God’s will for our lives has reason and purpose. It is through Scripture that we can find meaning and principles to discern God’s plan. And so, in early 2019, the Northern Illinois District began a process which included prayer, discussions, and discernment, to explore God’s plan for our District.
Over 200 people representing more than 100 congregations attended seven vision sessions throughout district. There was a lot of listening—a lot of prayer. We came together, united, to seek the answer to the question, “Who does Jesus say we are?” Through these vision sessions, the messages were clear.
We need hope. Jesus is that hope.
There is a need to worship together. We are the Body of Christ.
Our people want to know how to share our faith. We are tasked with making disciples.
We laity want to be more engaged and connected with each other. We are in this together.
These are the strong messages that were heard at all of the vision sessions. Through them, our mission and vision is now laid out.
Filled with living hope in Christ, Confessing, Praising, and Advancing His Kingdom
As LCMS Lutherans in Northern Illinois, we will carry out this mission by upholding three pillars. These pillars direct our work together in the vision laid out for us.
Helping congregations be more centered on a rich life of Word and Sacrament, with congregational support in transitions as well as time of joys and sorrows.
Our hope in Christ through Word will focus on two main objectives:
- Professional Northern Illinois District Workers are challenged and equipped for daily use of the Word and regular participation in our Sacramental life.
- Northern Illinois District layleaders are fully engaged with God’s Word and to faithful use of the Sacraments.
Promoting and encouraging health and vitality in congregations, schools, ministries, professional workers and lay-leaders. We will encourage the best from and for each other, focusing on objectives of holistic wellness:
- Northern Illinois District congregations and schools are assisted and encouraged as they trust God and consider next steps for their ministry.
- Northern Illinois District church workers are holistically well.
- Lay-leaders are connected and equipped to confidently serve Christ and His Church in advancing His Kingdom.
Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be focused on objectives of witnessing:
- Northern Illinois District will be connected to a shared foreign mission field.
- Every Northern Illinois District lay-person is living in the hope in Christ and equipped to share in advancing His Kingdom.
- Northern Illinois District is engaged with congregations and ministries with a passion for urban ministry in the
- Northern Illinois District.
- Northern Illinois District congregations, schools, and ministries will be engaged fully in the mission of Christ in their communities.
- Ethnic ministries in Northern Illinois District will be connected, encouraged, and expanded.
We will also lift up qualities of leadership which enable us as LCMS Lutherans in Northern Illinois to carry out our mission and vision. These leadership qualities enable us to guide and encourage the living hope we have in Christ, thus advancing His Kingdom.
Leaders are spiritual, being attentive to God, His Word, our Lutheran Confessions, our Christology, and the needs of His people and those not yet in the Church.
Leaders are faithful, committed to the task the Lord has given and those entrusted to our care and leadership.
Leaders are engaging, asking questions, listening, and doing our work in partnerships with broad involvement.
Leaders are equitable, fair, and honest as we serve and encourage our rich diversity and broad constituency in the Northern Illinois District.
Our work together is just beginning. This new statement of Mission, Vision, and Objectives reflects not only where the Northern Illinois District is today, but also lays out a path we believe God has set before us as we all work together in advancing His Kingdom. The input, guidance, and support of all of the LCMS Lutherans in the Northern Illinois District will continue to be sought after, built upon, and valued. Specific ways we can execute the vision continue to be developed. We will listen, always. We will seek out those partnerships which can enrich our vision, especially in a changing landscape. We are in this together; for our living hope is filled by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. This is Our Northern Illinois District.