An Update on IMPACT –

Church Planting Remains a Key Initiative for Our District

In 2013, the Mid-South District launched a strategic plan known as IMPACT. The plan is built on five critical ministry initiatives that outline the primary ways in which the Mid-South District serves, empowers and encourages the LCMS congregations, schools and workers in Arkansas, Tennessee and southern Kentucky.

Following are the five initiatives of IMPACT:

1. Assisting congregations, unable to retain an ordained minister, in Word and Sacrament  ministry

2. Resourcing, equipping and strengthening existing churches and schools for Kingdom effectiveness

3. Recruiting, supporting and mentoring professional church workers

4. Creating an on-line Congregational Assessment Resource (C.A.R.) for ministry
self-assessment

5. Planting new churches

Thanks to the prayers and support of individuals, congregations and schools in our District, progress has been made – and continues to be made – in each of these areas. In particular, church planting efforts in our District have been supported with very positive results. Recently-planted churches in both Nashville and Chattanooga are bringing the life-changing message of Christ to people in inspiring ways, with more new ministries planned to reach additional communities in the Mid-South.

This encouraging and exciting progress involves much prayer and focus to determine and follow God’s plan. The progress has also been aided by the generous resources of His people. The launch of IMPACT in 2013 included the kick-off of a three-year funding campaign to raise $1.5 million in support of the five critical initiatives. Over 87% of the funding goal has been achieved through the faithful support of ministry partners across our District – and beyond.

As the Mid-South District continues its work toward all of the critical ministry initiatives, we are most grateful for the prayers and financial gifts that aid our efforts to serve congregations, schools and workers. If you have an interest in supporting this work, we invite you to visit the Mid-South District’s webpage and share a gift for IMPACT.