Under the convention theme of “Equipping the Saints” (Ephesians 4:12-16), Steinbronn pressed ten important focuses for the New Jersey District moving forward, including: how to tackle the adaptive challenges all churches and professional church workers face; continuing to form mission leaders throughout the district; the formation of urban vicars for labor in New Jersey’s densely urban areas; and developing a process to interface with and minister to “at-risk” congregations so that they might experience a new chapter to their ministry.
Rev. Dr. Dean Nadasdy, President of the Minnesota South District of the LCMS, delivered a stirring address to the convention on its “Equipping the Saints” theme, imploring pastors of the importance of building ministry leaders within their churches to touch the lives of people throughout their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the convention’s worship service, Nadasdy continued to impress this convention theme in his sermon.
Rev. Herbert Mueller, Jr., represented LCMS President Matthew Harrison, also built upon the convention theme through his presentation of a Synod mission video.
The convention also elected the following to serve as the district’s vice-presidents: Rev. Stephen Gewecke (First Vice-President), Rev. Deric Taylor (Second Vice-President), and Rev. Andrew Dinger (Third Vice-President).
Special thanks to the Rev. Anthony Iovine (St. Matthew's, New Milford) for serving as our news reporter during the district convention!