Mission Field: Missouri
God’s mission field is here in Missouri. More than half of Missouri’s six million people are unchurched, creating opportunities for Gospel witness in both rural and urban communities. The five most unchurched counties in Missouri are found in rural and small-town settings, reminding us that every congregation is part of a mission field.
Across Missouri, people are disconnected and distracted from the life-changing connection they have in Jesus Christ and His church. The Missouri District seeks to encourage and equip congregations and church workers to faithfully engage their communities with the Gospel.
Opportunities
The Missouri District supports mission work in a variety of settings and communities, specifically in these six areas of opportunity: Campus Ministry Network, Church Plants, Military Ministry, Multiethnic Ministry, Rural and Small Town Ministry, and Urban Ministry.
Resources
The Missouri District provides resources to help congregations and church workers grow in their ability to engage others with the Gospel, make disciples, and care for those entrusted to them.
You can download all four resources as one comprehensive PDF for easy printing and sharing, or select each resource individually to view or download separately:
Serving in God’s Mission
Consensus-based strategic planning for your congregation.
Every One His Witness
Learn how to naturally share the Gospel through everyday relationships and conversations.
Connect to Disciple
How to share the Gospel with your community through effective outreach.
Shepherding Our Strays
Resources for reconnecting with members who have become disconnected from the life of the church.
Explore God’s mission here
Exploring God’s Mission Here
Can help congregations consider the mission opportunities God has placed right around them.
Church planting
God continues to open doors for new Gospel communities throughout Missouri. The Missouri District comes alongside congregations, church workers and mission leaders as they explore opportunities to plant churches and reach communities with the Gospel.
Church planting informational brochure
Mission Grants
If your congregation has a mission initiative or ministry idea, we encourage you to explore the Missouri District Mission Grant opportunity.
The 2027–28 Digital Mission Grant Application will be available here!
If you have questions about your idea or the application process, contact Director of Mission Services Rev. John Perling at 314-590-6205 or john.perling@mo.lcms.org. He would be happy to discuss your vision, provide guidance, schedule a “Serving in God’s Mission” workshop to help complete the Mission Grant, and help you explore opportunities for partnership in Christ’s mission throughout Missouri.
Support mission in Missouri
Your generosity helps support Gospel outreach and mission work throughout the Missouri District.