Did you know that Texas District reflects a new church demographic for the twenty-first century? While general statistics in the LCMS show a declining, aging, mono-cultural church body, God’s mission in the Texas District is forming and shaping a church body that looks much different.
What does the LCMS look like in Texas?
It looks younger. New church planters, evangelists, and followers of Jesus are demonstrating self-sacrifice and zeal for the Gospel. From Houston to Del Rio and from San Antonio to Dallas, a new generation is joining the faithful generations of believers who continue to pray for and support the mission. Jesus is showing us great hope for His Church!
It looks more and more diverse. God is blessing the Texas District with leaders from many cultures. Both men and women are bringing the transforming news of Jesus to communities. The “least of these” are not only being served, but joining in Gospel outreach. A room full of district missionaries includes many nations, languages and backgrounds. Jesus is showing us that He activates His Church to reach all people!
It is filled with more and more church workers. Dozens of willing servants in the Texas District are attending seminary, enrolling in alternate route tracks to ordination, being trained as educators, and seeking training as evangelists. The Lord of the harvest is sending workers!
It is filled with growing mission partnerships. Local congregations are partnering together to start new churches. Regional networks are forming to impact communities with the Gospel. The district is partnering with congregations and ministries to multiply faith communities. Congregations are even partnering with each other to share space and embrace their neighborhood with Christ’s love in innovative ways. The photo in this article shows Peace Lutheran Church in Garland’s partnership with fellow LCMS congregations, New Life and La Paz. The unity and care for one another is a witness to the community.
God’s mission is alive and growing in Texas thanks to your prayers and financial support. In order to fuel this exciting mission, Texas Partners in Mission needs to raise $375,000 this year. Please give generously and pray fervently that all people in Texas receive the gift of God’s grace in Jesus Christ! Please pray that as people in Texas SEE THE CHURCH, they will always SEE JESUS!
By Rev. Michael Newman
President