary, DMIN; Con-cordia Seminary, St Louis, MDIV; Concordia College, River Forest, BA.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Board of Directors for Lutheran Education Association of Houston; Board of Directors for Trinity Oaks Retirement Community; YMCA coach for base-ball, football, basketball and volleyball.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Prior to attending seminary, I was a DCE at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington, IL.

Goals: If elected my goals for the office of Vice Pres-ident would be: 1) Be a faithful servant of the Lord

who is available to serve Christ and His church as He sees fit. 2) Be supportive and encouraging to my fellow pastors, other called workers and congrega-tions in Area D. 3) Challenge God’s people to “lift up their eyes to the fields that are white unto harvest” in the Texas District and by God’s grace and power to reap a harvest for God’s glory. 4) By God’s help to do all that is within me to help the District President and the Texas District carry out the work that our Lord Jesus has given us to do as His followers and forgiven children.

REV. M. ALAN TAYLOR – PASTOR, ST. JOHN, GALVESTON; AGE 59

Former Pastorates/Ministry Roles: Seminary place-ment to St. John, Galveston.



Previous District or Synod Offices: Board of Regents of Concordia University Texas, 2017–present; Circuit Visitor, Circuit 36, 2006 – 2018.

Educational Background: Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, MDIV; The University of Texas, San Antonio, BBA Accounting.

Community, Government, or Inter-Church Involve-ment: Galveston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, 1995–present.

Other Experience/Qualifications: Former Certified Public Accountant; Twelve years of service as Circuit Visitor; Previous leadership skills from my career before going to the seminary.

Goals: My role would be to support the district presi-dent as he carries out the office he is duly elected to fill. A part of that function would be to support the circuit visitors in Area D as they serve as the pastor to the pastors in their circuits. I would like to see a continuation of our mission emphasis in the Texas District. At the same time, I would like to work with the circuit visitors in Area D from a very pastoral perspective, recognizing all the different challenges that confront pastors in the 21st century. I would of course offer any insight I have gained from 25 years in the pastoral ministry, fully realizing that there is much, much more that I can learn.

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Circuit # 1 Rev. Joseph Andrajack

Circuit # 2 Rev. Michael Heckmann

Circuit # 3 Rev. Eric Hiner

Circuit # 4 Rev. Robert Pase

Circuit # 5 Rev. Allen Eckert

Circuit # 6 Rev. Tom Chandler

Circuit # 7 Rev. Larry Knobloch

Circuit # 8 Rev. Tab Ottmers

Circuit # 9 Rev. Greg Beutel

Circuit #10 Rev. John Messmann

Circuit # 11 Rev. Joel Shaltanis

Circuit # 12 Rev. Paul Ferguson

Circuit # 13 Rev. Jim Woelmer

Circuit # 14 Rev. Dennis Bragdon

Circuit # 15 Rev. Russell Hildebrandt

Circuit # 16 Rev. William Lowrey

Circuit # 17 Rev. John Heckmann

Circuit # 18 Rev. Kurt Rutz

Circuit # 19 Rev. Luke Madsen

Circuit # 20 Rev. Jonathan Bontke

Circuit # 21 Rev. Peter Heckmann

Circuit # 22 Rev. Carl Roth

Circuit # 23 Rev. John Schmidt

Circuit # 24 Rev. Rick Pfaff

Circuit # 25 Rev. Christopher Kennedy

Circuit # 26 Rev. Tom Winter

Circuit # 27 Rev. Kevin Jennings

Circuit # 28 Rev. Gregory Lorenz

Circuit # 29 Rev. Carlos Boerger

Circuit # 30 Rev. John Selle

Circuit # 31 Rev. Wayne Schueler

Circuit # 32 Rev. Kermit Bostelman

Circuit # 33 Rev. David Quail

Circuit # 34 Rev. Robert LeBlanc

Circuit # 35 Rev. Randy Ledbetter

Circuit # 36 Rev. Jon Petering

Circuit # 37 Rev. Ken Sinclair

Circuit # 38 Rev. John Davis, Jr.

Circuit # 39 Rev. Dr. Stephen Sohns

Circuit # 41 Rev. Scott Heitshusen

Circuit # 43 Rev. Michael Dorn

SLATE FOR RATIFICATION OF CIRCUIT VISITOR NOMINEES


NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORTThe Texas District Nominating Committee, elected by the last convention, was responsible for soliciting nominations for District Secretary and the open positions on the District Board of Directors, Board for Mission Administration, Concordia University Board of Regents, District Nominating Committee, and one Lay Person (and alternate) to serve on the Synod Committee for Convention Nominations.

This Committee met twice. The first meeting in August 2017 was to review our task, organize, and prepare the nomination packets to be sent to the four areas of the district soliciting the appropriate nominations.

After the nominations were received, we then sought the consent of those nominated to allow their names to be considered by this committee. 77 different individuals were nominated for the positions listed above. Of those, 67 gave consent for their names to be considered by the committee.

In February of this year we met again to prayerfully consider the names submitted to us. We asked God to help us discern which names should appear on the ballot. The result of our efforts is the ballot presented to this convention.

CONVENTION NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Lay:

Mrs. Angela NewtonMr. Louis Pabor

Mr. Glenn Pittsford

Commissioned Ministers:

Mr. David BangertMr. Paul Krentz

Pastors:

Area A: Rev. Brian Hesse, SecretaryArea B: Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman

Area C: Dr. Bill Knippa Area D: Dr. David Bahn


2018 TEXAS DISTRICT CONVENTION ELECTIONS

* = Incumbent

DISTRICT SECRETARY: VOTE FOR ONE (1)

*REV. LARRY KRUEGER, MDIV - SR. PASTOR, ST.PAUL, WACO; AGE 62

Sr. Pastor, St. Paul, Waco, 2013-present;Assoc. Pastor, Concordia, San Antonio, 2011-2013; Asst. to LCMS President, 2002-2010; Pastor, University Chapel, College Station, 1998-2002; Pastor, Grace, Midland, 1995-1998; Pastor, St. Paul, Denton, 1991-1995; Assoc. Pastor, Redeemer, Peoria, IL, 1988-1991; Pastor, First, Tahlequah, OK, 1986-1988.

I am the current Secretary of the District, which gives me a working knowledge of the position. My previous experience as Assistant to the President of the LCMS provided understanding of the operation of the Synod. My goals are to accomplish the duties of the Secretary to the best of my abilities in this office, while also serving to support the positive mission direction of the Texas District.

Texas District Secretary, 2015-present; Waco Chapter of Texas Exes Secretary, 2015-present; Baylor Comm. of Campus Chaplains, 2014-present; LaVega ISD Qual-ity Improvement Community Advisor, 2015-present; Texas District LWML Pastoral Counselor, 1996-2000.

REV. BRIAN HESSE, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, TRINITY, AMARILLO; AGE 42

Sr. Pastor, Trinity, Amarillo, 2004-present; Asst. Pastor, Trinity, Amarillo, 2001-2004.

I have served the Texas District on convention floor committees, as convention registrar and on confer-ence planning committees. My goal is to continue representing the Texas Panhandle and Area A in efforts to build and maintain positive relationships with an area of the District that is distant and sometimes somewhat disconnected to the Texas District Office.

LWML Panhandle Zone Pastoral Counselor, 16 years; Circuit Treasurer, 12 years; Bushland Band Boosters, 1 year.


TEXAS DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTOR / COMMISSIONED MINISTER

*MR. MARK MCCLAIN, M.ED – TEACHER/MINISTER OFMUSIC, ST. MICHAEL’S, WINCHESTER; AGE 64

Minister of Music, St. Michael’s, Winchester, 2006-present; Lutheran teacher and principal.

I have served on the Board of Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas, 1997-2000 and the District Nom-inating Committee, 2000-2012. My goal is to faith-fully carry out the vision of the Texas District and fulfill all duties as a member of this board supporting the work of the Texas District in spreading the good news of Jesus.

Texas Music Educators Association, 2009-present.

MRS. CHARESSA KOONTZ, MS – DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY, TRINITY, AMARILLO; AGE 39

DCE; Director of Family Life Ministry, Trinity, Amarillo, 2015-present; DCE, Christ the Shepherd, Alpharetta, GA - 2 years; Redeemer, Richmond, VA - 10 Years.

I have previously served as a Commissioned Minister on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern and English Districts. I served for 8 years in those roles and the experience gained in those capacities would serve me well here in Texas. I come into this position with no preconceived goals in mind, other than to support and encourage my fellow partners in minis-try here in the Texas District.

National Council of Family Relations, Certified Family Life Educator, 10 years; Southeastern District Board of Directors, 6 years; Southeastern District Circuit 10 Treasurer, 9 years; English District Board of Directors, 2 years.

TEXAS DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTOR / AREA A LAY PERSON

*MR. DAVID BALDNER, MS – MEMBER, HOPE,LUBBOCK; AGE 58

Realtor & Consultant

I served the remainder of the term left vacant. I have served on statewide committees in my previous profession of education. I have also served in an abundant number of positions for our church and the previous two churches. My goal is to fulfill the mission and vision as set forth in the Texas District and articulated by its leaders. Doing so within the role and scope of the Board of Directors.

Hope, Lubbock Elder and Education Board Chairman, 12 years; Christ, Houston Congregation Chairman and Elder, 8 years; Local, State & National Realtors Assoc., 1 year; Friends of Texas Public Schools Board of Directors, 3 years.

MR. JAMES WELLS, MS.CERT.AGS. – MEMBER, TRINITY, AMARILLO; AGE 60

Sr. Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer

I have experience in numerous volunteer ministry positions of the church including board of elders and school board. Previously I served on the Texas Dis-trict Board for Church Extension Fund for 12 years. I have also held many banking/management/board positions. I have a heart for ministry and missions. My goal is to continue and enhance the important work of spreading the life giving Gospel in the Texas District and beyond, and further equip church work-ers and the laity to reach even further to seek the lost. Enhancing efficiencies in doing so.

Congregation Finance/Legal Chair – Church Merger Committee, 2017; Congregation Board for Childcare Services Chair, 2010-2017; Congregation Chairman, 2001-2005; Texas District Board for Church Exten-sion, 2000-2012; San Jacinto Christian Academy Varsity Tennis Coach, 2007-present; Amarillo Lone-star Lions Club (Past President-twice), 1983-present; Texas Panhandle Regional Dev. Corp. Secretary, 2011-2013.

III. ELECTIONS


TEXAS DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTOR / AREA B LAY PERSON

MR. MARTIN SCHARDT, BA – MEMBER, ST. PAUL, FT. WORTH; AGE 67

Retired and starting a new business; Sr. Executive (Oil & Gas Industry) for profit & nonprofit.

I believe my 45-year business career experience where I held senior executive positions including as a CEO of a for-profit business and a COO of a nonprofit trade association, would be valuable to the Board of Directors. My father was a career LCMS pastor spending his last 22 years in the Texas District. If elected I would like to develop a support program for church-plant pastors providing assistance in church business, mentorship, leadership and coun-seling; a mentorship program for the Texas District pastors; and leadership and skill development for District pastors.

Congregation President, 3 years; Congregation Vice President, 3 years; Board of Elders, 9 years.

MR. DON TRUEDE, BS – MEMBER, ST. JOHN, MANSFIELD; AGE 59

Professional Engineer/Vice President-Business Devel-opment at Michael Baker Intl.

I am a life-long LCMS-Lutheran and managed a multi-million dollar engineering practice with a staff of over 120. My goal is to help the LCMS Texas Dis-trict support the congregations in proclaiming Christ and administering the affairs of the District to the glory of God.

Congregation Board of Elders, 27 years (10 as chair-man); Church Council, 10 years (2 as chairman); ACEC of Texas, VP & President of Tarrant Count chapter 2008-2009; Infrastructure Advancement Institute Board of Directors, 2015-2018;

BOARD OF MISSION ADMINISTRATION / ORDAINED (VOTE FOR 2)

REV. NATHAN WENDORF, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, ST. PAUL, HARLINGEN; AGE 38

Sr. Pastor, St. Paul, Harlingen, 2010-present; Assist. Pastor, Our Savior, McKinney, TX 2005-2010.

I am privileged to have served in two very different part of the Texas District and have seen incredible work being done and the awesome opportunities that Jesus continues before him to join him in his work. My goal would be to continue the great work done reaching as many people as possible in a variety of ways with the incredible Gospel of Jesus!

Leadership Harlingen, Chairman and past Vice Chair, 5 years; RioMac, 5 years; Circuit Visitor, 2 years.

REV. BRIAN HESSE, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, TRINITY, AMARILLO; AGE 42

Sr. Pastor, Trinity, Amarillo, 2001-present.

I have served the Texas District on convention floor committees, as convention registrar and on confer-ence planning committees. My goal is to continue representing the Texas Panhandle and Area A in

efforts to build and maintain positive relationships with an area of the District that is distant and sometimes somewhat disconnected to the Texas District office.

LWML Panhandle Zone Pastoral Counselor, 16 years; Circuit Treasurer, 12 years; C Bushland Band Boost-ers, 1 year.

REV. JUAN ZAMORA, MDIV – ASSOC. PASTOR, OUR REDEEMER, IRVING; AGE 35

Assoc. Pastor, Our Redeemer, Irving, 2012-present.

With my experience as lead mission developer for T2C2, I bring a majority world experience to the table. I also bring a cross-cultural interest with a spirit of collaboration. My goal would be to strength-en and expand the work done by the board and bring a diverse opinion.

Vice President Hispanic Convention, 2 years; Co-founder of La Pa Soccer Club.

III. ELECTIONS


REV. CHRIS SINGER, MA-PC – SR. PASTOR, TRINITY-KLEIN, SPRING; AGE 48

Sr. Pastor, Trinity-Klein, Spring, 2013-present; St. John’s, Orange, CA, 2003-2013.

My experience and training in church planting across cultures through the Multi-Cultural Pastoral Program at Concordia Seminary will benefit the board. In addition to that, I have led six mission trips to Kenya as well as mission relief work stateside following Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. My goals would include an emphasis for local churches partnering to make an impact internationally and locally. I challenge the “fear of failure” among non-Germanic cultural groups, and work to inspire self-sustaining mission plants.

Voting Delegate, 2016 LCMS Convention; Kenyan Schools of Hope Board Member, 2 years.

REV. DR. ELY PRIETO, DMIN – PASTOR, LINC, SAN ANTONIO; AGE 59

Urban Mission Developer & Executive Director, LINC, San Antonio, 2011-present; Assist. Pastor, Concordia, San Antonio, 2001-2011; Professor, Seminario Con-cordia, Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, 1996-2001; Sr. Pastor, St. Paul, Arroio do Meio, Brazil, 1993-1996; Assist. Pastor, St. Paul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, 1984-1991.

I have served as mission professor at Concordia Seminary, Brazil. My first call was to be mission-ary-at-large for the Deaf in Brazil. I hope to help to continue the mission tradition of the Texas District. Provide the necessary support for church planters and missionaries in our district. Encourage more ethnic outreach, since the demographics of Texas are changing.

Board of Regents, Concordia Seminary, Brazil, 2 years; National Sunday School Board, Brazil, 6 years; LWML Zone Counselor, 2 terms; FENEIS-Deaf Assoc.- Brazil, Interpreter, 16 years; Brazil Mission Society Board Member, 15 years; Mission Leader Institute Instructor, 2015-present.

BOARD OF MISSION ADMINISTRATION / LAY PERSON

MRS. MARCIA MITTWEDE, BS – MEMBER UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, AUSTIN; AGE 68

Director of Int’l Student Ministry, UT, Austin.

I have served as a missionary among international students for over 20 years in three different campus communities. This gives me a unique perspective. My goal would be to fulfill the duties as outlined in the position description.

Int’l Student Ministry, Inc., President, 2005-2011; Community Volunteers for Int’l Program, President, 1999-2001.

MR. TROY JOHNSON, BA – MEMBER, ZION, WALBURG; AGE 48

Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch.

I served nine years on the board of directors of Lu-theran Outdoor Ministry of Texas, the last four years as board president. My family and I are very mission minded, both supporting missions and traveling to Alaska, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other locations. My goal would be to use my God given talents to sup-

port the BMA to accomplish its mission effectively. Through prayer, listening to others, and educating myself I would work hard with God’s help to provide leadership on the board.

Williamson County Texas A&M Club, President 2000-2002; LOMT BOD, 2008-2017 (chairman last 4 years); Congregation Board of Elders, President, Vice President.

MRS. ANGELA NEWTON, BSBA – MEMBER, ALIVE IN CHRIST, BIG SPRING; AGE 55

West Texas Center for MHMR-Director of Information Services, Big Springs.

I am very familiar with the organization of the Texas District and have been involved in committees, boards and conventions for many years. My goal would be to be intentional in the duties of the board about the missions and outreach of spreading God’s Word.

Congregational Offices include, Board of Ed, Missions, 30+ years; Voters Assembly Secretary,

III. ELECTIONS


10+ years; Financial Reports Secretary, 10+ years; Texas District Nominating Committee; Texas District Convention Voting Delegate; LCMS Convention Voting

Delegate; TX Council for Community MHMR Ctr., President, Secretary, and Exec. Bd., 25 years; Big Spring Development Bd., 8 years.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS / ORDAINED

REV. RANDALL HAEDGE, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, BETHEL, DALLAS; AGE 61

Sr. Pastor, Bethel, Dallas, 2009-present; Assoc. Pas-tor, Bethel, Dallas, 1986-2009; Sole Pastor, Blessed Savior, Florissant, MO, 1980-1986.

Two of our daughters and I are graduates of Concor-dia University Texas. Having served as a pastor for 35 years, I would work to help Concordia fulfill its mission statement.

Texas District Circuit Visitor, 2003-2009; Texas Dis-trict Prayer Committee; Texas District Convention Chaplain.

REV. DAN SCHEPMANN, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, GLORIA DEI, HOUSTON, AGE 49

Sr. Pastor, Gloria Dei, Houston, 2013 – present; Sole Pastor, St. Paul, Peachtree City, GA, 2004-2013; Assoc. Pastor, Christ, Little Rock, AR, 1996-2004.

As the senior leader of a large congregation, respon-sible for a $4 million budget, staffing, and respon-sibilities, I feel that I bring a level of expertise and insights as an alumni of CTX, a congregational pastor, and an administrator. My goal would be to continue to develop ongoing relationships of CTX with the congregations of the Texas District and continue to support and further the mission of developing Chris-

tian leaders for marketplace ministry and kingdom impact.

Lutheran South Academy, 4 years; Circuit Visitor, FL/GA District, 3 years; Director of District Convention Nominations , FL/GA, 1 year; District Reconciler, FL/GA District, 3 years; Clear Lake Chamber of Com-merce, League City Chamber of Commerce.

REV. DR. STEPHEN SOHNS, DMIN – SR. PASTOR, RESURRECTION, SPRING; AGE 60

Sr. Pastor, Resurrection, Spring, 1991 – present; Sole Pastor, St. Paul/Our Savior, Delaware/Manchester, IA, 1984-1990.

I have extensive experience serving on non-profit and church boards. I bring a good understanding of finance, board governance, and system relations. I represented the Texas District to the LCMS nomina-tions board. My goals would be to support the board to strive toward the mission that we have together as the Texas District. I would want to support the current mission and vision of the District and the University.

Circuit Visitor, TX District, 2012-2018; BMA, Texas District, 2006-2012; Board of Parish Services, TX District, 1994-1997.

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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS / COMMISSIONED

*MRS. CASSANDRA SCHERMBECK, MA – DCE, FAITH,GEORGETOWN; AGE 41

DCE, Faith Georgetown, 2012 – present; Bethel, Dallas, 2001-2012; Rockford HS, Rockford, IL, 1999-2001.

I have served on the BOR for 3 years and am running for re-election. My goal is to serve faithfully, fulfill-ing my fiduciary responsibility to put the unviersity first.

MRS. SARAH BLACK, BA – TEACHER, TRINITY, AMARILLO; AGE 45

Teacher, Trinity Lutheran School, Amarillo, 2007-present; Our Savior, McKinney, 2004-2007; Crown of Life, Colleyville, 1998-2003; Messiah, Boerne, 1995-1998; Memorial, Houston, 1994-1995.

I have served professionally in Lutheran schools and congregations for the past 21 years, and as a product of Lutheran educators, have spent my entire life in Lutheran education. I have had an active role

in church ministry and parish education. I see the need for our synodical schools to continue to focus on training individuals to be Christian leaders in the community, so that they may share the love of jesus in whatever vocation to which they may be called.

MRS. CAROL MUELLER, M.ED – TEACHER/PRINCIPAL, REDEEMER LUTHER SCHOOL, AUSTIN; AGE 59

Principal, Redeemer Lutheran School, Austin, 2015 – present; Asst. Principal/Teacher, Redeemer, Austin, 2007-2015; Principal, Abundant Life, Omaha, NE, 2000-2007; Children’s Minister, King of Kings, Omaha, NE, 1998-2000.

I have been blessed to serve in Lutheran schools and churches for 35 years. I have served in a variety of roles within the church and have also served on many district committees. My goal would be to continue to help us look for innovative ways to reach more people for Jesus.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS / LAY PERSON (VOTE FOR 2)

*DR. THEODORE CROFFORD, MD – MEMBER, ST.PAUL, FT. WORTH; AGE 59

Physician

Most significantly, I have served on the BOR for the previous three-year term. Prior to this, I have served on boards at my church including chairing the board of education for the school. CTX is in the midst of cultural pressures that challenge its core values and objectives. I would like to continue working on the BOR to help shape the course as the university seeks new ways to education leaders in the body of Christ.

St. Paul School Board, 6 years; ACH (All Church Home) Board of Directors, 5 years.

MR. QUENTIN ANDERSON, BBA – MEMBER, ST. PAUL, HARLINGEN; AGE 57

CPA, Partner Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC

I am a past member of the CTX Board of Regents. I am a CPA by profession and presently serve as a partner in the regional firm of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC. My goal is to ensure compliance with policies for fiscal stability, and to lend support to the mission of developing Christian leaders.

St. Paul, Harlingen, School Board, 2010-2014; Congregation President, 1996-1998; Congregation Treasurer, 1987-1992; Harlingen Boys and Girls Club Treasurer/Board member, 1988-2007; North Harlingen Rotary Club member and past president, 1987-2017; AICPA/TSCPA, 1987-2017.

III. ELECTIONS


MR. JAMES NOFFKE, MDIV – MEMBER, ACTS, LAKEWAY; AGE 70

Assoc. Vice Chancellor, Office of External Relations, University of Texas System; Vice President CCS Fundraising.

I have provided strategic solutions for 25 years to board of directors, presidents, and development staff at private and public universities including the University Of Texas Board Of Regents and its 14 institutional presidents. My goals include developing policies and procedures to inform and support CTX’s strategic plan and advance its mission as well as increase student enrollment and student success. I would also seek to expand the base of philanthropic support and increase charitable gifts.

ACTS Lakeway, Austin, President, 2012-2013; Small Group Leader, 2012-2017; LCMS National Stewardship Director, 1983-1985; Volunteer Legal Services-Cen-tral TX, Development Committee, 2016-2017; Coun-cil of the Advancement Support of Education (CASE), National & Regional Speaker, 1995-2017.

MR. MICHAEL RATKE, MBA – MEMBER, HOPE, LUBBOCK; AGE 55

Farmer, Business Owner, Insurance Agent, Banker.

I have served in executive management for a com-munity bank and developed policy and procedures for business growth and development. I have built a small business into a regional wholesale distribution business. My goal is to continue the mission of Concordia in training Christian leaders and expand-

ing its footprint to reach and train as many people as possible.

Congregation Chairman, 9 years; Congregation Treasurer, 6 years; Congregation Board of Education Chairman, 6 years; Legacy Deo Board Member (LFOT), 9 years; Legacy Deo, Chairman, 3 years; TX District BMA, 11 years; Texaco Farwell Rotary Club, President, Board of Directors, 25 years; Farwell Chamber of Commerce, President and Board Mem-ber, 27 years; Farwell Boosters (FFA, Band, Athletic), Member, 15 years.

DR. MICHAEL J. SMITH, JD – MEMBER REDEEMER, AUSTIN; AGE 49

Attorney, The Fowler Law Firm, P. C.

I have been an attorney since 2002, currently with the Fowler Law Firm, U.S. News & World Reports Tier 2 Education Firm. I have written and revised educational policies, guidelines and handbooks and am a frequent presenter to Texas District Lutheran School Conferences. My goal would be to maintain the excellence of CTX in its educational mission and support its mission to create Lutheran leaders. I seek to assist with the continued growth of the university and expand the reach within the community.

Redeemer, Austin, Board of Education Chairman, 2016-present; Redeemer, Asset Board, 2014-2016; Austin Bar Association, current.

III. ELECTIONS


DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2021 / ORDAINED AREA A

*REV. BRIAN HESSE, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, TRINITY,AMARILLO; AGE 42

Sr. Pastor, Trinity, Amarillo, 2004-present; Asst. Pastor, Trinity, Amarillo, 2001-2004.

I have served the Texas District on convention floor committees, as convention registrar and on confer-ence planning committees. My goal is to continue representing the Texas Panhandle and Area A in efforts to build and maintain positive relationships with an area of the District that is distant and some-times somewhat disconnected to the District office.

Bushland Band Boosters, 1 year; LWML Panhandle Zone Pastoral Counselor, 16 years; Circuit Treasurer, 12 years.

REV. ALLAN C. ECKERT, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, TRINITY, SAN ANGELO; AGE 55

Sr. Pastor, Trinity, San Angelo, 2015- present; Trinity, St. Paul, Kingsville, 1999-2015.

I have served in a number of elected and appointed offices in our church and have veen a member of the Texas District for twenty years. I know many of the pastors and am keenly interested in the mission of the church. On the mission board I would like to see an emphasis on missions in rural settings and on the

nominating committee I would like to see as broad a representation as possible from all parts of the district.

Lions Club, 20 years; Texas District Circuit Visitor, 6 years.

REV. DALE SNYDER, MDIV – PASTOR, OUR REDEEMER, WICHITA FALLS; AGE 59

Pastor, Our Redeemer, Wichita Falls, 2005-present; Faith, Sweetwater, 1998-2005.

Having served as a Vice President in Area A for 9 years, I am very well acquainted with the clergy and congregations of this area, as well as many others from around the District who may be nominated for various positions. To find the most qualified leaders to serve in the elected offices of the District; To help to assemble boards and committee nominations that represent a broad cross-section of our district’s congregations and clergy.

Texas District: Area A Vice President, 2009-present; Constitution Committee Chairman, 5 years; Red River Lutheran Mission Society, President/Secretary, 7 years.

DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2021 / ORDAINED AREA B

* REV. MICHAEL MATTIL, MDIV – PASTOR, GRACE,DENISON; AGE 59

Pastor, Grace, Denison, 1988-present; Mt. Calvary, Watonga, OK, 1984-1988.

Family Promise Grayson County Board, 2015-present. TX District Nomination Committee Chairman, 2018; LWML Pastoral Counselor, 2007-2011; TX District Circuit Visitor, 06-07, 91-94.

REV. KEVIN HINTZE, MDIV – ASSOC. PASTOR, ZION, WALBURG; AGE 35

Assoc. Pastor, Zion, Walburg, 2014-present; Assoc. Pastor, Grace, Arlington, 2009-2014.

I am gaining lots of familiarity with the congrega-tions, pastors, and other commissioned workers in our district after having served in this district for nearly 10 years. I want to continue offering support to our Texas District as we continue to be a great mission-minded district of the LCMS. The spiritual DNA of our district continues to be exceptional and God has many more great endeavors for us to begin.

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DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2021 / ORDAINED AREA C

*REV. DR. BILL KNIPPA, PHD – SR. PASTORBETHANY, AUSTIN, AGE 71

Sr. Pastor, Bethany, Austin, 1977-present; Dean of Men, Concordia College, 1974-1977; Asst. Pastor, Christ, Austin, 1973-1974.

I believe I have a sense of both the blessings and challenges of serving as a church worker in the Texas District. I have visited with many church workers, conducted workshops for new pastors, consulted with congregations experiencing conflict, have over 40 years of experience as a parish pastor

Austin Independent School District/Bowie High School Citizens’ Bond Implementation Committee, 2018.

REV. NATHAN WENDORF, MDIV – SR. PASTOR, ST. PAUL, HARLINGEN; AGE 38

Sr. Pastor, St. Paul, Harlingen, 2010-present.

I am privileged to have served in two very different parts of the Texas District and have seen incredible work being done and the awesome opportunities that Jesus continues before him to join him in his work. My goal would be to continue the great work being done reaching as many people as possible in a variety of ways with the incredible Gospel of Jesus!

Leadership Harlingen, Chairman and past Vice Chair, 5 years; RioMac, 5 years.

DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2021 / ORDAINED AREA D

REV. DR. JON SALMINEN, DMIN – SR. PASTOR, EPIPHANY, PEARLAND; AGE 57

Sr. Pastor, Epiphany, Pearland, 1991-present; Pearland Mission Developer, 1989-90.

I have 28 years of experience as a pastor/church planter. I have an additional two years of experience as a DCE. I pray I would be faithful in my duties, timely in my work and prayerful as I go about the tasks entrusted to me. My primary motive in willing-ness to serve is that I would honor Christ and be a blessing to His people.

REV. ANDREW ROETTJER, MDIV – ASSOC. PASTOR, ST. MARK, HOUSTON; AGE 38

Assoc. Pastor, St. Mark, Houston, 2012-present.

I have served on and led boards and organizations to fulfill their mission and make changes to continue to move forward to achieve goals. I believe we are called to worship God, and love and serve others. Through this position, I will seek to help this board/committee continue to maintain high standards of excellence and do its work leading others to Jesus.

St Mark Lutheran Church & School, Houston: Board of Directors, 1 year; Board of Day School, 5 years; 500 Forward Planning Committee, Social media Chairman, 1.5 years.

REV. DR. STEPHEN SOHNS, DMIN – SR. PASTOR, RESURRECTION, SPRING; AGE 60

Sr. Pastor, Resurrection, Spring, 1991–present; St. Paul/Our Savior, Delaware/Manchester, IA, 1984-1990.

I have extensive experience serving on non-profit and church boards. I bring a good understanding of finance, board governance, and system relations. I represented the Texas District to the LCMS nomina-tions board. My goals would be to support the board to strive toward the mission that we have together as the Texas District. I would want to support the current mission and vision of the District.

Circuit Visitor, TX District, 2012-2018; BMA, TX District, 2006-2012; Board of Parish Services, TX District, 1994-1997.

III. ELECTIONS


DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2021 / COMMISSIONED (VOTE FOR 2)

*MR. DAVID BANGERT, MA – MEMBER, OURREDEEMER, DALLAS; AGE 61

Executive Director, Dallas Lutheran School, 2008 – present; Martin Luther HS, WI, 1982-2008; St. Paul, Skokie, IL, 1978-1982.

I am currently in my second term on this committee. To provide slates of nominees that reflect the mis-sion-minded goals of the Texas District.

Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools, Active Member, 10 years; Lutheran Education Association: Board of Directors, 2 years; Network Chairman and member, 15 years.

*MR. PAUL KRENTZ, BS – MEMBER, NARRATIVE,ROUND ROCK; AGE 68

DCE Emeritus; Texas District Mission & Ministry Facil-itator, 1995-2014; Cross View, Edna, MN, 1985-1995; St. Paul, Trenton, MI 1981-1985; Faith Appleton, WI, 1977-1981.

I served as a DCE in a congregational setting for 24 years and then served as Mission and Ministry Facili-tator for Area B of the Texas District for 19 ½ years. I believe I know the Texas District well. To insure that the nomination process is done according to the bylaws of the Texas District in an appropriate and helpful manner.

National Associate of Directors of Christian Educa-tion, Vice President and President, 1972-1981.

MR. GREGG PINICK, MS – MEMBER, EPIPHANY, PEARLAND; AGE 59

CEO Lutheran Education Association, Houston, 2016-present; Concordia International School, Shanghai, 2012-2016; Orange Lutheran High School, Orange, CA, 1997-2012.

I have served on numerous boards over my 38 years in Lutheran education and assisted with the recruit-ment and nomination of leaders to various positions at the local, district, and national levels.

My goal would be to assist in helping the organiza-tion and leadership grow to their fullest potential by recruiting and nominating capable leaders to serve within the TX District.

Community Center Shanghai Board Member, 2012-2016; Assn. of Lutheran Secondary Schools (ALSS) Board Member, President/President Elect, 2002-2006; Various Committees of the Pacific Southwest & Missouri Districts.

MS. MICHAELA SEELIGER, BA – DCE, OUR REDEEMER, WICHITA FALLS; AGE 23

DCE, Our Redeemer, Wichita Falls, 2017-present.

Working with Rev. Dale Snyder as my pastor has offered me insight into the Texas District, particular-ly Area A. I am serving on the Glorybound Planning Team, which is allowing me to meet and work with many commissioned ministers. If elected, my goal would be to help ensure that diverse mission-minded individuals are presented for election at national and district conventions

National Association of Directors of Christian Educa-tors, 2016-2018.

III. ELECTIONS


DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2021 / LAY PERSON (VOTE FOR 3)

*MRS. ANGELA NEWTON, BSBA – MEMBER, ALIVE INCHRIST, BIG SPRING; AGE 55

I am very familiar with the organization of the Texas District and have been involved in committees, boards and conventions for many years. My goal would be to be intentional in the duties of the board about the missions and outreach of spreading God’s word.

TX Council for Community MHMR Ctr., President, Secretary, Exec. Bd., 25 years; Big Spring Develop-ment Bd., 8 years; Congregational Offices include, Board of Ed, Missions, Voters Assembly Secretary, and Financial Reports Secretary.

*MR. LOUIS PABOR, MBA – MEMBER, TRINITY-KLEIN,SPRING; AGE 59

Investments.

Wide range of experience in a variety of positions at my congregation and the synodical level. Currently serving on the nominating committee for the 2018 district convention. My goal is to help find and nominate the most qualified people to serve God’s church with a servant’s heart.

BOR, Concordia Seminary, 5 years; Concordia Lu-theran HS Board of Directors, Chairman, 2 years of 12; Trustee, Woltman Foundation, 5 Years; National Campaign Council, Concordia Seminary, 4 years; Congregation, Chairman, 2 years; Board of Elders, Chairman, 2 of 7 years; Board of Education, Chair-man, 3 of 5 years.

MR. GARY JUHL, MBA – MEMBER, CONCORDIA, SAN ANTONIO; AGE 70

Director of Planned Giving, Legacy Deo, Austin.

Service on District and Synodical boards and com-mittees; personal interaction with many pastors and church lay leadership in my regular work with Legacy Deo; long-time involvement as a member of

Concordia, San Antonio. To nominate a complete, well-rounded, and well-qualified slate of candidates.

LCMS Commission on Worship, 3 years; Concordia, San Antonio: President/Vice President, 5 years; El-der, 11 years; Faith, Oakville, MO President, 4 years.

MR. RON LAMMERT, MA – MEMBER, CONCORDIA, SAN ANTONIO; AGE 71

CEO, HPN Books.

Having served as a lay member of the Texas District Board of Directors, I have knowledge of needs of the District. I would hope the committees would seek nominees who are committed, above all, to reaching the lost for Jesus.

Texas District Board of Directors, 2009-2018; Board of Elders, 1989-present; Church Council, 1986.

MR. GORDON WAGONER, BS – MEMBER, FAITH, PLANO; AGE 67

Retired Financial Consultant/Registered Investment Adviser; Captain Delta Airlines Inc., September 1979-2015; U.S. Air Force Captain, January 1973-June 1979.

Previous experience in the United States Air Force, Delta Airlines, Inc. and Thrivent Financial involve working with a team of diverse individuals to ac-complish common goals. My goal would be to find the best theologically sound Lutherans to serve in various boards.

Board of Elders, member, & chairman, 2002-pres-ent; Congregation President, 1992-1995; Board of Christian Education, member 1987-1991, chairman, 1999-2002; Dallas Symphony Chorus, 1998-2002; Delta Golden Wings Vice President, President, 2008-present; Air Line Pilot Association, Contract Administrator 1979-present.

III. ELECTIONS


MR. JAMES WELLS, MS.CERT.AGS. – MEMBER, TRINITY, AMARILLO; AGE 60

Sr. Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer, 33 years.

I have experience in numerous volunteer ministry positions of the church including board of elders and school board. Previously I served on the Texas Dis-trict Board for Church Extension Fund for 12 years. I have also held many banking/management/board positions. I have a heart for ministry and missions. My goal is to continue and enhance the important work of spreading the life giving Gospel in the Texas District and beyond, and further equip church work-ers and the laity to reach even further to seek the lost, enhancing efficiencies in doing so.

San Jacinto Christian Academy Varsity Tennis Coach, 2007-present; Amarillo Lonestar Lions Club (Past President-twice), 1983-present; Texas Panhandle Regional Dev. Corp. Secretary, 2011-2013.

MR. TROY JOHNSON, BA – MEMBER, ZION, WALBURG; AGE 48

Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch.

I served nine years on the board of directors of Lutheran Outdoor Ministry of Texas (LOMT), the last four years as board president. Through my work with LOMT and within my circuit, I have met alot of people. My goal for serving on this committee is to assist with identifying qualified people to serve on the various boards and committees.

Congregation President, 2 years and Vice President 4 years; Chairman of Elders, 1 year; Circuit Lay Voting Delegate, to LCMS Convention; Williamson County Texas A&M Club President, 2000-2002.

III. ELECTIONS


2019 LCMS COMMITTEE FOR CONVENTION NOMINATIONS / LAY PERSON (ELECT ONE LAY MEMBER AND ALTERNATE)

MRS. PATRICIA KYM, BA – MEMBER, SALEM, TOMBALL; AGE 66

Retired Staff Strategic Plan Coordinator, Salem, Tomball.

In 2007, I served as Secretary of the LCMS Commit-tee for Convention Nominations. I have extensive board experience and have Synod-wide connections. My goal is to select the best/brightest/most quali-fied Christian leaders to serve the LCMS by keeping it mission-minded and Christ centered.

MR. RON LAMMERT, MA – MEMBER, CONCORDIA, SAN ANTONIO; AGE 71

CEO, HPN Books.

Having served as a lay member of the Texas District Board of Directors, I have knowledge of needs of the District. I would hope the committees would seek nominees who are committed, above all, to reaching the lost for Jesus.

Texas District Board of Directors, 2009-2018; Board of Elders, 1989-present; Church Council, 1986.

MR. DOUGLAS ROHLOFF, AA – MEMBER VICTORY IN CHRIST, NEWARK; AGE 49

Police Detective, Fort Worth

I have experience of sitting on several nomination committees for my congregation as well as serving in multiple leadership roles. My goal is to nominate and fill all vacancies with the best possible candidates for each position.

Congregation President, 4 years; Congregation Vice President, 4 years; Congregation Treasurer, 3 years; Synod Convention Voting Delegate, 5 years; District Convention Voting Delegate 6 years; Circuit Lay Delegate, 6 years.

MR. GORDON WAGONER, BS – MEMBER, FAITH, PLANO; AGE 67

Retired Financial Consultant.

Retired Financial Consultant/Registered Investment Adviser; Captain Delta Airlines Inc., September 1979-2015; U.S. Air Force Captain, January 1973-June 1979.

Previous experience in the United States Air Force, Delta Airlines, Inc. and Thrivent Financial involve working with a team of diverse individuals to ac-complish common goals. My goal would be to find the best theologically sound Lutherans to serve in various boards.

Board of Elders, member, & chairman, 2002-pres-ent; Congregation President, 1992-1995; Board of Christian Education, member 1987-1991, chairman, 1999-2002; Dallas Symphony Chorus, 1998-2002; Delta Golden Wings Vice President , President, 2008-present; Air Line Pilot Association, Contract Administrator 1979-present.

III. ELECTIONS

TEXAS DISTRICT 2018 CONVENTION WORKBOOK | 116IV. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 01-01-18RE: OVERTURE 01-08-18

SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS FOR FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL MINISTRY

WHEREAS, our Texas District, our Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and the visible Body of Christ have been blessed and strengthened by the service of Kenneth Hennings for 45 years as parish pastor, as mission executive, and as district president; and

WHEREAS, this servant of Christ has been supported and encouraged during these various ministries by his bride, Val; and

WHEREAS, they are entering a new season of life with the certain knowledge of God’s unchanging mercy and grace through Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8); therefore be it

Resolved, that the Texas District assembled in convention give thanks to the Triune God for the faithful and fruitful ministry of the Rev. Kenneth Hennings and his wife, Val, by standing to sing the Doxology as a sign of gratitude to our Lord for His servants.

Rev. Eric Hiner, ChairmanMr. Alan Werchan, Secretary


SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS AND ENCOURAGEMENT AS WE RECOVER AND REBUILD FROM HURRICANE HARVEY

WHEREAS, Hurricane Harvey brought much devastation through wind and rain to many churches, schools, pastors, teachers, other church workers and fellow saints of the Texas District of the Luther-an Church—Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, our churches, schools, pastors, teachers, other church workers, and fellow saints have banded together to be of help and service to one another and to our communities in rebuilding; and

WHEREAS, the Texas District and LCMS Disaster Response have helped God’s people recover through materials, grants, volunteers, and prayer; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Texas District in convention give thanks for the Lord watching over His people in this great time of need; that we give thanks to our Lord for the help and support of materials, grants, volunteers, and prayers the Synod has provided for the Texas District; that we give thanks to our Lord for all those on the District level who have organized help for our Lord’s people; and that we give thanks for the help we have been able to give one to another as fellow saints; and be it further

Resolved, that we continue to share the love of our Lord one to another and with our communities as we help one another recover and rebuild as saints gathered in local congregations, as church work-ers, as Circuits, and as a District; and be it finally

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Resolved, that we use this as an opportunity also to reach out to our neighbors around us who do not know our Lord so that they too may know the Lord who saves us not just from storms but from sin, death, and the power of the devil.



SUBJECT: TO REAFFIRM THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVANT-LEADERS FOR OUTREACH

WHEREAS, the population of Texas continues to experience a net growth of nearly 500,000 people per year (source: United States Census Bureau); and

WHEREAS, a majority of Texas residents are unchurched and may not know Jesus Christ as Savior (source: MissionInsite); and

WHEREAS, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37–38 ESV); therefore be it

Resolved, that the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in convention strongly encourage churches and church members in the Texas District to pray diligently that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into His harvest; and be it finally

Resolved, that the Texas District continue to utilize a portion of its mission budget to provide training for ordained, commissioned and lay servant-leaders to engage in outreach for the sake of the Gospel.



SUBJECT: TO WALK TOGETHER BY GIVING TO DISTRICT AND SYNOD MISSIONS

WHEREAS, our Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is comprised of congregations voluntarily joined in common confession and for the mutual support of Gospel-focused mission and ministries; and

WHEREAS, the word “synod” can appropriately be defined as “walking together;” and

WHEREAS, this walking together is made tangible in part by the financial gifts of each congregation of the Texas District; and

WHEREAS, the stewardship of God’s people—individually and corporately—is an action of faith in Christ and worship of the Triune God (Philippians 4:10-20); and

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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WHEREAS, a stronger witness of the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ throughout Texas, across our nation, and around the world would be enhanced and expanded by increasing the offerings shared with the Texas District and with our Synod (over 28% of the mission gifts received by the Texas Dis-trict); therefore be it

Resolved, that the Texas District in convention strongly encourage each congregation to commit by January 1, 2019 to increase its giving by a minimum of 1% of its general offerings as a mission gift to and through the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.


RESOLUTION 01-05-18RE: OVERTURES 01-02-18, 01-03-18

SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING OF NEW MINISTRIES IN THE TEXAS DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD

WHEREAS, God has revealed Himself in His Word as the originator and provider of His mission to save the world (John 3:16); and

WHEREAS, God has drawn unto Himself a people through His Means of Grace who are forgiven of their sins, recipients of salvation, and heirs of eternal life because of the holy life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection of His Son Jesus—God in the flesh (John 1:14); and

WHEREAS, the Holy Christian Church is expressed as the body of believers gathered locally around Word and Sacraments (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:25; Augsburg Confession: Article VII); and

WHEREAS, Jesus now sends His disciples into the world (Matthew 28:19, 20) to proclaim the life-sav-ing, life-sustaining Gospel through His called servants—pastors and missionaries—(Luke 24:45-49a; Ephesians 4:11) and through the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:8-10); and

WHEREAS, the congregations of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod send their mission offerings to the District; and

WHEREAS, in support of the Gospel, non-returnable grants from the 2018 Texas District mission budget consist of 43.5% to Texas District congregations, 25.7% to Texas District ministries and church planting networks (LINC Houston, Glocal Mission, LINC Austin, LINC North Texas and World Lutheran Deaf Outreach in Texas), 4.5% for church worker scholarships and lay-evangelist training, and 1.3% for church planter support (coaching, district demographic data access, and the Frontera Border Ministry); and

WHEREAS, in support of the Gospel, 25% of the 2018 Texas District mission budget is being disbursed as returnable funding to new and developing Texas District congregations and ministries; and

WHEREAS, this funding strategy has supported the planting of 25 new Word and Sacrament ministries in the last triennium and the training of hundreds of missionaries; and

WHEREAS, $860,000 in returned mission funds have been utilized to start new ministries in the last triennium; therefore be it

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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Resolved, that the Texas District staff continue to communicate mission and ministry actions and budget allocations to Texas District congregations actively and with transparency; and be it further

Resolved, that the Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention encourage Texas District congregations to grow in awareness of where mission dollars are allocated by building a relationship with Texas Partners in Mission, by consulting the annual Budget Summary posted on the Texas District website, and by consulting with the Texas District Treasurer about the specifics of mission budget allocation; and be it further

Resolved, that the Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention strongly en-courage congregations, both large and small, to start new ministries in order that many more people will be reached with the Good News of Jesus; and be it further

Resolved, that Texas District congregations and ministries prayerfully consider working with their area Mission and Ministry Facilitator to submit ministry plans that outline the right person, place and plan for new outreach efforts in order to request returnable funding and/or non-returnable grants from the Board of Mission Administration; and be it finally

Resolved, that the people of the Texas District boldly proclaim the Good News about Jesus, our Lord and Savior, with love in their words and deeds, so that others may be added daily (Acts 2:47) and counted among those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (John 1:29; I Peter 1:18-21).



SUBJECT: TO AFFIRM AND FINANCIALLY SUPPORT LUTHERANS FOR LIFE

WHEREAS, our Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has long been a faithful witness for God’s gift of life to the unborn, the developmentally-disabled, the elderly, and the dying; and

WHEREAS, Lutherans For Life has worked tirelessly to equip Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices for life; and

WHEREAS, changes in the policies of Thrivent Financial have disallowed the allocation of Thrivent “Choice Dollars” to pro-life ministries; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention strongly encourage its congregations to give an annual gift to Lutherans For Life by the designation of all or a portion of the congregation’s Thanksgiving Eve or Day offering, or from the offering of another suitable day.


IV. RESOLUTIONS

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SUBJECT: TO REQUEST THE FORMATION OF A TASK FORCE TO STUDY OVERTURE 01-06-18

WHEREAS, the Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod received Overture, 01-06-18, “To Become a Partner in the Mission Efforts in Panama;” and

WHEREAS, the overture stated in part, “WHEREAS, the Texas District is not at this time directly engaged in a formal way to any particular foreign mission field,” but, in reality, the Texas District is engaged in a formal way with the Lutheran Synod of Mexico; therefore be it

Resolved, that Overture 01-06-18 be studied by a task force to be appointed by the District President with a report from the task force to be provided to the District President and Circuit 7 (overture author) within one year of the date of the 2018 convention.


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IV. RESOLUTIONS


RESOLUTION: 02-01-18RE: OVERTURES 02-01-18 A-D

SUBJECT: TO OVERRULE CCM OPINION 14-2724

WHEREAS the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, at its 2015 convention, adopted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 02-01-15ARE: OVERTURES 02-04-15, 02-05-15, 02-06-15, 02-07-15, 02-08-15, 02-09-15, 02-10-15, 02-11-15, 02-12-15, 02-13-15

SUBJECT: TO OVERRULE CCM OPINION 14-2724

WHEREAS, the Word of God (Acts 13) clearly reveals that in the first century of the New Tes-tament, a local congregation of believers in the Lord Jesus, assembled in Antioch, after much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, freely consecrated and sent missionaries, notably Barnabas and Saul, into mission fields; and

WHEREAS, Article III. 2 of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod identifies an objective of the Synod as to “Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world;” and

WHEREAS, Article VII of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod states, “In relation to its members, the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self-government it is but an advisory body”; and

WHEREAS, Article XIV of the Constitution states, “The Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod”; and

WHEREAS, 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B encourages the Synod to study Article VII of the Con-stitution, including study of “Congregations and Synod, Background Material on the Advisory Nature of the LCMS” along with opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters related to this topic (including CCM Opinion 09-2573 listed in a “Whereas” paragraph in Resolution 8-32B); and

WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-10A in a “Resolved” clause states that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod reaffirms that its synodical polity is essentially and principally congrega-tional in nature; and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 09-2573 states in part that “… there is a common understanding that a congregation exercises its self-government … in carrying out … its own ministry programs and financial affairs …”; and

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.8.3 deals only with who has authority to send ministers of religion and other workers into Synod foreign mission fields, and prior bylaws have been careful not to restrict congregational activity specifically relating to whom congregations could send funds overseas, and nothing in the current bylaws restrict or could restrict the right of member con-

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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gregations to (a) fund ministries in foreign countries, or (b) send/fund congregation members for service with organizations seeking to share the Gospel; and

WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-37 amending the bylaws only dealt with who on behalf of Synod as a whole could send missionaries at the expense of the Synod, and where the restriction applied, it being a sending bylaw only, clearly not applicable to congregations in any event; and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 referring to 2013 Synod Convention Res. 1-08, “To Work Together in Mission,” called for a two-fold response: First, “Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and provide a mission best-practices policy document for districts and congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them to better carry out their mission and their life together”, indicating that districts and congregations have and are recognized to have mission work and practices of their own, and because they have their own mission work and practices, the Synod should assist and support those efforts by developing a best-practices policy; and second, “that these best practices include encouragement to districts and congre-gations to communicate their international mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of healthy coordina-tion and stewardship” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), indicating that districts and congregations can have their own mission activities and when they do they are encouraged to communicate these activities to the Synod for coordination and good stewardship; and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 states in part, “Congregations may not send funds to mission societies and non-Synod entities for work in foreign areas without taking into consideration policies developed and determined for this purpose by the Board of International Mission as the only sending agency;” and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 incorrectly restricts the mission outreach of congregations and others to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; therefore be it

Resolved, that the congregations of the Texas District and of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod be encouraged, with much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to send missionaries to foreign areas; and be it further

Resolved, That the Texas District affirms and encourages congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, in their efforts to give bold witness by word and deed, to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world; and be it further

Resolved, that nothing in the bylaws of Synod should ever be interpreted to limit efforts by congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world, but only be interpreted as requesting information which might allow Synod to support (and to assist in connecting potential support for) congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to provide best practices information which could assist the efforts; and be it finally

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to adopt this resolution and to overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724, to be thereby declared null and void and of no effect.

Rev. Larry Krueger, ChairmanRev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

And

WHEREAS, The above resolution appears in the 2016 LCMS Convention Workbook as Overture 2-04, thereby affirming its material accuracy; and

WHEREAS, Three other LCMS districts, three district boards of directors, one circuit, and seventeen LCMS congregations also adopted this resolution; and

WHEREAS, Two other overtures (2-07, 2-09) were submitted to the 2016 LCMS Convention that also requested that CCM Opinion 14-2724 be overruled; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (c) regarding the CCM says, in part:An opinion rendered by the commission shall be binding on the question decided unless and un-til it is overruled by a convention of the Synod. Overtures to a convention that seek to overrule an opinion of the commission shall support the proposed action with substantive rationale from the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. All such overtures shall be considered by the floor committee to which they have been assigned and shall be included in a specific report to the convention with recommendations for appropriate action. (Emphasis added)

And

WHEREAS, No such report was given to the 2016 convention of the Synod, as a report and a resolution (including the resolution identified as Resolution 2-06A in Today’s Business p. 348-350 that was never brought to the convention floor) are the not the same thing according to Bylaw 3.1.6.1 and Bylaw 3.1.6.2, which clearly differentiate between “Reports” and “Overtures,” defining “Reports,” in part, as “statements of work performed or contemplated by those charged with conducting the business of the Synod” and “Overtures,” in part, as “recommendations in the form of proposed resolutions requesting action on the part of the convention” (cf. Bylaw 3.9.2.2.1, which also distinguishes be-tween reports and overtures); and

WHEREAS, No disposition of these overtures whatsoever is recorded in the 2016 Synod convention Proceedings; and

WHEREAS, The document “LCMS Best Practices in Short-Term Mission” requests congregations to receive approval from the Synod to be involved in short-term mission trips by referencing the Bylaws, which has been seen, correctly or incorrectly, as restricting congregations in “giving bold witness by word and deed” when and where they see fit (https://wmltblog.org/2015/01/lcms-best-practices-in-short-term-mission/, accessed 3/9/2018); therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the resolution quoted above be submitted as an overture to the 2019 Synod conven-tion by the adoption of this current resolution; and be it further

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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https://wmltblog.org/2015/01/lcms-best-practices-in-short-term-mission/

https://wmltblog.org/2015/01/lcms-best-practices-in-short-term-mission/


RESOLVED, That the President of Synod be directed to assure that both the spirit and the provisions of Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (c) are followed with respect to this resolution and any other resolution that be-comes an overture to the Synod asking for a CCM opinion to be overruled; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That also in our agreements in how we will work together in the LCMS, things “be done in a fitting and orderly way” (I Corinthians 14:40).

Rev. John Davis, ChairRev. Nathan Wendorf, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-02-18 RE: OVERTURES 2-02-18 A-H

SUBJECT: TO AMEND LCMS CONSITUTION ARTICLE XI

WHEREAS, The 2016 Convention of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, in its Resolution 12-14 [“Regarding the Right of an Accuser to Appeal When a District President or President of the Synod Fails to Act or Declines to Suspend”] and according to Bylaw 7.1.2, deferred its rightful legislative authority and directed the Board of Directors of the Synod to draft bylaws to resolve a situation where, it claimed, “portions of the expulsion processes of the Synod’s Bylaws are presently in an unconstitutional state with respect to Constitution Art. XI B 1-3 and Constitution Art. XIII 2”; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 12-14, resolves “That a consultation process shall be designed by mutual agreement of the Chairman of the Council of Presidents and the President of the Synod, by which the Council of Presidents shall have the opportunity to offer to the Secretary of the Synod input as to proposed mechanisms to implement expulsion processes consistent with and not contradicting the Constitution of the Synod”; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 12-14 states that the Commission on Constitutional Matters in Op. 16-2791 “has indicated portions of the expulsion processes of Synod’s Bylaws are presently in an unconstitutional state with respect to Const. Art. XI B 1-3 and Const. Art. XIII 2”, such bylaws having been adopted by the Synod in Convention in 2004, acting as the “principal legislative assembly” (Bylaw 3.1.1) of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, those Bylaws were regarded as constitutional by the Commission on Constitutional Matters prior to the convention, as they fulfilled their function to “examine all reports, overtures, and resolutions of the Synod asking for amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod or which in any manner affect the Constitution and Bylaws, to determine their agreement in content and language with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod” (Bylaw 3.9.2.2.1) and to “be repre-sented at the meetings of national convention floor committees considering constitution and bylaw matters to ensure that they are in accord with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod” (Bylaw 3.9.2.2.2); and

WHEREAS, At no time since the adoption of the Bylaw provisions in 2004 until CCM 16-2791 had a Commission opined that these expulsion process bylaws were in an unconstitutional state; and

WHEREAS, The 2004 Commission on Constitutional Matters and the 2016 Commission on Constitutional Matters clearly provided different opinions on the constitutional state of the Synod’s bylaws with respect to Constitution Art XI B 1-3 and Art XIII 2 prior to the 2016 Synod convention; and

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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WHEREAS, The Board of Directors, acting under Bylaw 7.1.2 and at the express direction of the 2016 Resolution 12-14, in May of 2017 adopted changes to the bylaws of the Synod regarding ecclesiastical supervision; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Synod, on November 3, 2017, published an article on the Synod’s website, recognizing the need to “relieve any confusion regarding these changes”; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution of Synod defines clearly, precisely, and fully the supervisory role of the President of Synod, wherein the President of Synod has the “the supervision regarding the doctrine and the administration of a. All officers of the Synod; b. All such as are employed by the Synod; c. The individual districts of the Synod; d. All district presidents” (XI.B.1); and

WHEREAS, The President of Synod, as ecclesiastical supervisor, may assume “only such rights as have been expressly conferred” (XI A.1 [“The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties, they are responsible to the Synod.”], and

WHEREAS, The duties are expressly conferred to be “the power to advise, admonish, and reprove…conscientiously use all means at his command to promote and maintain unity of doctrine and practice in all the districts of the Synod” (XI.B.3); and

WHEREAS, Synod’s Constitution expressly confers upon the District Presidents the duty “to exercise supervision over” their district’s ministers and to “visit and … hold investigations in the congrega-tions” (XII.7), including the District Presidents being empowered “to suspend from membership” their district’s ministers (XII.8); and

WHEREAS, Prior to the year 2016 and CCM Op. 16-2791, numerous CCM opinions [to wit Ag. 1970, Op. 15-2750, 13-2669, 10-2581, 03-2354, and 03-2338, A and C] interpreted the President of Synod’s scope of ecclesiastical supervision not to include supervision over a district’s individual members and congregations as expressed in Article XII.7, 8; and

WHEREAS, C. F. W. Walther, the first President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod said that “We have merely the power to advise one another, that we have only the power of the Word and of convinc-ing” (1848 Presidential address to the Synod) [See Article XI B 4 below in the third resolve]; and

WHEREAS, The Bylaws of the Synod define ecclesiastical supervision as including “… visitation, evangelical encouragement and support, care, protection, counsel, advice, admonition, and when necessary, appropriate disciplinary measures …” (LCMS Bylaw 1.2.1 (i)); therefore be it

Resolved, That it is this assembly’s conviction that such supervision should take place in relationship between the supervisor and the supervised, as close to the supervised as possible, and not carried out by a centralized authority; and be it further

Resolved, That it is this assembly’s conviction that this was and is the intent of the Constitution of the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That, for the sake of clarification, Article XI of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod be amended as follows:

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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Article XI Rights and Duties of OfficersA. In General

1. The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties they are responsible to the Synod.

2. The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account and, if circumstances require it, to remove them from office in accordance with Christian procedure.

3. The Synod reserves the right to abolish any office it has established.4. Conventions of the Synod and of the districts have the right, in extraordinary cases, to

elect a chairman other than the regular presiding officer.

B. Duties of the President1. The President has the ecclesiastical supervision as limited in XI B 2 regarding the doctrine

and the administration ofa. All officers of the Corporate Synod;b. All such individual members of the Synod as are employed by the Corporate Synod; c. The individual assembled corporate districts of the Synod in convention and through

the ecclesiastical supervision of the district president when not in convention;d. All district presidents.

The President shall have no ecclesiastical supervision over individual and congregational members of the Synod except as listed in XI B 1 a - d and shall have the power to exercise disciplinary, suspension, and expulsion provisions only of district presidents (Article XI B 1 d). The President has the administrative supervision of all such as are employed by Corporate Synod.It is the President’s duty to see to it that all the aforementioned act in accordance with the Synod’s Constitution, to admonish all who in any way depart from it, and, if such admonition is not heeded, to report such cases to the Synod.The President has and always shall have and be limited to the power to advise, admonish, and reprove. He shall conscientiously use all these means at his command to promote and main-tain unity of doctrine and practice in all the districts of the Synod. Such means and authority shall be limited to those rights and duties specifically laid out in this article (XI A, B).The President shall see to it that the resolutions of the Synod are carried out.When the Synod meets in convention the President shall give a report of his adminis-tration. He shall conduct the sessions of the convention so that all things are done in a Christian manner and in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.It is the duty of the President, or an officer of the Synod appointed by the President, to be present at the meetings of the districts, to advise them, and to report at the next session of the Synod.The President shall perform all additional duties assigned to him by the Bylaws or by special resolution of the Synod in convention, provided that such duties do not conflict with other provisions of the Constitution.When matters arise between meetings of the Synod in convention which are of such a nature that action thereon cannot be delayed until the next convention, the President is authorized to submit them to a written vote of the member congregations of the Synod only after full and complete information regarding the matter has been sent to member congregations by presidential letter and has been published in an official periodical of the Synod. If such matters are related to the business affairs of the Synod, such a vote shall be conducted only after the President has consulted with the synodical Board of Directors. In all cases at least one-fourth of the member congregations must register their vote.

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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2.

3.

2. 4.

3. 5.

4. 6.5. 7.

6. 8.

7. 9.

8. 10.


And be it further

Resolved, That when the amendment process is complete, the Bylaws of the Synod regarding ecclesias-tical supervision (Bylaws 2.14-2.17) be returned to the wording of the 2013 Handbook of the Synod to bring the Bylaws into harmony with this Constitutional amendment (Bylaw 3.9.4.2 b); and be it finally

Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention with this resolution.

Rev. John Davis, ChairmanRev. Nathan Wendorf, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-03-18RE: OVERTURE 02-07-18

SUBJECT: TO MEMORIALIZE THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD IN CONVENTION TO ALLOW SPECIFIC MINISTRY PASTORS TO SERVE IN DISTRICT ELECTED POSITIONS

WHEREAS, Specific ministry pastors are allowed by LCMS by-law 2.13.1 (b) (1) to serve as pastoral delegates to district conventions, and

WHEREAS, Service as an ordained member of a district board encompasses the context of the specific ministry pastor’s call in the district, and

WHEREAS, The gifts, talents, and insights of specific ministry pastors can bring blessing to the deci-sion-making processes of district boards; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention to revise LCMS by-law 2.13.1 (b) to read:

(b) A specific ministry pastor is not eligible to(1) serve as a voting delegate to a national convention of the Synod—but may serve as an advisory delegate to national conventions and as a pastoral delegate to district conventions;(2) hold any elected or appointed office on the district or national Synod level that is assigned by the Bylaws of the Synod to “a pastor” or “an ordained minister” (although specific ministry pastors may serve in all other capacities, especially representing the ministerial contexts in which they serve);(3) supervise vicars; or(4) serve as a circuit visitor.


IV. RESOLUTIONS

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RESOLUTION: 02-04-18RE: OVERTURES 02-03-18 A-D & 02-04-18 A-C

SUBJECT: TO MODIFY THE GOVERNANCE OF THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF THE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

RATIONALE Higher education is in a time of significant change, including but not limited to demographic shifts in prospective student populations, increasing market competition from non-profit and for-profit providers of education, ongoing innovations in technology and academic program delivery models, increasing accountability to public and private entities, and growing financial complexities.

Christian colleges and universities face the additional challenge to be faithful to their confession in an increasingly secular culture.

To survive and thrive in today’s highly competitive, complex, and secular environment Christian institutions of higher education require informed and talented board of regents, with a common commitment to education in the context of the Christian Gospel. Regents’ understanding of and passion for the unique missions of the institutions they govern, a multiplicity of skill sets to support the specific needs of the institutions they govern, and the capacity to support these institutions with their time, talent, treasure, and other resources is critical.

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has been blessed by our Concordia Colleges and Universities for more than 100 years; and

WHEREAS, the colleges and universities of the Concordia University System (CUS) desire to preserve and extend their identity as Lutheran institutions of higher education, which offer quality, affordable education, and have therefore renewed their commitment to Lutheran higher education by signing the Lutheran Identity Statement; and

WHEREAS, our CUS colleges and universities continue to provide the highest quality of education and faith development in the midst of a highly competitive higher education market; and

WHEREAS, Concordia University Texas received negative feedback through their process of reaffirma-tion of accreditation from the off-site committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the governance structure portion of the university’s report because of “undue influence from external bodies”; and

WHEREAS, Synod currently provides no direct financial support to Concordia University Texas, giving the synod “undue influence” with no financial responsibility or liability; and

WHEREAS, each Concordia is located in a unique part of the United States and faces legal challenges, cultural opportunities, and economic diversity which may differ from other CUS schools; and

WHEREAS, the schools of the CUS are valued partners of the LCMS, therefore be it

Resolved, that The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in convention give thanks to God for the trea-sures it has in its nine colleges and universities, and be it further

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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Resolved, that the governance of the individual colleges and universities of the Concordia University System be changed to the extent that• Each college or university will determine the number of regents it chooses to appoint to its Board

of Regents;• Each Board of Regents will be responsible for appointing its own members from within a pool of

candidates consisting of the members of member congregations of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod;

• Each Board of Regents will include among its members » the president of the LCMS District in which the college or university is located, » a regent who resides in the Synodical geographic Region of the university, appointed by the

LCMS President, » a regent who resides in the Synodical geographic Region of the university, appointed by the

LCMS Board of Directors, » a minimum of two regents who are members in good standing on the LCMS roster of ministers

of religion, ordained, » a minimum of two regents who are members in good standing on the LCMS roster of ministers

of religion, commissioned.

And be it further

Resolved,that the Commission on Handbook be directed to make the appropriate changes to the bylaws of the Synod in accordance with bylaw 3.9.4.2b; and be it finally

Resolved, the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention with this resolution.


RESOLUTION: 02-05-18RE: OVERTURE 02-05-18

SUBJECT: TO ENSURE TIMELY AND TRANSPARENT FINANCIAL REPORTING IN THE SYNOD

WHEREAS, A principle of Biblical stewardship is to be accountable with the resources with which one has been entrusted, as expressed in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14 ff.); and

WHEREAS, Much is required of those to whom God has entrusted his gifts. As Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48b, ESV); and

WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has historically recognized its responsibility of accountability and faithfulness in the handling of the finances entrusted to it by its members, as is witnessed in Bylaw 1.5.4, “The Synod and each of its agencies shall fully disclose their financial books and records to any member congregation of the Synod;” and

WHEREAS, The Synod in previous conventions has expressed its opinion that such accountability and faithfulness be found additionally in regular reporting of such financial disclosure by adopting 2010

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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Convention Resolution 4-03, “To Broadly Communicate the Statement of Financial Position of LCMS,” which reads in its totality:

“Whereas, It is helpful to understand the Synod’s financial position and communicate it to the members of the congregations of Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That each November, the Vice-President–Finance—Treasurer of the Synod use widely available means, (i.e., The Lutheran Witness, Reporter, the LCMS Website) to state the financial position of the Synod in a format easily understood by persons unfamiliar with financial terminol-ogy.” (2010 Convention Proceedings, p. 120);

And

WHEREAS, The members of the Synod expressed even further the need for full transparency in all areas of financial disclosure by adopting 2016 convention RESOLUTION 9-04A, “To Improve Disclo-sures Related to Financial Gifts from God’s Stewards for Special Appeals,” which stated in part,

“…Whereas, Monies for special appeals requested by corporate Synod (e.g., following natural disasters) are reported only in part in Synod publications (e.g., Reporter and The Lutheran Witness) and sometimes only annually; and …

WHEREAS, Donors and members of the Synod are interested in the impact of funds raised for special appeals and will appreciate improved disclosure of results; therefore be it

Resolved, That the financial offices of corporate Synod continue to recognize the desire of donors and members of the Synod to improve processes of reporting and work to provide clear, timely, and transparent accounting for all funding and special appeals, so that the Body of Christ may experience the joy of Gospel-centered mission and ministry beyond the local context or community.” (2016 Convention Proceedings, p. 189);

And

WHEREAS, It was reported to the 2013 Convention of the Synod by the Board of Directors in its Report on the Disposition of Funding the Mission Recommendations (R6-03-01) that “the decline in the Synod’s annual unrestricted revenue continues…The board believes that congregations will respond through better, open, and honest communication about the great things God is able to accomplish for His kingdom when we work together. Numerous conventions have passed resolutions calling on congregations to maintain and increase unrestricted support for district and Synod minis-tries, yet the unrestricted support passed through our districts to the Synod has continued to decline at the average rate of $1 million each year.” (2013 Convention Workbook 2013, p. 114-115); and

WHEREAS, In 2016, the Chief Financial Officer of the Synod, in reporting to the Synod about offerings received, stated, “This sharing from God’s bounty continues to decline. Although the amount of de-cline in the past three years has not been as severe as the average decline of the previous 20 years, it is still trending negatively. In the face of continued declining unrestricted revenues, the ability of Synod, Inc. to respond quickly and nimbly to mission and ministry opportunities and challenges laid before us by our Lord also declines, as does our ability to “fill in the gap” when restricted revenues, needed to fund much of our mission and ministry activities, fall short of their goals. The financial challenges facing our beloved Synod persist. I believe that these challenges are of our own making, a

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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product of how we distribute the resources provided by our loving Father.” (2016 Convention Work-book, pp. 61-62) (Underlining added for emphasis); and

WHEREAS, There have been reports about the financial struggles of the Synod, such as the need to trim $4 million dollars from the budget of the Synod (ref. July 7,2017 Reporter, https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/international-national-mission and the May 19-20 2017 Synod Board of Directors Minutes https://www.lcms.org/about/leadership/board-of-directors); and

WHEREAS, It has been reported that the Synod previously had only minimal days of operating cap-ital in its cash reserves, which would seemingly place the Synod in a precarious financial position (ref. Paragraph 45, Financial Reports of the February 17-18, 2017 LCMS Board of Directors Minutes (https://www.lcms.org/about/leadership/board-of-directors), which stated that without funds held on behalf of the two Seminaries, the Synod had only 5 days of cash available); and

WHEREAS, In the face of such challenging financial times, transparency and regularity in reporting of the financial situation of the Synod is of utmost importance to the members and constituency of the Synod, who have a vested interest in the financial viability of the Synod and who merit clear, concise, and timely reports; and

WHEREAS, The President of the Synod recommended in his report to the Synod in 2016 that the Synod have “Uniform Financial Reporting.” (2016 Today’s Business, p. 28); therefore be it

Resolved, that it is the conviction of this assembly that annual reporting of the synod’s financial position in the official publications of the Synod is insufficient; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the Chief Financial Officer to report quarterly in the Synod’s official publications about the financial position of the Synod in a format easily understood by persons unfamiliar with financial terminology, such reporting to include, but not limited to income and expenses, budget versus spending, explanations for variances in budget line items that vary by $50,000 or more, cash reserves and cash position, etc.; and be it further

Resolved, That these quarterly reports include information about the regular Synod budget and the reporting on special appeals as stipulated in 2016 Resolution 9-04A; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod be shrewd managers with the resources God has given it; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the resources He has entrusted to us, recognizing “That the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1, ESV); and be it finally

Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention with this resolution.


IV. RESOLUTIONS

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https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/international-national-mission

https://www.lcms.org/about/leadership/board-of-directors

https://www.lcms.org/about/leadership/board-of-directors



SUBJECT: TO AMEND THE BYLAWS OF THE TEXAS DISTRICT, LCMS

WHEREAS, it is good and right to preserve, for future generations, significant historical items that have helped to form and to shape the Texas District; and

WHEREAS, the current Bylaws of the Texas District provide for the preservation of these items in the archives of the district, but also call for pastors of the district “to send a copy of all congregational publications to the district archivist. “All congregational publications” is defined as church papers, installation, dedication, and anniversary programs and booklets, news clippings and pictures” (Article X.B.10.015), which has the potential effect of making the archives excessive in size and practically unmanageable; and

WHEREAS, the district president and Board of Directors have therefore not been able to effectively carry out the provisions of the existing Bylaws regarding archives, due to the size of archives as well as the costs associated with properly preserving these historical items; and

WHEREAS, the current Bylaws do not address, or allow for, the advances in technology for the preser-vation and dissemination of archives in digital form; therefore be it

Resolved, that the District President appoint a task force to study a practical method to preserve the records, with recommendations made to the Texas District Board of Directors; and be it finally

Resolved, that the Board of Directors be authorized to amend the bylaws of the Texas District appro-priately in accordance with Bylaw XV 15.001b.



SUBJECT: TO MEMORIALIZE SYNOD TO IMPLEMENT TERM LIMITS FOR THE SYNODICAL PRESIDENT AND FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

WHEREAS, The saints of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod give thanks for the men willing to use their gifts and abilities to serve as Synodical President and First Vice President; and

WHEREAS, The position of Synodical President and First Vice President are full-time elected positions; and

WHEREAS, Twenty-one out of thirty-five districts have chosen to implement term limits for the District President and/or Vice Presidents. Specifically: twelve districts have term limits for both the District President and Vice Presidents; nine districts have term limits for the Vice Presidents but not for the District President; and

WHEREAS, Term limits provide an opportunity to utilize the gifts and abilities of a greater number of qualified men; therefore, be it

IV. RESOLUTIONS

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Resolved, That the Texas District memorialize Synod to implement term limits for the Synodical Presi-dent and First Vice President; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synodical President and First Vice President may serve a maximum of four three-year terms; and be it further

Resolved, that any such limits would not be put into effect until after the current President and Vice President are no longer serving in their respective offices; and be it finally

Resolved, That the appropriate changes be made to the Synodical Handbook.


OMNIBUS B

WHEREAS, an issue has been presented through overture to which the Synod or District, in conven-tion, has previously spoken; and

WHEREAS, after careful consideration of these matters, there appears to be insufficient rationale to change or alter the stated position of the Synod; therefore be itResolved, That petitioner offering the following overture be referred to previous convention action as indicated.

Number Subject Board, Commission, Individual02-08-18 To study the possibility of increasing the

number of LCMS districts in the State of Texas

Report 702 of Resolution 8-07 Task Force 2013 Synod convention

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IV. RESOLUTIONS

TEXAS DISTRICT 2018 CONVENTION WORKBOOK | 134V. OVERTURES

OVERTURE 01-01-18SUBJECT: TO DEVELOP SERVANT LEADERS

WHEREAS, The population of Texas continues to experience a net growth of nearly 500,000 people per year, and

WHEREAS, A majority of Texas residents are unchurched and may not know Jesus Christ as Savior, and

WHEREAS, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37–38 ESV); therefore be it

RESOLVED, That churches and church members in the Texas District LCMS be encouraged to pray diligently that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest, and be it

RESOLVED, That the Texas District LCMS utilize a portion of its mission budget to provide training for ordained, commissioned and lay workers to engage in outreach for the sake of the Gospel.

Ryan Busse, ChairmanStephen DeMik, Secretary

The Board of Mission Administration, Texas District LCMS, Austin, Texas

OVERTURE 01-02-18SUBJECT: TO REAFFIRM THE BOARD OF MISSION ADMINISTRATION MISSION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

WHEREAS, An average of 75% of the Texas District mission budget was disbursed as non-returnable funding grants to new and developing ministries in the last triennium (2015-2017), and

WHEREAS, As average of 25% of the Texas District mission budget was disbursed as returnable dollars to new and developing ministries in the last triennium, and

WHEREAS, This funding strategy has resulted in the planting of 25 new word and sacrament ministries in the last triennium and the training of hundreds of missionaries, and

WHEREAS, $860,000 in returned mission funds have been utilized to start new ministries in the last triennium; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Texas District LCMS in convention reaffirm the Texas District Board of Mission Administration Mission Development Policy to make “the best investment of funds available so that Christ’s Kingdom will receive maximum benefit” (BMA policy manual 1.1), to “partner with local congregations in the starting of new ministries” (1.1.1), to “use the Texas District Mission Funding Agreement Program for funding new missions and ministries that request assistance and meet BMA criteria” (1.1.2), to “use the District Staff Mission Team to assist congregations in determining the right person, place, and plan for new missions and ministries” (1.1.3), and to make certain “New ministries will emphasize reaching the unchurched and undiscipled” (1.1.4).



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OVERTURE 01-03-18SUBJECT: THE LUTHERAN CHURCH’S FUNDING OF LUTHERAN CHURCHES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLANTING LUTHERAN CHURCHES

WHEREAS, God has revealed Himself in His Word as the Originator and Provider of His mission to save the world (John 3:16); and

WHEREAS, God has drawn unto Himself a people through His Means of Grace who are forgiven of their sins, recipients of salvation, and heirs of eternal life because of the holy life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection of His Son Jesus – God in the flesh; and

WHEREAS, the Church in its lowest denominator is the body of believers gathered in one locus around Word and Sacraments (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:25; Augsburg Confession: Article VII); and

WHEREAS, Jesus now sends His disciples into the world (Matt. 28:19,20) to proclaim the life-saving, life-sustaining Gospel through His called servants – pastors and missionaries – (Matthew 10:1,5,16; Ephesians 4:11) and in the vocations of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:8-10); and

WHEREAS, the congregations of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, hereafter known as “the District” and “the LCMS”, send their mission offerings to the District; and

WHEREAS, a portion of these funds are distributed to the District’s mission start-ups, independent mission societies, and specialized ministries, with no contractual reimbursement requirements (a free gift) known as “non-returnable funds; and

WHEREAS, established congregations also seeking to engage in church planting and mission endeav-ors, who do not meet the above description, have access to these mission funds from the District under the obligation to a 0% interest partial repayment plan (similar to a loan), hereafter known as “returnable funds”; and

WHEREAS, the larger congregations who take advantage of the returnable funds are able to manage the repayment within their larger budgets; and

WHEREAS, the District, larger congregations, and mission societies usually have staff/developers designated to fund raising while most smaller congregations do not have the privilege of this resource available to them; and

WHEREAS, many of the smaller congregations are also seeking to carry the Gospel and plant churches in communities that are ethnically and culturally different than their own; and

WHEREAS, the District’s “2017 Budget Summary” states that 73.4% of its $7,216,253.00 budget is allocated for missions and church planting; and

WHEREAS, the District’s “2016 Budget Summary” states the non-returnable mission funds (a free gift) distributed were $3,897,366.00 while the returnable mission funds distributed were $663,680.00 with $310,000.00 collected under these agreements; and

WHEREAS, historically the local congregations were the primary instruments for the extension of God’s Kingdom into the neighboring communities; therefore be it

V. OVERTURES

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Resolved, that the mission funds of the District be distributed to the church planting endeavors which are (1) under the direct administration of the District, (2) to Lutheran churches within the LCMS, or (3) to church bodies which are in altar and pulpit fellowship with the LCMS; and be it further

Resolved, that at least one-half (50%) of all funds designated to church planting/mission start-ups within the Texas District be made first available to congregations as non-returnable grants (a free gift) for that purpose; and be it further

Resolved, that the distribution of all mission funds through the District to be posted (including recipi-ents and amounts) on the District’s website beginning with the present and two previous fiscal years; and be it finally

Resolved, that the people of the Texas District boldly proclaim the Good News about Jesus, the Lord of their lives and the Savior of their souls, with love in their words and deeds, so that others may be added daily (Acts 2:47) and counted among those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (John 1:29; I Peter 1:18-21).

Circuit #31 Forum: Rev. Wayne Schuler, Circuit VisitorCircuit #34 Forum: Rev. Timothy Dinger, Circuit Visitor

Hope Lutheran Church, Winnie, TexasVictory in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Newark, Texas

OVERTURE 01-04-18SUBJECT: TO WALK TOGETHER BY GIVING TO DISTRICT & SYNOD MISSIONS

WHEREAS, our Texas District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is comprised of congregations voluntarily joined in common confession and for the mutual support of Gospel-focused mission and ministries; and

WHEREAS, the word “synod” can appropriately be defined as “walking together”; and

WHEREAS, this walking together is made tangible by the financial gifts of each congregation of the Texas District; and

WHEREAS, a stronger witness of the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ throughout Texas, across our nation, and around the world would be enhanced and expanded by a stabilizing of the offerings shared with the Texas District and with our Synod (over 28% of the mission gifts received by the Texas District); therefore be it

RESOLVED, that each congregation commit (by 1 January 2019) to increase its giving by a minimum of 1% of its general offerings as a mission gift to and through the Texas District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Circuits 24, 25, 29 [Assembled in San Antonio on Thursday, 1 February 2018]Donald Fraker, Circuit 24 Visitor

Christopher Kennedy, Circuit 25 VisitorCharles Boerger, Circuit 29 Visitor

Crown of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas

V. OVERTURES

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OVERTURE 01-06-18SUBJECT: TO BECOME A PARTNER IN THE MISSION EFFORTS IN PANAMA

WHEREAS, the theme of the 2018 Texas District Convention is “Firmly Standing, Boldly Sending” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6), which includes the understanding that we are to be bold in sharing the Gospel by sending workers into the harvest field; and

WHEREAS, our Lord Jesus Christ commanded that the Church “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19); and

WHEREAS, God desires “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” in of the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:4); and

WHEREAS, the Office of International Missions (OIM) of the LCMS is active in sending missionaries into the world to work with other Lutheran Church bodies who share our understanding of Scripture and the Confessions that together we might effectively carry out the Great Commission; and

WHEREAS, many Districts of the LCMS are reaching out beyond their own borders to work side-by-side with international missionaries in particular mission fields; and

WHEREAS, the Texas District is not at this time directly engaged in a formal way to any particular foreign mission field; and

WHEREAS, the Texas District has a special connection, due both to geography and culture, to Latin America; and

WHEREAS, the LCMS mission efforts in Panama have recently been begun anew as OIM has sent a full-time missionary to work with the IELPA (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana de Panamá) in an effort to revitalize, strengthen, and grow that church body; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Texas District officially become a partner in the mission efforts in Panama; and be it further

Resolved, that our District efforts be coordinated through the OIM Regional Director for Latin America; and be it further

Resolved, that the Texas District Board of Directors provide direction and/or funding to support these efforts; and be it further

Resolved, that the Texas District Board of Directors, working with both the President and the Board of Mission Administration of the Texas District, help to solicit funds and volunteers to work in this mission field from among individuals, congregations, and other organizations in the District, all toward the goal of supporting this God-pleasing mission endeavor.

Rev. Larry Knobloch, Circuit VisitorCircuit Seven Circuit Forum, Texas District LCMS

V. OVERTURES

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OVERTURE 01-07-18SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS AND ENCOURAGEMENT AS WE RECOVER AND REBUILD FROM HURRICANE HARVEY

WHEREAS, Hurricane Harvey brought much devastation through wind and rain to many of the Texas District’s churches, schools, pastors, teachers, other church workers and fellow saints; and

WHEREAS, Our churches, schools, pastors, teachers, other church workers, and fellow saints have banded together to be of help and service to one another in rebuilding; and

WHEREAS, The Texas District and LCMS Disaster Response has helped her people recover through materials, grants, volunteers, and prayer; therefore be it

Resolved, That we give thanks for the Lord watching over his people in this great time of need. That we give thanks to our Lord for the help and support of materials, grants, volunteers, and prayers the Synod has provided for the Texas District. That we give thanks to our Lord for all those on the District level who have organized help for our Lord’s people, and that we give thanks for the help we have been able to give one to another as fellow saints; and be it further

Resolved, That we continue to share the love of our Lord one to another as we help one another recover and rebuild as saints gathered in local congregations, as church workers, as Circuits, and as a District; and be it finally

Resolved, That we use this as an opportunity also to reach out to our neighbors around us who do not know our Lord so that they too may know the Lord who saves us not just from storms but from sin, death, and the power of the Devil.

Peace Lutheran Church, Texas City, Texas

OVERTURE 01-08-18SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS FOR FAITHFUL & FRUITFUL MINISTRY

WHEREAS, our Texas District, our Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and the visible Body of Christ have been blessed and strengthened by the service of Kenneth Hennings for 45 years as parish pastor, as mission executive, and as district president; and

WHEREAS, this servant of Christ has been supported and encouraged during these various ministries by his bride, Valera; and

WHEREAS, they are facing an unknown future with the certain knowledge of God’s unchanging mercy and grace through Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8); therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District assembled in convention give thanks to the Triune God for the faithful and fruitful ministry of the Rev. Kenneth Hennings, standing to sing the Doxology as a sign of gratitude to our Lord for His servant.

Circuits 24, 25, 29 [Assembled in San Antonio on Thursday, 1 February 2018]Donald Fraker, Circuit 24 Visitor

Christopher Kennedy, Circuit 25 VisitorCharles Boerger, Circuit 29 Visitor

V. OVERTURES

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OVERTURE 02-01-18SUBJECT: To Overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724

WHEREAS the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, at its 2015 convention, adopted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 02-01-15A RE: OVERTURES 02-04-15, 02-05-15, 02-06-15, 02-07-15, 02-08-15, 02-09-15, 02-10-15, 02-11-15, 02-12-15, 02-13-15

SUBJECT:TO OVERRULE CCM OPINION 14-2724

WHEREAS, the Word of God (Acts 13) clearly reveals that in the first century of the New Tes-tament, a local congregation of believers in the Lord Jesus, assembled in Antioch, after much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, freely consecrated and sent missionaries, notably Barnabas and Saul, into mission fields; and

WHEREAS, Article III. 2 of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod identifies an objective of the Synod as to “Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world;” and

WHEREAS, Article VII of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod states, “In relation to its members, the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self-government it is but an advisory body”; and

WHEREAS, Article XIV of the Constitution states, “The Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod”; and

WHEREAS, 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B encourages the Synod to study Article VII of the Constitution, including study of “Congregations and Synod, Background Material on the Advisory Nature of the LCMS” along with opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters related to this topic (including CCM Opinion 09-2573 listed in a “Whereas” paragraph in Resolution 8-32B); and

WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-10A in a “Resolved” clause states that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod reaffirms that its synodical polity is essentially and principally congre-gational in nature; and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 09-2573 states in part that “… there is a common understanding that a congregation exercises its self-government … in carrying out … its own ministry programs and financial affairs …”; and

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.8.3 deals only with who has authority to send ministers of religion and other workers into Synod foreign mission fields, and prior bylaws have been careful not to restrict congregational activity specifically relating to whom congregations could send funds overseas, and nothing in the current bylaws restrict or could restrict the right of member congregations to

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(a) fund ministries in foreign countries, or (b) send/fund congregation members for service with organizations seeking to share the Gospel; and

WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-37 amending the bylaws only dealt with who on behalf of Synod as a whole could send missionaries at the expense of the Synod, and where the restriction applied, it being a sending bylaw only, clearly not applicable to congregations in any event; and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 referring to 2013 Synod Convention Res. 1-08, “To Work Together in Mission,” called for a two-fold response: First, “Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and provide a mission best- practices policy document for districts and congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them to better carry out their mission and their life together”, indicating that districts and congregations have and are recognized to have mission work and practices of their own, and because they have their own mission work and practices, the Synod should assist and support those efforts by developing a best-practices policy; and second, “that these best practices include encouragement to districts and congre-gations to communicate their international mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of healthy coordi-nation and stewardship” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), indicating that districts and congregations can have their own mission activities and when they do they are encouraged to communicate these activities to the Synod for coordination and good stewardship; and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 states in part, “Congregations may not send funds to mission societies and non-Synod entities for work in foreign areas without taking into consideration policies developed and determined for this purpose by the Board of International Mission as the only sending agency;” and

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 incorrectly restricts the mission outreach of congregations and others to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the congregations of the Texas District and of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod be encouraged, with much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to send missionaries to foreign areas; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas District affirms and encourages congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, in their efforts to give bold witness by word and deed, to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world; and be it further

RESOLVED, That nothing in the bylaws of Synod should ever be interpreted to limit efforts by congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world, but only be interpreted as requesting information which might allow Synod to support (and to assist in connecting potential support for) congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to provide best practices information which could assist the efforts; and be it finally

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RESOLVED,That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to adopt this resolution and to overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724, to be thereby declared null and void and of no effect.

Rev. Larry Krueger, ChairmanRev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

and

WHEREAS, The above resolution appears in the 2016 LCMS Convention Workbook as Overture 2-04; and

WHEREAS, Three other LCMS districts, three district boards of directors, one circuit, and seventeen LCMS congregations also adopted this resolution; and

WHEREAS, Two other overtures (2-07, 2-09) were submitted to the 2016 LCMS Convention that also requested that CCM Opinion 14-2724 also be overruled; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (c) regarding the CCM says, in part:

An opinion rendered by the commission shall be binding on the question decided unless and until it is overruled by a convention of the Synod. Overtures to a convention that seek to overrule an opinion of the commission shall support the proposed action with substantive rationale from the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. All such overtures shall be considered by the floor committee to which they have been assigned and shall be included in a specific report to the convention with recommendations for appropriate action. (Emphasis added)

and

WHEREAS, No such report was given to the 2016 convention of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, No disposition of these overtures whatsoever is recorded in the 2016 Synod convention Proceedings; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the resolution quoted above be submitted as an overture to the 2019 Synod conven-tion by the adoption of this, current resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the President of Synod be directed to assure that the provisions of Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (c) are followed with respect to this resolution and any other resolution that becomes an overture to the Synod asking for a CCM opinion to be overruled; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That also in our agreements in how we will work together in the LCMS, things “be done in a fitting and orderly way” (I Corinthians 14:40).

Circuit #38, Texas District LCMSRev. John F. Davis, Circuit Visitor

Resurrection Lutheran Church, Spring, TexasSalem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas

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OVERTURE 02-02-18SUBJECT: TO OVERRULE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MAY 2017 RESOLUTION 12-14, RE BYLAW 7.1.2

WHEREAS, The 2016 Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, in its Resolution 12-14 [“Regarding the Right of an Accuser to Appeal When a District President or President of the Synod Fails to Act or Declines to Suspend”] and according to Bylaw 7.1.2, deferred its rightful and legis-lative authority regarding the development of ecclesiastical supervision bylaws with respect to and inclusion of the President of the Synod, the decision given to Synod’s Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 12-14, in accordance with Bylaw 7.1.2, set forth a specific path and timeline for consideration, negotiation and counsel to be conducted with the Council of Presidents, with any proposed amendments to the bylaws to be reviewed by the Commission on Constitutional Matters and the Commission on Handbook; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 12-14 states that the Commission on Constitutional Matters in Op. 16- 2791 “has indicated portions of the expulsion processes of Synod’s Bylaws are presently in an unconstitu-tional state with respect to Const. Art. XI B 1–3 and Const. Art. XIII 2”; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors, acting under Bylaw 7.1.2 and at the express direction of the 2016 Resolution 12-14, in May of 2017 adopted changes to the bylaws of the Synod regarding ecclesiastical supervision; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution of Synod defines clearly, precisely, and fully the supervisory role of the President of Synod, wherein the President of Synod has “the supervision regarding the doctrine and the administration of a. All officers of the Synod; b. All such as are employed by the Synod; c. The individual district of the Synod; d. All district presidents” (XI.B.1); and

WHEREAS, The President of Synod, as ecclesiastical supervisor, is limited in the exercise of said power, assuming “only such rights as have been expressly conferred” (XI A.1) [“The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties, they are responsible to the Synod.”], which are expressly conferred to be “the power to advise, admonish, and reprove....conscientiously use all means at his command to promote and maintain unity of doctrine and prac-tice in all the districts of the Synod” (XI.B.3); and

WHEREAS, Synod’s Constitution expressly confers upon the District Presidents the duty to “exercise supervision over” their district’s ministers and to “visit and...hold investigations in the congrega-tions” (XII.7), including the District Presidents being empowered “to suspend from membership” their district’s ministers (XII.8); and

WHEREAS, Prior to the year 2016 and CCM Op. 16-2791, numerous CCM opinions [to wit Ag. 1970, Op.15-2750, 13-2669, 10-2581, 03-2354, and 03-2338, A and C] interpreted the President of Synod’s scope of ecclesiastical supervision do not include supervision over individual workers and congrega-tions expressed in Article XII.7,8; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Synod in convention, as the ultimate legislative body of Synod [Bylaw 1.4.1: “The delegate convention of the Synod is the legislative assembly that ultimately legislates policy, program, and financial direction to carry on the Synod’s work on behalf of and in support of the member congregations. It reserves to itself the right to give direction to all officers and agencies of the Synod. Consequently, all officers and agencies, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, shall

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be accountable to the Synod for all their actions, and any concerns regarding the decisions of such officers or agencies may be brought to the attention of the Synod in convention for appropriate action. This provision does not apply to specific member appeals to the Concordia Plans, which has its own appeal process for such cases.”] considers the following to be steps to the resolution of this matter; and be it further

RESOLVED, That changes, subsequent to 2016 Convention Resolution 12-14, made under Bylaw 2.14 “Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod,” under Bylaw 2.15 “Expul-sion of a District President or Officer from Membership in the Synod”, under Bylaw 2.16 “Expulsion of a President of Synod from Membership in the Synod”, and under Bylaw 2.17 “Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior”, as a result of 2016 Convention Resolution 12-14, as adopted by the Board of Directors (May 2017) be overruled and of no effect; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Bylaws 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 be returned to and replaced by the same corre-sponding Bylaws as set forth in the 2013 Synod Handbook; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a Blue Ribbon Task Force of seven members, with four members appointed by the 35 District Presidents, three of whom shall be District Presidents, and three members appointed by the President of Synod, be authorized and formed to conduct a thorough study of the ecclesiastical supervision matter, including Articles III, VI, VII (studies of Articles VI and VII were previously resolved by the 2010 Convention), XI, XII, and XIII, and make recommendations to the 2022 Synod Convention, including any necessary revisions of constitutional provisions, with the purpose of evangelically resolving the current difficulty and division among us; and be it further

RESOLVED, That all relevant CCM opinions such as 16-2791, 16-2793, 16-2794, 16-2797, 17- 2822, 17-2828 and 17-2836 be placed in abeyance until the 2022 Convention and any necessary action at the 2022 convention; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Synod in convention affirm the powers provided to the Synod President “to advise, admonish and reprove...conscientiously use all means at his command to promote and maintain unity of doctrine and practice in all the districts of the Synod” do not include direct supervisory responsibilities of individual members of Synod, since such individuals are under the ecclesiastical supervision of District Presidents; and be it finally

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RESOLVED, that the convention pray for peace and harmony in the Synod as it moves forward in mission and ministry.

Circuit #36 ForumPastor Daniel Schepmann

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Houston, TexasRev. Ralph Hobratschk

Hope Lutheran Church, Friendswood, TexasFirst Vice-President of the Texas District

Circuit 38, Texas District LCMSRev. John F. Davis, Circuit Visitor

CrossPoint Lutheran Church, Katy, TexasGloria Dei Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas

Resurrection Lutheran Church, Spring, TexasSalem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas

St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, TexasTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Klein, Texas

OVERTURE 02-03-18SUBJECT: TO MODIFY THE GOVERNANCE OF THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF THE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

WHEREAS, higher education is in a time of significant change, including but not limited to demo-graphic shifts in prospective student populations, increasing market competition from non-profit and for-profit providers of education, ongoing innovations in technology and academic program delivery models, increasing accountability to public and private entities, and growing financial complexities, and

WHEREAS, Christian colleges and universities face the additional challenge to be faithful to their confession in an increasingly secular culture, and

WHEREAS, to survive and thrive in today’s highly competitive, complex, and secular environment Christian instructions of higher education require informed and talented board of regents, with a common commitment to education in the context of the Christian Gospel, an understanding of and passion for the unique missions of the institutions they govern, a multiplicity of skill sets to support the specific needs of the institutions they govern, and the capacity to support these institutions with their time, talent, treasure, and other resources, and

WHEREAS, the colleges and universities of the Concordia University System desire to preserve and extend their identity as Lutheran institutions of higher education, which offer quality, affordable education, and

WHEREAS, the governance model of the Concordia University System, established in 1992, is in need of modification to meet the current and future challenges of Lutheran higher education, therefore be it

Resolved, that The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in convention give thanks to God for the trea-sures it has in its nine colleges and universities, and be it finally

Resolved, that the governance paradigm of the individual colleges and universities of the Concordia University System be changed to the extent that

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• Each college or university will determine the number of regents it chooses to appoint to its Board of Regents;

• Each Board of Regents will be responsible for appointing its own members from within a pool of candidates consisting of the members (i.e. congregation members in good standing and ministers of religion ordained and commissioned) of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod;

• Each Board of Regents will include among its members » the president of the geographic LMS District in which the college or university is located, » a regent appointed by the LCMS President, » a regent appointed by the LCMS Board of Directors, » a minimum of two regents who are members in good standing on the LCMS roster of ministers

of region, ordained, » a minimum of two regents who are members in good standing on the LCMS roster of ministers

of religion, commissioned.

King of Kings Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TexasResurrection Lutheran Church, Spring, Texas

Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, TexasTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Klein, Texas

OVERTURE 02-04-18SUBJECT: TO PROVIDE REGIONAL SUPPORT FOR OUR CONCORDIA UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has been blessed by our Concordia Colleges and Universities for more than 100 years; and

WHEREAS, all CUS schools have renewed their commitment to Lutheran Higher Education by signing the Lutheran Identity Statement; and

WHEREAS, our CUS colleges and universities continue to provide the highest quality of education and faith development in the midst of a highly competitive higher education market; and

WHEREAS, all members of the boards of regents of each school are to be members of LCMS congrega-tions; and

WHEREAS, for election purposes, the Synod is divided into five geographic regions; and

WHEREAS, each Concordia is located in a unique part of the United Sates and faces legal challenges, cultural opportunities and economic diversity which may differ from other Concordia’s; therefore, be it

Resolved, that we give thanks to God for the blessings we have received through our CUS colleges and universities; and be it finally

Resolved, that the By-laws of the Synod be amended to restrict Board of Regents members elected by the District or Synod in their respective conventions be limited to LCMS members who reside in the region of the university.

King of Kings Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TexasSalem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Klein, Texas

V. OVERTURES

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OVERTURE 02-05-18SUBJECT: TO ENSURE TIMELY AND TRANSPARENT FINANCIAL REPORTING IN THE SYNOD

WHEREAS, A principle of Biblical stewardship is to be accountable with the resources with which one has been entrusted, as expressed in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14 ff.); and

WHEREAS, Much is required of those to whom God has entrusted his gifts. As Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48b, ESV); and

WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has historically recognized its responsibility of accountability and faithfulness in the handling of the finances entrusted to it by its members, as is witnessed in Bylaw 1.5.4, “The Synod and each of its agencies shall fully disclose their financial books and records to any member congregation of the Synod;” and

WHEREAS, The Synod in previous conventions has expressed its opinion that such accountability and faithfulness be found additionally in regular reporting of such financial disclosure by adopting 2010 Convention Resolution 4-03, “To Broadly Communicate the Statement of Financial Position of LCMS,” which reads in its totality:

“Whereas, It is helpful to understand the Synod’s financial position and communicate it to the members of the congregations of Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That each November, the Vice-President–Finance—Treasurer of the Synod use widely available means, (i.e., The Lutheran Witness, Reporter, the LCMS Website) to state the financial position of the Synod in a format easily understood by persons unfamiliar with financial termi-nology.” (2010 Convention Proceedings, p. 120); and

WHEREAS, The members of the Synod expressed even further the need for full transparency in all areas of financial disclosure by adopting 2016 convention RESOLUTION 9-04A, “To Improve Disclo-sures Related to Financial Gifts from God’s Stewards for Special Appeals,” which stated in part,

“…Whereas, Monies for special appeals requested by corporate Synod (e.g., following natural disasters) are reported only in part in Synod publications (e.g., Reporter and The Lutheran Witness) and sometimes only annually; and …

WHEREAS, Donors and members of the Synod are interested in the impact of funds raised for special appeals and will appreciate improved disclosure of results; therefore be it

Resolved, That the financial offices of corporate Synod continue to recognize the desire of donors and members of the Synod to improve processes of reporting and work to provide clear, timely, and transparent accounting for all funding and special appeals, so that the Body of Christ may experience the joy of Gospel-centered mission and ministry beyond the local context or community.” (2016 Convention Proceedings, p. 189); and

WHEREAS, It was reported to the 2013 Convention of the Synod by the Board of Directors in its Re-port on the Disposition of Funding the Mission Recommendations (R6-03-01) that “the decline in

V. OVERTURES

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the Synod’s annual unrestricted revenue continues…The board believes that congregations will re-spond through better, open, and honest communication about the great things God is able to accom-plish for His kingdom when we work together. Numerous conventions have passed resolutions calling on congregations to maintain and increase unrestricted support for district and Synod ministries, yet the unrestricted support passed through our districts to the Synod has continued to decline at the average rate of $1 million each year.” (2013 Convention Workbook 2013, p. 114-115); and

WHEREAS, In 2016, the Chief Financial Officer of the Synod, in reporting to the Synod about offerings received, stated, “This sharing from God’s bounty continues to decline. Although the amount of de-cline in the past three years has not been as severe as the average decline of the previous 20 years, it is still trending negatively. In the face of continued declining unrestricted revenues, the ability of Synod, Inc. to respond quickly and nimbly to mission and ministry opportunities and challenges laid before us by our Lord also declines, as does our ability to “fill in the gap” when restricted revenues, needed to fund much of our mission and ministry activities, fall short of their goals. The financial challenges facing our beloved Synod persist. I believe that these challenges are of our own making, a product of how we distribute the resources provided by our loving Father.” (2016 Convention Work-book, pp. 61-62) (Underlining added for emphasis); and

WHEREAS, There have been few tangible reports about the financial struggles of the Synod, such as the need to trim $4 million dollars from the budget of the Synod (ref. July 7, 2017 Reporter, https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/international-national-mission and the May 19-20, 2017 Synod Board of Direc-tors Minutes https://www.lcms.org/Document.fdoc?src=lcm&id=4769), these reports are less than sufficient to keep the members of the Synod regularly informed about the financial condition of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, It has been widely reported, albeit not in the official channels of the Synod communica-tions, that the Synod has only minimal days of operating capital in its cash reserves, which would seemingly place the synod in a precarious financial position (ref. Paragraph 45, Financial Reports of the February 17-18, 2017 LCMS Board of Directors Minutes https://www.lcms.org/Document.fdoc?s-rc=lcm&id=4659), which stated that without funds held on behalf of the two Seminaries, Synod had only a 5 days of cash available); and

WHEREAS, In the face of such challenging financial times, transparency and regularity in reporting of the financial situation of the Synod is of upmost importance to the members and constituency of the Synod who have a vested interest in the financial viability of the Synod and who merit clear, concise, and timely reports; and

WHEREAS, The president of the synod recommended in his report to the Synod in 2016 that the synod have “Uniform Financial Reporting.” (2016 Today’s Business, p. 28); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the Chief Financial Officer to report quarterly in the Synod’s official publications about the financial position of the Synod in a format easily understood by persons unfamiliar with financial terminology, such reporting to include, but not limited to income and expenses, budget versus spending, cash reserves and cash position, etc.; and be it further

Resolved, That these quarterly reports include information about the regular Synod budget and the reporting on special appeals as stipulated in 2016 Resolution 9-04A; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod be shrewd managers with the resources God has given it; and be it finally

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https://www.lcms.org/Document.fdoc?src=lcm&id=4769




Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the resources He has entrusted to us, recognizing “That the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1, ESV).

Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas

OVERTURE 02-06-18SUBJECT: TO MEMORIALIZE SYNOD TO IMPLEMENT TERM LIMITS FOR THE SYNODICAL PRESIDENT AND FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

WHEREAS, The saints of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod give thanks for the men willing to use their gifts and abilities to serve as Synodical President and First Vice President; and

WHEREAS, The position of Synodical President and First Vice President are full-time elected positions and not called positions; and

WHEREAS, Twenty-one out of thirty-five districts have chosen to implement term limits for the District President and/or Vice Presidents. Specifically: twelve districts have term limits for both the District President and Vice Presidents; nine districts have term limits for the Vice Presidents but not for the District President; and

WHEREAS, Term limits provide an opportunity to utilize the gifts and abilities of a greater number of qualified men; and

WHEREAS, Term limits provide a check and balance on centralization of authority and direction to a single individual; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Texas District memorialize Synod to implement term limits for the Synodical Presi-dent and First Vice President; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synodical President and First Vice President may serve a maximum of four consec-utive three-year terms; and be it finally

Resolved, That the appropriate changes be made to the Synodical Handbook.

Peace Lutheran Church, Texas City, Texas

OVERTURE 02-07-18SUBJECT: TO MEMORIALIZE THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD IN CONVENTION TO ALLOW SPECIFIC MINISTRY PASTORS TO SERVE IN DISTRICT ELECTED POSITIONS

WHEREAS, Specific ministry pastors are allowed by LCMS by-law 2.13.1 (b) (1) to serve as pastoral delegates to district conventions, and

WHEREAS, Service as an ordained member of a district board encompasses the context of the specific ministry pastor’s call in the district, and

WHEREAS, The gifts, talents, and insights of specific ministry pastors can bring blessing to the deci-sion-making processes of district boards; therefore be it

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RESOLVED, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention to revise LCMS by-law 2.13.1 (b) to read:

(b) A specific ministry pastor is not eligible to(1) serve as a voting delegate to a national convention of the Synod—but may serve as an advisory delegate to national conventions and as a pastoral delegate to district conventions;(2) hold any elected or appointed office on the district or national Synod level that is as-signed by the Bylaws of the Synod to “a pastor” or “an ordained minister” (although specific ministry pastors may serve in all other capacities, especially representing the ministerial contexts in which they serve);(3) supervise vicars; or(4) serve as a circuit visitor.



OVERTURE 02-08-18SUBJECT: TO STUDY THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF LCMS DISTRICTS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

A resolution to study the issue of increasing the number of districts in the state of Texas should be considered for the following reasons:

1. To create closer working relationships between pastors, congregations, and the district president.

2. Increase the representation of Texas congregations on the Council of Presidents.3. To bring the size of the Texas District closer to other districts in the synod.4. Allow the district president to carry out his duties as outlined in the bylaws of synod.

WHEREAS Texas is one of the largest of the 35 districts in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod both geographically and numerically, having the largest number of congregations (386) and second in the number of Baptized members (127,316). This results in some real challenges to our pastors and congregations. For example:

• Low participation of pastors and church workers in district conferences and other events. This could be due in part to travel costs (both time and money), since the vast size of the district does not allow for easy and affordable participation in district events. (This may be especially true for retired pastors who do not turn in their travel expenses to a congrega-tion.)

• Because other districts are so much smaller numerically, Texas is underrepresented in the Council of Presidents. Nearly two thirds of the districts in the synod are half the size of Texas or smaller, and in fact, many are much smaller than half its size. Increasing the number of districts would make Texas closer in size to other districts throughout synod.

• Because of the large size and scale of the Texas District, the district president cannot be as closely or directly involved with the congregations. The district president has a huge amount of responsibility for oversight of congregations and pastors in his district. While much of the work can be handled by subordinates, a certain amount can only be accomplished by the district president, (see Handbook, section 4.4, pages 180-182.) While district vice presidents have some involvement with the churches in their area, since the VPs tend to be parish pastors, the needs of their own congregations require their attention. Similarly, Mission and

V. OVERTURES

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Ministry Facilitators assigned to the four regions of the district, while helpful in many ways, are not elected by the district convention and cannot act on behalf of the district president in every way.

» For just one example of how difficult it is for the Texas District President to fulfill his duties as stated in the bylaws, consider 4.4.4(a) which states that the District President shall arrange an official visit to each of his congregations once every three years. If the Texas district president wanted to familiarize himself with every congregation in the district by joining them on a Sunday morning for worship, currently, if he visited one congregation per week, it would take him more than seven years to visit all his congre-gations.

WHEREAS, certain challenges are presented due to the Texas District’s sheer size and scope, it might be better both for the pastors, congregations, and the district president if the number of districts in the state of Texas was increased to 2 or more districts. Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the incoming district presidium (2018) of the Texas District appoint a taskforce to study increasing the number of districts in the state of Texas and report their findings to the 2021 Texas District convention.

Adopted at a Circuit 11, Circuit Forum 11/12/17Rev. Joel Shaltanis, Circuit Visitor, Circuit 11

OVERTURE 02-09-18SUBJECT: To Amend the Bylaws of the Texas District, LCMS

WHEREAS, it is good and right to preserve, for future generations, significant historical items that have helped to form and to shape the Texas District; and

WHEREAS, the current Bylaws of the Texas District provide for the preservation of these items in the archives of the district, but also call for pastors of the district “to send a copy of all congregational publications to the district archivist. “All congregational publications” is defined as church papers, installation, dedication, and anniversary programs and booklets, news clippings and pictures” (Article X.B.10.015), which has the potential effect of making the archives excessive in size and practically unmanageable; and

WHEREAS, the district president and Board of Directors have therefore not been able to effectively carry out the provisions of the existing Bylaws regarding archives, due to the size of archives as well as the costs associated with properly preserving these historical items; and

WHEREAS, the current Bylaws do not address, or allow for, the advances in technology for the preser-vation and dissemination of archives in digital form; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Bylaws of the Texas District be amended in order to make the preservation of the archives more practical and accessible.

Rev. Larry Knobloch, Circuit VisitorCircuit Seven Circuit Forum

Texas District LCMS

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V. OVERTURES

the 61st texas district convention june 14–16, 2018...

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