LCMS focuses on domestic mission, church-planting, revitalization
In February, we highlight the ministries of the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM), especially domestic mission, including church-planting and revitalization. We have opportunities for immense growth and outreach by delivering the Gospel to people of diverse backgrounds and to those misled by a post-modern culture. Through revitalization, we can encourage and reinvigorate the faithful. This is why the LCMS is transitioning more and more from traditional ministry toward domestic mission.
The ONM announces the Rev. Steve Schave, currently serving as director of Urban and Inner City Mission, is now taking up the task of director of Church Planting. Likewise, the Rev. Mark Wood, currently serving as director of Witness and Outreach, is now taking up the task of director of Revitalization. These two men bring tremendous gifts and energy to the work of church-planting and revitalization. They understand the vital connections between the two, and the opportunities the Lord gives us across the Synod to spread the Gospel to a mission field now at our door.
The domestic church is in the midst of change. A church that has been traditionally geared for sustained ministry is now being challenged to see the mission field all around us. The Lord is opening doors in urban areas, on college campuses and among ethnic communities. The Synod needs to be bold in planting congregations among them while also revitalizing and expanding the work of our existing congregations.
We pray for a bold witness, that many more people would believe that Jesus is the Christ.