May 2025 – Spring Special Edition Ministry Update
WE ARE: Workers of the WORD
The 61st Convention of the Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (NID) is more than a meeting
—it is a testament to the unity of Christ’s Church and a reminder that no one walks alone in the mission of the Gospel. From pastors and lay leaders to missionaries and church workers, the convention brings together those who labor in God’s vineyard, strengthening one another in faith and purpose.
“The LCMS Northern Illinois District convention builds up the body of Christ by hearing scripture and devotions from leaders across the NID and outside of the NID.” states Todd Ruder, lay voting delegate from Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Elburn. Building up the Body of Christ through the Word means being united in faith, encouraged in mission, and strengthened for service. As delegates gather to hear Scripture, share insights, and pray together, the convention becomes more than just business—it becomes time when congregations are reminded that they are Stronger Together. Through the Word, God equips His people to serve with boldness, support one another in love, and remain grounded in Christ as they carry His mission into their communities.
Rev. Jeffrey Miskus, Bishop and President of the English District, speaks of this gathering as a place where he finds fellowship and growth. Having recently stepped into his leadership role, he sees the convention as an opportunity to learn and be strengthened in his calling. The NID builds up the body of Christ by fostering STRONGER TOGETHER: Moving Forward in Faith as Co-Workers for the Kingdom fellowship between congregations and pastors. He shares, “Walking together in faith, doctrine, and other aspects” help us to serve more faithfully.
Similarly, Cathy Dulgar, Executive Director of the Belize Mission Society, sees the convention as a powerful reminder that congregations and ministries are not isolated islands but interconnected parts of the body of Christ. “We all have one goal—to advance Christ’s kingdom,” she says. The presence of mission partners, vendors, and church leaders at the convention reinforces this truth: together, they share in both the struggles and the joys of the mission.
Bishop Torkild Masvie of The Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the
encouragement he receives from NID congregations in their shared efforts to plant and replant confessional Lutheran churches in a post-Christian Europe. “The convention supports us in doing pioneer work,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in spreading the Gospel.
The convention is also a place where the practical work of ministry is affirmed. Pastor Cory Estby, Vice President, South Region of the NID, highlights the importance of the convention’s opening Divine Service, where delegates, pastors, and lay leaders stand together in worship. “Hearing God’s Word and receiving His gifts together sets the tone for greeting one another in Christian love,” he says. Even amid elections, resolutions, and committee discussions, the heart of the convention remains steadfast: equipping the saints for the work of ministry.
As the Church moves forward in faith, the convention serves as a vivid reminder of the strength found in unity. Whether through the work of floor committees, the support of District staff, or the encouragement of fellow believers, the message is clear: we are Co-Workers for the Kingdom. Together, we proclaim Christ, support one another in mission, and trust that He will continue to guide His Church forward.
For every congregation, mission partner, and servant of the Gospel, the convention is a call to move boldly in faith. We do not labor alone. We go forward with an army. We are connected through faith, holding each other accountable, completing one another with our different skill sets.
Rev. Caleb Schauer, Vice President, North Region of the NID, reminds us, “The Convention builds up the body of Christ, by showing each of us that we are not alone in this mission adventure. There is a bigger church out there and we can do more good for the kingdom together than we ever could separately.”
We are Stronger Together.
WE ARE: Co-Workers for the Kingdom
Next Steps: Carrying the Mission Forward as Co-Workers for the Kingdom
The Northern Illinois District (NID) convention was a powerful gathering of faith, fellowship, and mission. But what happens
after the closing prayer? The true impact of the convention is measured not just in the resolutions passed or the discussions held, but in what comes next— the action taken by congregations, pastors, and lay leaders as they return to their communities, strengthened and equipped for the work ahead.
For Rev. Jeffrey Miskus, Bishop and President of the English District, the next step is to bring the lessons of the convention into his own leadership. Reflecting on how walking together in faith builds up the Church, he says “Now, it’s about applying that same spirit of unity in my District.” Walking together can strengthen our pastors and congregations to serve with boldness and clarity.
For Cathy Dulgar of the Belize Mission Society, the convention was a reminder of the vast network of support which exists within the Church. She says “We are not alone” in this mission. Her organization will build on the relationships deepened at the convention, working more closely with NID staff and missionminded congregations. From a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) viewpoint, the next step is to continue strengthening our partnerships, sharing resources, and ensuring that mission work— whether in Northern Illinois or across the world— remains a collaborative effort.
The role of congregations is critical in moving forward. The convention set the tone, but now we need to carry that spirit into our churches. This means reinvesting in our local ministries, encouraging lay leaders to step into new roles, and fostering greater collaboration between congregations. There is great importance in continuing the conversations started at the convention—whether through Bible study, joint mission efforts, or simply
strengthening relationships among church leaders.
Bishop Torkild Masvie is already looking toward the future of church planting in Europe. Encouragement and support received at the convention give each of us renewed energy to press on. The next step is to take that encouragement and use it to equip more leaders, train new church planters, and deepen our theological education efforts. The NID staff, led by President Allan Buss, will also take steps to ensure that the themes of the convention—unity, mission, and encouragement—continue to bear fruit in the months ahead. This means ongoing communication with congregations, fostering more District-wide initiatives, and providing resources for pastors and lay leaders.
WE ARE: Stronger Together
As each attendee returns home, the mission remains clear: we do not labor alone. The relationships formed, the resolutions passed, and the vision cast at the convention must now be lived out in real, tangible ways. Whether through mission work, local outreach, pastoral care, or congregational partnerships, every Co-Worker for the Kingdom has a role to play in moving forward in faith.
The convention was a beginning—but the work continues. The Church is alive, moving, and growing. Together, we step forward, stronger than before, trusting that Christ, the head of His Church, will continue to lead us.
The next step is ours to take together.
We express our appreciation for our co-workers in ministry who generously offered their diverse gifts including their
encouragement and support at the convention.
We highlight the work of the floor committees, acknowledging their dedication in refining overtures into resolutions which serve the church. We also thank the entire NID staff for their unwavering support.
These reflections illustrate the strong spirit of collaboration and encouragement which defines the convention experience.
The impact continues: Over 78% of the delegates report that they plan to bring information and ideas back to their congregations, and more than 63% anticipate that a convention report will be shared with their home congregations. Some come away with a renewed desire to be more deeply engaged in their local and District-wide ministries.
The convention was not the conclusion—it was a launching point. We are Stronger Together, moving forward in faith as Co-Workers for the Kingdom.
Join Us for the Installation of District Leadership and Celebration of Our Shared Calling
We want to make sure we are connecting with the grassroots of the NID and providing opportunities for building relationships, so we are hosting two identical services in different locations.
A Public Service of Installation will be held on May 18, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee, IL 60118 at 2:00 p.m. and at Bethany Lutheran Church 1550 Modaff Rd., Naperville, IL 60565 at 5:00 p.m. on that same day. You may attend either. These will be one hour services with refreshments to follow.
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, President Emeritus, Concordia Theological Seminary
Installing the NID President: Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison. Rite of Installation for Circuit Visitors and others: LCMS Northern Illinois District President.
The host congregation and local congregations will provide music. We want to encourage ordained workers, commissioned workers, and lay leaders to join us for these services as we rejoice that we are “Stronger Together: Co-Workers for the Kingdom of God.”
