Home » President’s Office
Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss
After 28 years as a parish pastor in the LCMS Northern Illinois District, Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss was elected president of the LCMS Northern Illinois District in 2018 and 2022. During his presidency, the one thing everything we do will serve is “keeping the main thing the main thing,” faithfully serving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing it in our community and the world.
Commentary – Read President Buss’s articles originally published in the District’s communications.
Video Updates – Watch President Buss’s videos for updates and words of encouragement.
Mission Focus
As the District office, we carry out our mission by upholding three pillars. These pillars direct our work together in the vision laid out for us.
WORD: Helping congregations be more centered on a rich life of Word and Sacrament, with congregational support in transitions, as well as time of joys and sorrows.
WELLNESS: Promoting and encouraging health and vitality in congregations, schools, ministries, professional workers, and lay-leaders.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions, and sharing in a world mission field together.
Circuits 4 & 8 Partnership Gathering
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
The LCMS Northern Illinois District encourages you to partner with us in Advancing His Kingdom, faithfully serving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing it in our community and the world. You make a difference!
Contact the District President’s office:
- when questions arise regarding doctrine and practice
- when there is a pastoral vacancy in a congregation
- when assistance is needed with a parish crisis or conflict management
- when a change requires updating a church worker’s official status or record
Tools for a pastoral vacancy in a congregation:
- Pre-Call Interviews – Format and questions (updated 2/5/2024)
- Call documents – Email president@nidlcms.org
- Ministry Agreement for Vacancy Pastor Template
- Purchase of Temporary Pastoral Services (PDF) – Updated October 2023
- Supply Pastor List
- Guidelines for Supply Pastors and Congregations
Circuit 14 Partnership Gathering
Vicar application & pastor SET forms:
For Synod – Rostered commissioned workers must fill in CMIF online. Contact Rosters, Statistics, and Research Services 888-843-5267 or rosters.stats@lcms.org for personal log-in access.
The 61st Convention of the Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Task Force on Multicultural Ministry
Resolution 3-03A from the Northern Illinois District 60th Convention required the establishment of a task force and release of a report of their findings.
- Resolution 3-03A
- The Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Report: Ministry with Multi-ethnic Communities
- Bible Study – Crossing Thresholds to Others – This study has been crafted by the Taskforce on Multiethnic Mission and Ministry which came as a result of the passing of Resolution 3-03A at the 2022 Northern Illinois District Convention. This study is meant to be the beginning of something enduring and unifying. Its aim is to help congregations find renewal in identity and mission.