Vision: Districts, congregations, schools and ministries constituting The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod are interdependent, relevant, dynamic, mission-driven, living in and faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Statements of Direction/Desired Outcomes (Critical Targets): (How we Respond to Fulfill our Purpose…What we Are About)
Through its efforts and use of resources, District and Congregational Services shall hold itself accountable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for the following Statements of Direction and Desired Outcomes:
1. Proclaim the Saving Gospel of Jesus Christ
The forgiveness of sins found in Christ alone is proclaimed and distributed in Word and Sacrament. From this life-giving center congregations are reaching out to the diverse populations of their communities to make Christ known in word and deed.
2. Nurture Children, Youth, and Adults
District and congregational leaders are nurturing children, youth, and adults in the faith and love in Christ so they show forth the hope within them as they live out their God given callings.
3. Develop Leaders
District and congregational leaders are fully equipped to carry out the mission of Christ in their congregations, communities, and the world.
4. Cultivate Stewards
God's people in all places--congregations, schools, homes, work places--are freely living out their vocations, managing all of the Lord's gifts entrusted to them for God's purposes.
Actions: (Behaviors/Actions - Comes out of LCMS Mission and Board Purpose Statement)
1. Model and affirm ministry that reflects the geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity of our communities.
2. Champion professional and volunteer leaders.
3. Recognize and affirm district and congregational leaders as gifts of God and blessings to the church.
4. Partner with district leaders in demonstrating servant leadership.
5. Support for congregational connections.
6. Serve districts and congregations by forming alliances for improved effectiveness.
Core Beliefs:
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and God sends His people to bear witness to this truth in order to make disciples.
2. God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - has created, redeemed and santified His people for service to Him and all people.
3. God gathers people in faith communities around baptism, His Word and His table.
4. Scripture is the sole norm for the church's life and work.
5. The Lutheran Confessions are a faithful exposition of the Scriptures.
Core Values:
1. Collaboration – We value God’s gifts of people, partnerships, and collaborative efforts to accomplish God’s Mission
2. Outreach – We value a congregational culture that encourages those who tell the Good News and welcomes those who hear it.
3. Prayer – We value the privilege of prayer that invites and enables us to boldly and confidently ask God for all things and his promise to hear and answer us.
4. Spiritual Growth – We value life-long learning in God’s Word, which produces faith maturity and leadership skills in people in all ages.