What does it mean to be part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)? In this introduction to the “Life Together as Synod” video series, the Rev. Dr. James Baneck, executive director of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, explains that the Synod is a voluntary association of self-governing Lutheran congregations that have chosen to unite under one confession and constitution to provide for their common service and the extension of their common mission. The video, which was filmed in the Concordia Historical Institute Museum at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis, explains a little bit about the Synod’s structure and its various agencies, entities and partners.