Volunteer Opportunities!

LWMS would not exist without volunteers! Volunteers play a vital role in every aspect of the organization. As a result, we are always looking for interested, talented people.

Are you willing to accept a leadership role in LWMS? We have volunteer needs at the international, circuit, and local levels.

International Level Board of Directors

People on the board are elected by the membership. Ballots are mailed to all congregational members in March. The ballots are returned by May 25, opened and counted just prior to the annual convention, and new board members are announced at the convention.

Each person elected serves a two-year term and is eligible for re-election for one consecutive term. Board members are reimbursed for travel, lodging, and meals for board meetings and the convention and for expenses necessary to perform the duties required of each officer. The time commitment includes attendance at a board meeting held in conjunction with the annual convention in June from Tuesday until Sunday; attendance at four other additional board meetings per year lasting three to four days, depending on travel time; and the dedication of your time and talents between board meetings.

The president-elect is elected to a four-year term, serving two years as president-elect and two years as president.
Much of the work of the board is done through e-mail communication, so good computer skills are important, and a willingness to explore new skills when needed is imperative.

Candidate names are gathered each year for nominations between November and January. The board will select a slate of two candidates for each position from the nominations on hand at the January board meeting.

All volunteers desiring to serve on the board of directors must be an LWMS individual member or a member of a congregation belonging to LWMS.

The board candidates needed in even years are:

Vice President

• Performs the duties of the president and president-elect in their absences.
• Presides at the meetings of the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness Committee.
• Coordinates the work of the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness Committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the president or  board.

Secretary

• Records the minutes of the annual convention as well as regular and special meetings as called by the board.
• Serves as chair of the Membership Committee.
• Sees that all notices are duly given in accordance with the bylaws.
• Is the custodian of the organization’s records.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the president or board.

 Communications Coordinator

• Chairs the Communications Committee.
• Attends all meetings of the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness Committee.
• Coordinates the work of the Communications Committee which includes producing newsletters, convention materials, brochures, monthly e-mails, prayer calendars, etc.
• Carries out the Communications Committee’s purpose and objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the president or board.

Pastoral Advisor

• Serves as the spiritual advisor and general counselor.
• Serves as a member of the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness , Membership, and Nomination Committees.
• Reviews website devotions, leads Bible studies, and assists in coordinating convention speakers and services.

The board candidates needed in odd years are:

President-elect

• Performs the presidential duties in the absence of the president.
• Shares in the duties of the president during her two years as president-elect as directed by the president.
• Chairs the Nomination Committee and the Ballot Committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the president or board.

This position requires an ability to build a team and delegate tasks as well as a willingness to serve at all levels. A thorough knowledge of LWMS, WELS, and missions is important. Successful candidates will value the historical role of LWMS while balancing the needs of sustainability for the organization.

Treasurer

• Records all mission offerings and other income and makes disbursements according to the resolution of the annual convention and the board.
• Chairs the Finance Committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the president or board.

This position does not require a particular degree. However, the position requires performance of duties with insurance, investments, payroll, and taxes, so accounting experience is preferred.

Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness Coordinator

• Serves on the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness Committee.
• Carries out the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness Committee’s purpose and objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the president or board.
• Oversees the Befriend A Mission Program.

This position requires a good understanding of the workings of the WELS missions office and fields as well as the ability to process and glean information and to communicate clearly in writing and e-mail correspondence.

Pastoral Advisor

• Serves as the spiritual advisor and general counselor in all matters.
• Serves as a member of the Spiritual Growth-Mission Awareness , Membership, and Nomination Committees.
• Reviews website devotions, leads Bible studies, and assists in coordinating convention speakers and services.

To download a nomination form for yourself or a worthy candidate, please click this link.

To fill out an on-line nomination form, please click this link. 

Standing and Ad hoc Committees and other International Volunteer Opportunities

LWMS maintains several standing and ad hoc committees to assist in leading the organization. Potential candidates are sought for committee positions throughout the year. Candidates are appointed to committee positions as needed by the board of directors. The term length is three years with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term. Other qualifications include interest in and enthusiasm for LWMS and missions, LWMS involvement at the circuit level, and general correspondence skills via e-mail (computer needed).

Committee members are encouraged to attend the annual convention.  Committees meet the day before the convention begins and then with the board of directors the morning of the first day of convention. Committee members are reimbursed for registration, meals, and one hotel night, but not for expenses or mileage, unless otherwise noted.

Bylaws Committee (Standing Committee)

• Works at the direction of the board and oversees the review of all 60 circuit bylaws.
• Ensures all amendments and bylaw changes are written according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR).
• Assists in other projects as directed by the board.

This volunteer position requires not only writing and editing skills, but also a thorough knowledge of RONR. 

Communications Committee (Standing Committee)

• Works at the direction of the board of directors and oversees the Convention, Spring, and Fall Newsletters, LWMS monthly e-mails, Prayer Calendar, and other communication items.
• Has skills in editing and writing with good organizational and time management skills.
• Has the ability to work in a virtual team environment.

Website experience or graphic arts experience with MAC are not essential but would be a plus. 

LWMS Awareness Committee (Ad hoc Committee)

• Works at the direction of the board.
• Presents recommendations to the board, which will enhance the organization by increasing membership retention and promotion.
• Suggests and develops ways to promote LWMS in member congregations, non-member congregations, and with special groups.
• Is creative and has a visionary outlook.
• Possesses marketing and promotional skills.

Quilt Coordinator

The quilt coordinator (QC) position was created to coordinate women willing to make quilts for missions as a tangible example of Christ’s love. The QC will work with a member of the Spiritual Growth- Mission Awareness Committee (SG-MAC) to coordinate quilt needs of missions with women of  LWMS.

Duties of the QC include:

• Is the contact person for LWMS women who have quilt and shipping questions.
• Keeps accurate information regarding quilts made and sent.
• Works with the SG-MAC to keep the website quilt page up-to-date.
• Prepares and sends reports to the LWMS vice president before board meetings.
• Works with Christian Aid and Relief and other organizations with quilt needs.

Historian

The historian will strive to improve our collective understanding of the past and be an advocate for history and a resource to the board on questions relating to history and preservation.

• Documents and archives the history of LWMS.
• Determines which records shall be used for any LWMS historical publications that are compiled.
• Possesses the ability to research and write.
• Has high standards for gathering and evaluating evidence, makes thoughtful and appropriate generalizations, and writes well-organized and readable narratives to be published by the board.
• Is expected to work closely with Central Office.

Circuit Level Volunteer Opportunities

LWMS maintains 60 circuits within North America. Each circuit has opportunities for LWMS members to serve in leadership roles including board level positions, local historians, social media directors, and other positions as needed. If you are not connected to your local circuit, LWMS members can fill out this questionnaire and receive contact information for a circuit contact via e-mail within the next week.

 

Local Volunteer Opportunities

Each LWMS member congregation needs a volunteer to serve as a reporter. The reporter serves as the vital link that ties the local congregation to the circuit and international levels.