District mission boards (DMB)
District mission boards (DMB) are the heart and core of Home Missions. They are the “boots on the ground” as they support existing home mission churches and work with area congregations to identify locations to plant new churches throughout their district. This group of 2-4 pastor and 2-4 laymen volunteers helps build a solid foundation for each new mission start and shepherds these new churches and their pastors on their path from starting a new mission to being a self-supporting church. The DMB serves as a critical link between three distinct groups:
- Individual home mission churches in their district – DMB members are assigned specific home mission churches to “shepherd” in their district. This includes providing advice and encouragement to the missionary, his family, and church members; assisting them as they look to receive ongoing financial support from Home Missions; and connecting these young churches and missionaries to resources that help them carry out their mission.
- The WELS Missions Office – DMBs work with core groups in their district to put together the necessary research and paperwork needed for a formal new start or enhancement request to the Board for Home Missions. They are responsible for prioritizing and submitting these requests for consideration. They also work with existing home mission churches as they submit requests for ongoing financial support from the Board for Home Missions.
- Congregations and leadership of their district – DMBs are the voice of Home Missions in their district. Members report to various conferences, conventions, and rallies to share news about Home Missions and encourage a mission mindset within their district. They are also alert to mission opportunities and proactively seek partners to help make the most of those opportunities.
When all is said and done, DMBs develop ongoing relationships to encourage the mission and missionary as they carry out the great commission and facilitate the God-pleasing efforts that are made to reach lost people with the good news of Jesus.