Board Focuses on Convention Preparation and Ongoing Mission

CANADA – With the national convention on the horizon, the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada gathered in Winnipeg from March 27-28, to advance preparations, review key reports, and ensure that the church’s mission and governance remain well-aligned for the work ahead.

Early in its meeting, the Board reviewed progress on strategic initiatives based on the six key goals that emerged from LCC’s earlier purpose and priority planning process: Disciple Making Culture, Mission Outreach, Equip Leaders, Organizational Effectiveness, Fiscal Resources & Responsibility, and Strategic Communications. Leading this discussion, Director of Advancement David Friesen highlighted how the funds raised through the Together One campaign especially support the first three goals. This became evident when separate reports showed how recent gifts through these advancement efforts were allocated to the Vicarage Placement Funds.

A central feature of the meeting was a Convention Report, which included updates from Iris Barta, Convention Manager, and discussion of materials being prepared for delegates. These included draft reports, and governance matters that will shape deliberations at the convention. Board members reviewed materials to ensure clarity and organizational readiness.

Reports from across the synod further underscored the breadth of activity leading into the convention. The President’s Office, represented by Vice-President Michael Schutz, provided updates on National Statements, such as Bill C–9, pastoral matters in relation to the colloquy program, and commission work such as the SWOT analysis that was conducted, which will frame Regional Mission and Ministries Councils that will be voted in at the convention. Regional Pastors shared insights from the Central, East, and West regions, highlighting opportunities and challenges within congregations.

Mission work—both domestic and international—also featured prominently. Updates from Rev. Mark Smith, Director of International Missions, pointed to sustained mission efforts and opportunities. His report preceded more detailed updates provided in an online forum in April. Similarly, the report from Rev. Jacob Quast, Director of Domestic Missions, showed expanded mission efforts and opportunities. A highlight was the ways in which LCC is responding to indigenous communities’ call for our engagement. These updates reinforce synod’s ongoing commitment to proclaim Christ in diverse contexts.

The Board also received reports related to communications and family ministries. These included communication strategies to be released at the convention, particularly the implementation of Regional Communication Officers, borne from analyses of results coming from the synod-wide survey and preliminary interviews that were conducted by Director of Communications Tasheney Francis. Reports also included efforts to support youth and families across the synod, as Dcn. Samantha Neeb, Associate Director of Youth and Family Ministries, collates data from various congregations and organisations. Each report contributed to a broader picture of a church actively preparing not only for a convention, but for continued ministry beyond it.

During the second day, Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Cleave presented financial results, the proposed 2026-2027 budget, and a multi-year forecast, providing the board with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding the synod’s financial direction. The Finance Committee and other governance bodies brought forward recommendations and action items for consideration.

Print this article