wfn.org | LCMS - Majority of new LCMS missions are among non-typical groups

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Board for Communication Services

LCMSNews -- No. 44
July 19, 2002

Majority of new LCMS missions are among non-typical groups

Less than half of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's 47 new missions
started in the United States in 2001 are among typical white,
English-speaking groups, according to Dr. Robert Scudieri, director of North
America Services, a division of LCMS World Mission.

A total of 25 new church plants were among African Americans, African
immigrants, Asians, Hispanics, Muslims and Russians.  Also included are
three blind or deaf congregations, which use special worship materials and
styles, such as braille hymnals and sign language.

The figures were provided by LCMS districts.  Reporting four or more new
starts each were the Texas, Atlantic, Pacific Southwest, Florida-Georgia and
Southern Districts.

The Atlantic District reported no typical Anglo church plants; instead, its
six were among African immigrant, Chinese, Hispanic, Russian, Tamil and deaf
groups, according to Scudieri.

Reaching new ethnic groups in North America has "allowed us to share the
Gospel with many people who would not have heard the Good News of God's love
in their homelands," Scudieri said, so he said he is thankful "for every new
mission."

But a church body the size of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod needs to
start at least 180 missions a year to grow, he added.

"In too many places the district is still taking the major role in planting
new missions -- a big mistake," Scudieri said.  Instead, districts need to
"raise up a vision and provide ways for congregations to begin new
missions."

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