Joint Statement on LCMS Resolution 1-13A (2026)
Authored By:
Matthew Gehne, Our Savior LC (Mid-South), Nashville (TN)
Steven Policastro, St Luke’s LC (SELC), Oviedo (FL)
Co-Founders, The Lutheran Digital Mission League
We are grateful to have the honor and privilege to be invited to provide feedback on Resolution 1-13A, thank you for the opportunity. Believing this resolution is a good first step in the Synod's recognition of the priority that faithful digital witness requires, it serves as an important moment within the Church as we walk together into an increasingly digital culture. As the authors rightfully acknowledge that the gathering of God's people around Word and Sacrament can never be replaced, we are reminded that keeping the local parish central to church life by connecting people to faithful Lutheran congregations is of paramount importance.
To this end, the cultivation of a more effective digital presence that highlights the strengths of our Synod is becoming exponentially more significant with each passing day as digital platforms move from simple communication tools to the primary places where people ask spiritual questions, investigate Christianity, and form their first impressions of the Church. For many Millennials and Generation Z, as we are, the first step towards visiting a local congregation is their online interaction with those from across the Synod. This presents one of the most significant missionary opportunities in church history that deserves urgent investment that is strategic and intentional.
While coordination between the Office of National Mission and LCMS Communications is a primary emphasis, the outcome of the resolution will assuredly require the combined witness of thousands of pastors, congregations, church workers, campus ministries, schools, organizations, and lay faithful across a multitude of platforms.
Due to the momentous occasion we have before us, we encourage consideration of the following efforts that prioritize equipping the Church for digital witness, including:
1. The development of practical training and best-practice resources for pastors, church workers, congregations, and lay faithful who desire to communicate the Lutheran faith devotedly online.
2. The dissemination of guidance for adapting sermons, Bible studies, catechetical teaching, and apologetic resources into formats that are suitable for today's digital platforms while preserving theological clarity and faithfulness.
3. The creation of a distribution model of digital witness by which a multitude of faithful Lutheran voices participate in proclaiming Christ across diverse audiences on various digital platforms.
4. The recognition of the importance that an improved website serves for those already searching, while prioritizing faithful outreach through social media, podcasts, videos, and other digital media to engage those who may never begin by visiting lcms.org.
5. The exploration of how seminary education can be leveraged alongside continuing pastoral formation to provide the academic resources necessary to help future and current church workers think theologically about digital communication, pastoral presence online, and evangelism in digital spaces.
We know that one of the LCMS's biggest strengths is the opportunity for intergenerational partnership where experienced pastors who possess deep theological wisdom and pastoral experience can work together with younger Lutherans who bring significant familiarity with today's digital culture and communication platforms. Equipping the generations within the Church to serve together could greatly strengthen the Synod's witness while continuing to be grounded in our confessional Lutheran identity.
Resolution 1-13A provides a foundation for what can be a flourishing effort to equip congregations and church workers to proclaim Christ faithfully wherever people are seeking truth, including in today's digital public square. Through the development and deployment of intentional strategy more people can be invited into the Church's gathered life around Word and Sacrament while hearing the Gospel in the palm of their hand or at their desk at home that can be their first connection to faithful Lutheran congregations where millions more may receive Christ's gifts.
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