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.

Engaged in Mission: Congregation and Community

Oct. 30–31, 2026 | Faith Lutheran Church, 1517 E. Valley Water Mill Road, Springfield, MO 65803

Engaged in Mission: Congregation and Community is an opportunity for pastors and laity to learn, discuss, and consider how to be effectively engaged in God’s mission where they are.

Featured speakers are listed below. Read more about them in their bios here.

Rev. Dr. Quintin Cundiff
LCMS Director of Church Planting

Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe
LCMS Director of Discipleship

Questions? Contact Missouri District Director of Mission Services Rev. John Perling at 314-590-6205 or john.perling@mo.lcms.org, or Executive Director of Congregational Services Rev. Peter Kirby at 314-590-6221 or peter.kirby@mo.lcms.org.

Flyer for Engaged in Mission

Register below by Friday, Oct. 23, to reserve your spot!
Register for Engaged in Mission

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.

The evaluation tools, strategic planning processes, and training workshops offered by the Missouri District are supported by the Synod’s Office of National Mission. The District wholeheartedly encourages congregations and church workers to make use of these resources as we work together in Christ’s mission.

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 Mission Grant Application is now available!

Application Timeline:

  1. Submit notice of intent by Jan. 15, 2027.
  2. Participate in consultation with Missouri District staff throughout the process.
  3. Submit draft proposal for review and District feedback by Feb. 28, 2027.
  4. Participate in a site visit or interview if requested.
  5. Submit final completed application and any supporting attachments by March 31, 2027.
  6. Missouri District considers all applications for funding during April and May 2027.
  7. Funding decisions are communicated to applicants by May 31, 2027.
  8. Funding is generally dispersed in monthly installments from July 2027 to June 2028.
  9. Funded ministries provide agreed-upon progress reports and outcomes updates.

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.