The Ordination and Installation of Rev. Michael Saxton to Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN took place on July 19, 2026. Pastor Saxton will serve as an Associate Pastor and Church Planter. Pictured, Beginning left back row: Rev. Phil Bohlken (Emeritus), Rev. Derek Roberts (Praise, Maryville, TN), Rev. Roger Reckling (Emeritus), Rev. Seth Korte (St. Paul, […]
District News
Mid-South District Announces New Executive Assistant to the President for Education
The Mid-South District is pleased to announce the expanded role of April Jones as Executive Assistant to the District President for Education. April joined the District staff in July of 2025 as Administrative Assistant for Education, Youth & Family. A seasoned education professional and commissioned worker, April taught in Lutheran schools for over 16 years, […]
District Presents 2026 Ralph Weiser Award
The Mid-South District is pleased to announce the 2026 recipient of the Ralph Weiser Excellence in Ministry Award: Dr. Fred Guengerich of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashville, TN. The award was presented to Dr. Guengerich following worship at Redeemer on Sunday, June 14. Introduced in 2016, the Ralph Weiser Excellence in Ministry Award recognizes the […]
Welcome Vicar Baumbach
The Mid-South District is pleased to announce the placement of Ethan Baumbach to serve as Vicar to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY. Ethan is a third year student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne (CTSFW). His call was announced at CTSFW’s service on April 28. We are blessed to receive Vicar Baumbach […]
The Mid-South District is Celebrating 60 Years!
It is hard to believe, but the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is celebrating its 60th year in 2026! That is 60 years of gratefully serving, supporting and encouraging LCMS ministries, workers and members across Arkansas, Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky. Throughout the year, watch the Encourager for more on the District’s history—and how […]
Join the WORKER WELLNESS GROUP on Facebook!
A new Worker Wellness Group is now available on Facebook! Who should join this group? Those who serve—and those who care about those who serve: wellness is for everyone! The Worker Wellness ministry exists to support our pastors, church workers, teachers, and all servants of the Mid-South District through physical, mental and spiritual awareness and […]
2025 CareVan by the Numbers
At this year’s Lutheran World Relief CareVAN ingatherings, the Mid-South District had six drop sites to collect donations from the 27 congregations who participated. The drop sites were Zion of Avilla, Alexander, AR; First, Fort Smith, AR; Cross of Christ, Chattanooga, TN; Grace, Knoxville, TN; Our Savior, Nashville, TN, and Immanuel, Memphis, TN. In addition […]
Mid-South District Students Receive $81,000 in Financial Aid
By: Angela Fowler, Executive Director for Business and Finance One of the highlights of the year is the awarding of financial assistance to Mid-South District students who are preparing for full-time church work. Our District is blessed to have financial resources to help with tuition while these students are attending one of the seminaries or […]
Steven Andrews, SMP Vicar Installed
The congregation of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Memphis, TN, was thrilled to witness the installation of Steven Andrews as an SMP Vicar on November 2, 2025. The members are looking forward to the many ways Steven will be involved in the mission and ministry of CTK as he continues his studies. Vicar Andrews […]
Thanks for the Books!
A request for English theological books came into the Mid-South District from the Finnish Evangelical Mission Synod. This was an opportunity to provide some of the 55 volumes for their seminary and central offices. Pictured are 37 volumes of Luther’s Work-American Edition that were donated to Joni Phillip, the wife of the sainted Rev. Chad […]
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