1.1. Outreach Mindset: Michigan District congregations are sensitive to those without Christ within their communities and beyond and actively share Christ's love with them integrating them into the Body of Christ.

1.1.1. Congregations are intentionally training and supporting their members in witnessing for Christ.

1.1.2. A minimum of 2 new mission churches will be started annually with the expectation of reaching self-supporting status within 7 years.

1.1.3. Other new culturally relevant missions or ministries will be directly started or started through partnerships to effectively reach the Michigan population.

1.1.4. As reflected in their annual statistical reports, congregations of the Michigan District will show an increase in the number of adult baptisms and confirmations.

1.1.5. Michigan District schools and preschools are effectively sharing the love of Jesus with unchurched families in their communities and incorporating them into the Body of Christ.

1.1.6. Michigan District congregations are involved in LCMS and other World Mission efforts.

1.2. Professional Church Workers: The Michigan District has a sufficient number of Ministers of Religion-Ordained and Commissioned to meet the needs of its congregations and ministries. These workers have a personal relationship with Christ and are filled with integrity and joy, are well respected and supported financially.

1.2.1. The number of students from Michigan District congregations preparing for church vocations will annually increase.

1.2.2. The District will directly provide financial assistance to its students for church vocations, and congregations will also assist these students.

1.2.3. The number of rostered church workers resigning from church work will annually decrease.

1.2.4. There is an atmosphere of support from District in which church workers struggling with personal or professional crises may easily and comfortably receive assistance.

1.2.5. All church workers are compensated at no less than the Michigan District Compensation Guide.

1.2.6. Congregations are equipped to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their workers.

1.2.7. New types of full and part time church work positions, both Ministers of Religion and lay (paraprofessional) will be developed and an increasing number of workers will be entering them.

1.2.8. New models for training church workers, both Ministers of Religion and lay, within the Michigan District will be developed with an increasing number of workers using them.

1.2.9. All church workers are regularly participating in continuing education opportunities to enhance their ministry skills.

1.3. Relationship Building: Michigan District congregations and professional church workers demonstrate respect, trust, and support for each other and for District and Synod as they engage in interdependent ministries.

1.3.1. Professional church workers of the Michigan District treasure the unity in ministry they possess with other professional church workers and with their congregations amid diverse ministry settings. As an expression of that unity they ascribe to and follow District's professional code of ethics dealing with the conduct of their ministries in relationship with other church workers and the congregation they serve.

1.3.2. The congregations of the Michigan District treasure the unity in ministry they posses with other congregations and with the professional church workers who serve them amid diverse ministy settings. As an expression of that unity, they ascribe to and follow District professional code of ethics dealing with the conduct of their ministries in relationship with other congregations and professional church workers.

1.3.3. The congregations and professional church workers of 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 cooperation in ministry, in following Synodical and District policies and convention resolutions, and by congregations giving at least 10% of their general offerings to the ministries of District, Synod, and its entities.

1.3.4. Congregations are equipped to recognize areas of potential conflict within their church and to manage them Biblically and in a timely manner.

1.4. Resourced Congregations: Michigan District congregations recognize, use and share innovative, effective resources the Spirit grants to His church for service to Christ and to people.

1.4.1. Innovative ideas and learning experiences are shared among congregations and schools.

1.4.2. District is sensitive to local ministry settings and needs and provides appropriate resources to meet those needs.

1.4.3. The percent of Michigan District congregations using District resources and services to meet ministry needs will increase annually by 10%

1.4.4. Those completing District surveys on the effectiveness of meeting their needs are registering a positive response.

1.4.5. Every congregation is aware of the resources and services provided by the Michigan District.

1.4.6. Michigan District schools have their interests effectively represented to State government.

1.4.7. An increasing number of Michigan District schools achieve accreditation with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.