It’s that time of year again—time to share your congregation’s story through numbers! And with the national convention coming up in 2026, your input this year is crucial. We need your statistics by February 28, 2025, and we’ve made the process as straightforward as possible.
Why Your Numbers Matter (More Than You Might Think!)
These statistics aren’t left dormant in a database. They’re helping shape the future of ministry in Texas and across the country by offering insights of who we are right now and where we might be heading.
You may be surprised by what you discover about your own congregation in the process. Many churches find unexpected insights when they compare their actual numbers to what they thought they knew. It’s like organizing your closet and finding treasures you didn’t even know were there! Plus, these numbers are invaluable when you need to make important decisions, like calling a new pastor, planning future ministries, and strengthening existing ministries.
Submitting statistics is part of every congregation’s commitment to the Synod (Bylaw 1.3.4.3, if you’re curious). But more importantly, you’re making your congregation’s voice heard. Your statistics will help determine your voting representation at next year’s synodical convention.
Ready to Share Your Story? Here’s How:
If Synod has your email on file, you should’ve received a message on January 23 titled “LCMS 2024 Congregation Year-End Statistics and Lay Leader Updates — Due February 28, 2025”. It contains LISN access instructions from Rosters & Statistics. If you don’t see it, that’s okay. Your contact information may just need to be updated. (You’ll see how in a minute.)
Reporting in Three Easy Steps:
Step 1: Get Your Numbers Together. Here’s a blank worksheet (linked below) that walks you through exactly what information you’ll need. You can fill it out yourself or share it with your ministry leaders to help gather the information. Take it one section at a time.
Step 2: Log Into LISN for Congregations (lc.lcms.org). This is your gateway to submitting your information. If clicking the lc.lcms.org doesn’t open the login page, try typing the address directly into your browser or switching to a different browser. Can’t get in? No problem! Just click “Need help logging in?” to the right of the “Login” button, and follow the prompts to retrieve your credentials.
Step 3: Share Your Story Online. Now, the best part: taking all those numbers you gathered and putting them where they make a difference. Just use the information you collected on your worksheet to fill in the corresponding fields of the online form. There will also be a place to update your leadership’s contact information. One important tip: make sure your form is submitted before closing your browser so none of your hard work gets lost.
We’re Here for You!
You’re not without help. If you hit any bumps along the way or need to talk through the process, contact Rev. Andrew Walker (awalker@txlcms.org) in the President’s Office for help. Whether you have questions about the form, trouble contacting Rosters & Statistics, or any other issue, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for helping us gain an accurate picture of our churches, so we may better serve you in advancing the Gospel!