wfn.org | [LCMSNews] Missions pares 12 posts to four

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	LCMSNews -- No. 145
	December 8, 2003

	LCMS World Mission pares
	12 area-director posts to four

	In an attempt to further streamline its administrative structure
-- matching staffing needs to its new strategic plan -- LCMS World
Mission has eliminated a dozen area-director positions and is replacing
them with regional directors for four world areas.

	Eliminated, effective Nov. 30, were the posts of six full-time
and three part-time area directors, plus three vacant positions.

	The area directors, most of whom were based overseas, will be
among those considered for the four regional-director positions to be
filled within the coming months. The new directors, also deployed, will
coordinate strategies and work in Africa, Asia, Eurasia and Latin
America.

	Serving as area directors were:

	* Rev. Richard Blythe, Central Europe;

	* Dr. Earl Bracewell, Southeast Asia;

	* Rev. Ken Greinke (part time), East Africa;

	* Dr. Herbert Hoefer (part time), India/Sri Lanka;

	* Rev. John Mehl, Commonwealth of Independent States (former
Soviet Union);

	* Delano Meyer, English-speaking West/Southern Africa;

	* Rev. Craig Molitoris, China;

	* Dr. Douglas Rutt (part time), Southern Latin America; and

	* Rev. James Tino, Venezuela/the Caribbean.

	The three vacant posts were for East Asia, French-speaking West
Africa and Mexico/Central America/Panama.

	LCMS World Mission plans to reassign those in area-director
positions or assist them in beginning new ministries.

	Some of these men will move on to regional-director positions
or will return to service in foreign missions, said Rev. David Birner,
associate executive director for the international mission team. Others
will likely take calls within The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.

	These are men who have made great contributions to foreign
missions, and I have no doubt that they will continue to distinguish
themselves in service to the church.

	Birner said the changes represent a need to streamline the
Synods worldwide mission program for effective management that can meet
the new challenges of 21st century missions.

	The new regional directors, he said, will search out new
mission opportunities and work together with partners around the world
to determine the global priorities to which our Synod can effectively
make an impact. They also will be the channels through which we will
deploy LCMS resources around the world.

	Each of the four regions also will have missionaries serving as
area facilitators who will assist regional directors to coordinate the
work in local areas.

	*********************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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