My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As I approached this convention, my only prayer was that God’s will be done. Through the casting of lots, the balloting process, God has now called me to a position that, frankly, I feel overwhelmed and humbled to accept. It’s an awesome and scary office for any parish pastor, but I know, with God’s grace and your encouragement and support, that God will continue to do great things in the Florida-Georgia District.

Yesterday morning, when President Michael announced the results, after I caught my breath, I asked that good Lutheran question that Greg Michael referred to in his presentation, “What does this mean?” I think it means a one way trip on the Zambezi—maybe even without a paddle… (refers to a presentation about how our Christian life is can be like white water rafting on the Zambezi—one of the most dangerous or challenging rivers to raft)What does it mean to be a District President? I guess over the next three years we’ll be on a journey together, and I will discover exactly what that means.

As I look at President Michael, some things are already pretty clear. A District President is a servant, he’s a pastor, he’s a man, he’s a theologian, (By the way, I’m  no exegete, and I’m not even sure I qualify as a systematician, but I am a pastor….) As I’ve pondered it these last 24 hours, I’ve thought that, in addition to all that, this District President is a husband and a father, and that means, as I once heard Dr. Kieschnick say, some times you won’t see me because my wife, Edith, is a precious and extremely important part of my life, and my first ministry priority is to her and my boys, Alex and Tim. But I want you to remember that a District President is at the same time a saint and sinner, just like you—one who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, but one who constantly needs to live in that forgiveness and grace.

I tried to think of an appropriate Scripture verse to sum up my feelings about this. The first one that came to mind was, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing…” but then I thought that may not be the best one. Then I thought about Paul’s conversion, where Jesus says, “I will show him how much he must suffer for My name,” and I thought, and pray, that it’s not the right verse. Then I thought of the Gospel of John, where Jesus said, “You didn’t choose Me, but I chose You and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Now we’re getting a little closer.

By God’s grace, and your graciousness, I have been chosen to fill this role, which, right now, in my mind, seems unimaginable. Yet as I consider the staff of our District, what an honor and privilege to serve with such distinguished and talented folks, I know that they will be a tremendous blessing and support. Then, when you consider the awesome board, two great and dynamic vice presidents, a great secretary, and phenomenal board members, I know we have very exciting days ahead of us. In fact, while I don’t know what the future holds, I know who holds the future, and He is good, and He has great plans for this District, and if I can in some small way further that plan and bring honor and glory to Jesus, then that’s what I want to do.

Let me close with a challenge, and hopefully a direction as we start this new journey together, from one of my favorite verses, Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” May we, together, fix our eyes on Jesus, and as we return to our homes, to our parishes, to our lives, may that challenge continually fill our minds and hearts, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Dr. Sherer told us that our theme for the convention, “The love of Christ urges us on, or compels us,” really refers to Christ’s love for us. What a wonderful message, that His love for us empowers our service for Him and the world around us. That’s the Gospel side of this. But maybe it’s not bad to see it the other way—the sanctification way.

When I was a teenager, I used to like to go to the county fair. I liked walking around, and seeing all the sights, but I never like the rides. I couldn’t stomach them, literally. But there was a girl that had caught my eye as a young man, and she liked the rides. I didn’t like the rides, but I did like her, so, despite my fears and concerns, I went on rides. The love of girl, or at least the infatuation, compelled me…so to speak. It motivated me to do something I wouldn’t normally do. My love for Jesus, which is, admittedly, no match for His love for me, motivates me to serve Him. My love for Him compels me to love others. My love for Him compels me to serve others. My love for Him compels me to proclaim Him to others, and I hope that’s true for you, too. Now, that may seem a bit law oriented, but really, isn’t that the work of sanctification? God’s call on our lives moves us into action for the sake of the Gospel.

My prayer, and my hope, as we begin this new journey together, is that each of you, gathered in convention, will take back this message of Christ’s compelling love, and plant it as a seed, and water it, and nurture it, so that it grows and prospers and our District continues to thrive with a missionary spirit. When I spoke to my Lay Minister, Bill Patrick, yesterday, after his congratulations he reminded me something I said to him as he completed his work through the House of Studies: God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. Through your vote, God’s call has become clear, and I am confident that He will equip me. As I accept this position of District President today, may we together achieve great things for the name of Jesus, as we work together in the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

To God be all glory. Amen.

Rev. Gregory S. Walton, President

Florida-Georgia District, LCMS