The Business Office takes care of the day-to-day financial and administrative duties and property management of the District and is also available to guide and assist professional church workers and congregations in their business practices and processes through consultation and resources. The Business Office also supports the various committees who furnish professional development for District members by providing extensive event planning support. If you have any questions on resources, contact Chad Woltemath or Stacy Furgerson.
Recent Communications
Sept-25 Fall - Letter to Congregations
Treasurer Resources
LCMS Congregational Treasurer's Manual - 8/25/25 (File in dropbox)
Michigan Supplement 2025 - 9/2025
Student Loan Repayment Resources
- Student Loan Assistance - video
- Educational Assistance Program Information & Sample (pdf file)
- Educational Assistance Plan - (word document version)
Money Handling Suggestions for Congregations
CPH - Church Management System - The Church360° Suite is your comprehensive church management system with web-based software for people, finances, and website building. With ease of use and product-to-product integration, church management software has never been so efficient. First-Time Concordia Technology Solutions Customers Receive $100 purchase off any Church360° product. Church360° LCMS District Referral.
Salary Guidelines
Michigan District Compensation Guide
Compensation Guide & Calculator (pdf & excel file)
Compensation Decision Support Tools developed by Concordia Plan Services
- Church Tool: Using this tool churches can create compensation estimates for positions including Sole Pastor, Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Director of Christian Outreach, Deaconess, Director of Family Life Ministry, Director of Parish Music, and Lay Minister. https://tc.cbiz.com/CompToolCPS/Login.aspx
- The church tool is also available in the Apple app store for Apple devices. Search “CPS Comp” to find the app. It functions in a very similar way to the actual online version. (A School App is not currently available).
- School Tool: The educator tool allows the user to create compensation estimates for positions including Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Head Principal/Administrator, Assistant Principal/Administrator, and Early Childhood Director. Schools from preschools and childcare centers all the way through high schools can use the tool. https://tc.cbiz.com/CompToolCPSEd/Login.aspx
Human Resources
What to do if ICE is at Your Door
Manuals
- HR Poster Compilation - to post in various locations - Updated September 2025
- Sabbatical Guidelines - 2008
- Employment Resource Manual - pdf (2012)
Called Workers
Job Descriptions
- Clergy Job Descriptions
- Job Descriptions - Ministry Staff, Officers, Admin Staff, Facilities Staff
Performance Evaluation Tools
- Annual Review Template (fillable .docx) - This is the review form we utilize at the District Office. For a complete overview of evaluation best practices, please connect with your District Facilitator.
- Pastor or Principal Annual Review Sample Form
- Teacher or DCE Annual Review Sample Form
Payroll Administration
Church Board Resources
Guidelines for LCMS Congregation Constitutions
Protecting Your Ministry - A Legal Guide for Churches, Christian Schools, and Christian Ministries
Faith and Freedom Resources - (includes information about the ADF Church Alliance)
Alliance Defending Freedom - Impact of Supreme Court Rulings on Churches and Ministries Across America (Webinar recording) - added 8/14/20
Church Safety
The Lutheran Witness Subscriptions
The Lutheran Witness is the official periodical of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Published 11 times a year, it provides Missouri Synod laypeople with stories and information that complement congregational life, foster personal growth in faith, and help interpret the contemporary world from a Lutheran Christian perspective.
Michigan District members can subscribe to The Lutheran Witness for a reduced rate: $22.50/year until 12/15/25, $24.50/year after 12/15/25. The subscription year runs from March – February. Updated rates are available by the beginning of November and subscription paperwork will be mailed to congregations following that.
If you would like to receive information on how to place a subscription, contact Stacy Furgerson at 888.225.2111 ext. 238.
Forms for Church Use:
Linda Fritsch
Administrative Assistant - Business and Development