The Michigan District, LCMS
Preamble

Like an opened umbrella which hovers over a moving body, even so there are a number of all-encompassing attributes which hover over the "moving body" of the Michigan District - LCMS. They are:

WORD-BASED IN DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE
Faithfulness to the Word of God and Confessions of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod honors the Lord of the Church and shapes the mission and ministry of the church.

SERVANT-POSTURED IN LEADERSHIP
Leadership is demonstrated by influence and not power. By looking to Jesus Christ, all leaders honor the Lord of the Church and set a positive example through a servanthood shaped style of leadership.

EXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY
Excellence is a quality which honors the Lord of the Church and inspires confidence. Excellence demands both a "high touch" (warm and personal relationships) and a "high technology" posture throughout the organization.

RESPONSIVE IN STRUCTURE
Speedy, personal, and helpful responses to requests for services honor the Lord of the Church and bolster congregational mission and ministry. A responsive structure precludes micro-management and summons the organization to implement policy-based leadership.

EFFECTIVE IN COMMUNICATION
Timely and high-quality communications stimulate ownership and support for mission and ministry, plus provide a basis for measurement, inspiration, and celebration. Positive communication is supported by advancing technology, sensitivity to target audience, and permeates both internal and external dimensions.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountability preserves integrity and encourages ministry success. This accountability is to the Lord of the Church, to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, to the congregations we serve, and to the Professional Churches we serve. It also requires of the District that we encourage and receive accountability from the Synod, our congregations, and our Professional Church Workers.

The all-encompassing attributes directly permeate and embrace all of these ministry core values...

* Core Value 1: Intentional Mission Development
* Core Value 2: Networking Congregations
* Core Value 3: Providing and supporting Professional Church Workers
* Core Value 4: Support for Families
* Core Value 5: Lutheran Schools, Preschools and Child Care Centers
* Core Value 6: Locally supported ministry to special fields
* Core Value 7: Financial Development for Congregations, District and Synodical Ministries