September 2025
Network Groups
In the body of Christ, we are not called to serve alone. Lay leaders and church workers are Co-Workers for the Kingdom, each bringing unique gifts to build up the Church and extend the Gospel. Across our congregations, schools, and ministries, we see the blessing of walking together – encouraging one another, growing together, and care for one another in service.
These groups connect individuals from congregations, schools, and ministries who share a calling to extend the Gospel in their own unique settings. Each network fosters learning, connection, and support.
Work In The Church? Make These Connections.
Northern Illinois District networking groups are opportunities which help church workers (especially those who are not pastors or teachers) to connect, build relationships, and gain skills for the Lord’s mission. Do you fit into one of these groups? Contact the District Office to let them know you are interested in receiving these newsletters with meeting dates, or subscribe to publications.
Network Groups in the LCMS Northern Illinois District include:
Admission Directors – support Lutheran school enrollment and outreach – The Admissions Directors are comprised of those interested in promoting Lutheran education throughout the Northern Illinois District for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Contact the District Office to be added to the email list to receive meeting notices.
LinkedIn Group – “LCMS Northern Illinois District” group for mission and outreach insights – The Northern Illinois District LinkedIn group is called “LCMS Northern Illinois District.” This group shares tips and tools for work and mission outreach. Send us a request to join via your LinkedIn account.
Parish Administrators – for those managing operations, finance, and facilities – If you have administrative responsibilities for your church or school or serve as the business manager, this group, which gathers every other month, covers it all. Contact the District Office to be added to the email list to receive meeting notices.
Parish Communicators – sharing tools and encouragement for ministry communication – This group meets quarterly to offer encouragement and resources to individuals in a staff or volunteer role in parish or school communications. Contact the District Office to be added to the email list for receive meeting notices or go to NID LCMS Communicators Network on Facebook and request to join the group.
Parish Professionals – DCEs, youth workers, and other lay professionals in ministry – This diverse group encompasses commissioned and non-rostered individuals who work in parish ministry beyond the typical teaching or pastoral roles, including Directors of Christian Education and youth leaders. Contact the District Office to be added to the email list to receive meeting notices.
Pastors and Educators – participation in District and regional conferences – Please don’t neglect your circuit, regional, and District gatherings as announced. Regional pastor conferences are in the fall, with a General Pastor Conference in the spring. The annual educator conference is usually held in October, except the years in which schools participate in the Lutheran Education Association national gathering. Information for educational conferences is available at nidlcms.org/educator-conferences.
Pastors’ Wives: Sister Support – for encouragement and connection – Sister Support in the NID is a closed Facebook group which has come together as a collective of pastors’ wives and widows from around the Northern Illinois District in order to create friendships, lift each other up, and fill each other’s cups. Please respect this group by keeping all discussions confidential. The foundations of the friendships made here will be faith and trust.
School Leaders – peer groups for principals, early childhood directors, and more – If you are a Lutheran School Administrator, Early Childhood Director, or Admissions Director in the District, you are encouraged to join one of the school ministry peer groups. View the Educator Conferences page for scheduled dates. They also are announced in the District’s school e-newsletter. Contact our District Education Office for more information.
Sunday School Leaders – Monthly virtual leader meetups for ministries of all sizes. Gather with other Sunday School educators on monthly Zoom meetings to exchange ideas and share challenges. Congregations with small groups are especially invited to partner together. Email the District Office and ask to be added to the email notification list.
Networks are an expression of our life together as the Church – each member bringing unique gifts, united in purpose, and strengthened through collaboration. Consider joining one of these group as they fit your service in the church. We prayer for continued on our ministry together in our churches, schools, and throughout the LCMS Northern Illinois District!
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