St. Matthew Lutheran
Serving the Church Together: The Role of the Michigan District Board of Directors

Mr. Dan Burk • Principal
April 1, 2026

3 Minute Read

The Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod exists to support congregations, schools, and ministries in carrying out the mission of Christ. At the heart of that work is the Board of Directors, a group entrusted with guiding, overseeing, and strengthening the mission and ministry of the District.


The role of the Board is not simply administrative—it is deeply spiritual. The Board is called to provide “a strong, powerful, ethical and spiritual pursuit of the District’s mission” . This includes setting the strategic direction, ensuring accountability, monitoring financial health, and supporting the work of the District President and staff. In many ways, the Board serves as a bridge—listening to congregations (referred to as “moral owners”) and helping shape decisions that best serve the Church as a whole.


One of the most meaningful aspects of the Board’s work is its focus on serving the Church, not controlling it. The Board emphasizes mission over maintenance, future impact over past tradition, and strategic leadership over day-to-day operations. This ensures that everything we do is centered on sharing the Gospel and strengthening congregations, schools, and ministries across Michigan.


For the past 11 years, I have had the honor of serving on the Michigan District Board of Directors as an elected commissioned worker. During that time, I have been blessed with opportunities to serve in a variety of ways—being asked and elected to calling committees, participating in special ad hoc committees, and most recently serving a three-year term on the Finance Committee. Each of these roles has provided a unique perspective on how the District works to faithfully steward resources and support ministry across our state.

One of the unique aspects of the Board is its cycle of elections every three years. This means we are continually welcoming new members while also saying goodbye to those who have faithfully served. This rhythm brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and continued growth, while also reminding us that this work is bigger than any one individual—it is about serving God and His Church together.


Serving on the Board has been one of the ways I have been able to live out my calling beyond the local ministry here at St. Matthew. It has deepened my understanding of the broader Church, strengthened my appreciation for the work happening across the District, and challenged me to think more strategically about ministry and leadership.

As much as I have truly enjoyed this time and learned a great deal, I am also mindful that my time is coming to a close. With two and a half years remaining, I will be termed out at the next Michigan District Convention. While that brings a sense of transition, it also brings gratitude—for the opportunity to serve, for the relationships built, and for the ways God has worked through this role.


Ultimately, the work of the Michigan District Board of Directors is about serving the Church so that the Gospel may be proclaimed clearly and faithfully. It is a reminder that each of us has a role to play—whether through leadership, prayer, encouragement, or support—in advancing God’s mission.


It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to continuing to support the work of the District and the Church in the years ahead.

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From this Collection: For Your Information
May 12, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Gathering in His Name
Belonging to St. Matthew is more than having your name on a roster or even attending church every week, it’s being part of a community. Being in the Word is the most important thing, but just like a church is God’s house, a congregation is God’s family, and spending time together in fellowship deepens our roots and strengthens our shared faith. God wants us to receive and reflect the generous fellowship He enjoys as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:22) “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) St. Matthew offers multiple opportunities for fellowship throughout the year, including cornerstone events such as Mayfest or Oktoberfest, the auction, and the golf outing. During Advent and Lent, we host fellowship dinners each Wednesday before our midweek services, and we sprinkle in other events based on current events, need, and availability of helpers/coordinators (more to come on that!). Auction Recap Our biggest annual event is our auction, which was just held on April 24. Each year we collect hundreds of items to auction, then get together for an evening full of friendly competition, great food, and, ultimately, fundraising for St. Matthew’s ministries. This year we raised over $36,000! Praise God! We had about 375 items ranging in value from $5 to $4,500, all new or collectible, so there really was something for everyone. This event is not to be missed – if you’ve never been, we encourage you to join us next year. We’re already working on the date for 2027, watch for a “Save the Date” note to go out soon! What’s Next On Tuesday, May 5, we’re celebrating Taco Tuesday with “Cinco de Mayfest” with the one-night-only return of Tammie Tanner and T’s Tacos (limited menu, must be ordered in advance). We’ll have piñatas for the kids, raffles for the adults, and lively decorations and music as a backdrop for a great meal and fellowship. Any proceeds will be donated to the HVAC fund. There is much more to come, too! Mark these dates on your calendar: May 31: Single 10am service followed by a Pancake Breakfast hosted by our men’s group, Our Father’s Sons. June 22-26: Vacation Bible School June 28: Single 10am service followed by a Faith, Family, and Freedom picnic to celebrate 250 years of independence for the U.S. We’ll have baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, and [cars]! July 31: Single 10am service followed by a retirement party in honor of Paul Lehman, our organist/music director who has been serving St. Matthew for over 40 years. August 7: Annual Golf Outing at Taylor Meadows Golf Course. August 30: Single 10am service to celebrate Education Sunday, including the installation of Paige Staton as a called teacher, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. TBD: We’re in the planning stages for Oktoberfest, a strolling dinner, and more! How You Can Help As noted earlier, many of these events depend on the availability of coordinators and helpers. St. Matthew has traditionally had a Fellowship Team that plans and executes these functions. Like many things, Covid disrupted that tradition and we’ve never fully reestablished this group. Madalyn Kehrer and Jennifer Benrowski have recently taken on the leadership role and we need helpers to execute these activities. Contact Beth Jenkins in the office if you’d like to regularly be called upon to coordinate and participate or look for volunteer requests for each event and sign up to help when you can. The functions themselves are always fun and working them adds a different kind of joy – and is a great way to meet new people! If your volunteer days behind you, or if your spiritual gifts are put to use in other ways, simply attending and participating in these fellowship activities is vital to their success. The best planning, the most beautiful decorations, and even the most scrumptious food mean nothing if no one is there to enjoy it! Additionally, nearly all of these events are visitor-friendly and can be a great way to introduce friends and family to St. Matthew. Fellowship is more than just meeting together; it is living in unity as the family of God. It reflects His love, builds His church, and equips believers to stand strong in their faith. As you seek to deepen your relationship with Christ, make fellowship with other believers a priority in your life. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Mrs. Beth Jenkins

Church Administrative Assistant

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April 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Serving the Church Together: The Role of the Michigan District Board of Directors
The Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod exists to support congregations, schools, and ministries in carrying out the mission of Christ. At the heart of that work is the Board of Directors, a group entrusted with guiding, overseeing, and strengthening the mission and ministry of the District. The role of the Board is not simply administrative—it is deeply spiritual. The Board is called to provide “a strong, powerful, ethical and spiritual pursuit of the District’s mission” . This includes setting the strategic direction, ensuring accountability, monitoring financial health, and supporting the work of the District President and staff. In many ways, the Board serves as a bridge—listening to congregations (referred to as “moral owners”) and helping shape decisions that best serve the Church as a whole. One of the most meaningful aspects of the Board’s work is its focus on serving the Church, not controlling it. The Board emphasizes mission over maintenance, future impact over past tradition, and strategic leadership over day-to-day operations. This ensures that everything we do is centered on sharing the Gospel and strengthening congregations, schools, and ministries across Michigan. For the past 11 years, I have had the honor of serving on the Michigan District Board of Directors as an elected commissioned worker. During that time, I have been blessed with opportunities to serve in a variety of ways—being asked and elected to calling committees, participating in special ad hoc committees, and most recently serving a three-year term on the Finance Committee. Each of these roles has provided a unique perspective on how the District works to faithfully steward resources and support ministry across our state. One of the unique aspects of the Board is its cycle of elections every three years. This means we are continually welcoming new members while also saying goodbye to those who have faithfully served. This rhythm brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and continued growth, while also reminding us that this work is bigger than any one individual—it is about serving God and His Church together. Serving on the Board has been one of the ways I have been able to live out my calling beyond the local ministry here at St. Matthew. It has deepened my understanding of the broader Church, strengthened my appreciation for the work happening across the District, and challenged me to think more strategically about ministry and leadership. As much as I have truly enjoyed this time and learned a great deal, I am also mindful that my time is coming to a close. With two and a half years remaining, I will be termed out at the next Michigan District Convention. While that brings a sense of transition, it also brings gratitude—for the opportunity to serve, for the relationships built, and for the ways God has worked through this role. Ultimately, the work of the Michigan District Board of Directors is about serving the Church so that the Gospel may be proclaimed clearly and faithfully. It is a reminder that each of us has a role to play—whether through leadership, prayer, encouragement, or support—in advancing God’s mission. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to continuing to support the work of the District and the Church in the years ahead.

Mr. Dan Burk

Principal