Outcomes
1. OUTREACH-ORIENTED DISTRICT: Michigan District congregations, schools, and ministries respond sensitively to those living without Christ in their communities and beyond, vigorously sharing Christ’s love with them and integrating them into the Body of Christ.
1.1. Michigan District congregations are showing an increase in the number of adult baptisms and confirmations in their annual statistical reports.
1.2. Michigan District schools and preschools are showing an increase in the number of congregational baptisms in their annual statistical reports.
1.3. Congregations are intentionally training and supporting their members in witnessing for Christ.
1.4. New relevant missions or ministries will be directly started or started through partnerships to effectively integrate the Michigan population and beyond into the Body of Christ.
1.5. A new mission church(es) will be started annually with the expectation of reaching self-supporting status with predetermined allocated resources.
1.6. Michigan District congregations are involved in local, statewide, domestic, and international mission efforts.
2. CHRIST-EMPOWERED MINISTERS OF RELIGION: Ministers of religion – ordained and commissioned in the Michigan District are characterized by a maturing relationship with Jesus Christ that exudes the qualities of Christ-likeness, courage, integrity, and joy. They also continue to intentionally develop their ministry skills. Such servant-leaders are well-respected by their peers, congregations, schools, ministries, and communities. They receive adequate financial support.
2.1. The percentage of ministers of religion fostering growth in their intimate relationship with Jesus through Word, worship, witness, wise stewardship, and prayer is increasing.
2.2. Ministers of religion in the Michigan District ascribe to and follow Partners’ in Ministry: Ethical Conduct for Professional Church Workers (the Michigan District's professional code of ethics) in dealing with the conduct of their ministries in relationship with individuals and the congregations they serve.
2.3. All ministers of religion are regularly participating in continuing education opportunities to enhance their ministry skills.
2.4. There is an atmosphere of support from District in which church workers struggling with personal or professional crises may easily and comfortably receive assistance.
2.5. Congregations, adhering to the Michigan District’s Partners’ in Ministry: Ethical Conduct for Congregations, are equipped to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their workers, compensate them at no less than the Michigan District Compensation Guide, thereby encouraging others to consider and pursue professional church work vocations.
2.6. The District will directly provide financial assistance to students for church vocations, and congregations will also assist these students.
3. CHRIST-CENTERED RELATIONSHIPS: Engaging in both separate and cooperative ministries, Michigan District congregations, schools, and ministries demonstrate unity in Christ through mutual respect, trust, forgiveness, and support. This same attitude is demonstrated in relationship to the District and Synod.
3.1. Ministers of religion in the Michigan District treasure the unity in ministry they possess with other ministers of religion and with their congregations amid diverse ministry settings.
3.2. The congregations of the Michigan District treasure the unity in ministry they possess with other congregations and with the ministers of religion who serve them amid diverse ministry settings. As an expression of that unity, they ascribe to and follow District's professional code of ethics [Partners’ in Ministry: Ethical Conduct for Professional Church Workers; Partners’ in Ministry: Ethical Conduct for Congregations] dealing with the conduct of their ministries in relationship with other congregations and other individuals.
3.3. The congregations and ministers of religion in the Michigan District treasure the unity in ministry they possess with the national church body, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and with the Michigan District of that Synod. This unity is expressed in their cooperating in ministry, in following Synodical and District policies and convention resolutions, and by congregations giving at least 10% of their general offerings to ministries of District, Synod and their entities.
3.4. Congregations and schools are equipped to recognize areas of potential conflict within their ministries and to manage them Biblically and in a timely manner.
4. SPIRIT-EQUIPPED MINISTRIES: Michigan District congregations, schools, and ministries recognize, use, and share Biblically faithful, effective, and innovative resources gifted by the Holy Spirit to His Church, equipping God’s people to be the Body of Christ in service to their communities and beyond.
4.1. The Michigan District is sensitive to local ministry settings and needs (congregational and community) and provides appropriate resources to meet those needs.
4.2. Every congregation and school is aware of the resources and services provided by the Michigan District.
4.3. Innovative ideas and learning experiences are shared among congregations and schools.
4.4. An increasing number of Michigan District schools achieve accreditation with The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
4.5. Michigan District schools have their interests effectively represented to State government.
4.6. Michigan District congregations and schools utilize District resources and services to meet ministry needs.
4.7. Surveys completed regarding the effectiveness of services offered demonstrate a positive response.
5. SPIRIT-DIRECTED STEWARDS: Michigan District congregations, schools, and ministries recognize that all things belong to God. Therefore they teach, encourage, and model Biblical stewardship in all things, honoring God with their time, talent, treasure, temple, and testimony, and excelling in faith, speech, knowledge, and the grace of giving. Ministers of religion – ordained and commissioned recognize that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and honor God with them.
5.1. Average weekly worship and Bible Study participation increases annually in congregations (and therefore in the Michigan District).
5.2. Participation in spiritual growth and service ministries (small group, prayer group, soup kitchens, etc.) increases annually.
5.3. A growing recognition of, and deployment of, the talents (gifts) given by the Holy Spirit to the members of each congregation will result in purposeful, creative, and fulfilling opportunities for vibrant, rich ministries.
5.4. An increasing number of Michigan District congregations will understand and implement Biblical Stewardship principles including an annual stewardship challenge, a year round stewardship educational focus, and an awareness of the blessings of an endowment fund and capital funding assistance.
5.5. A growing awareness of and adherence to the care needed to maintain our physical bodies (temples) results in proper diet, regular exercise, and the spiritual, emotional, and physical rest necessary for optimum service to God.
5.6. Michigan District congregation members sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks them to give an account for the hope that is in them, but with gentleness and respect.
5.7. Congregations and its members honor their financial obligations striving to live within their means (balanced budget).
