While the LCMS is experiencing a shortage of church workers, the Missouri District sees great opportunity in addressing this concern head on. “Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers” is a campaign with two parts: build awareness of churchwork vocations and alleviate student debt.

This issue of The VOICE featuring men and women in various roles within the LCMS is an excellent resource that we hope will be readily shared. Please feel free to use it and other social media posts to encourage others when the opportunity arises to prayerfully consider these rewarding careers.

A common concern among those headed into church work is the cost associated with higher education. The Missouri District is pleased to provide scholarships for students from Missouri (see article on the endowment on the last page) but recognizes the potential to do even more.

All congregations throughout the state are being encouraged to hold a special offering on Sunday, August 29, that will be added to the scholarship endowment. Likewise, all Lutheran schools and early childhood centers have also been asked to include “Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers” in their chapel offerings this fall. Individual households and donors are invited to join the campaign, too. Gifts may be made online (https://mo.lcms.org/donate) or sent to the District office:

Missouri District LCMS
660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63141

By God’s grace, and with His guidance, we will take steps today so that the number of students entering church work will continue to rise. Thank you for your forward-thinking ways and caring for generations to come.