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This reader is built from the 2026 LCMS Biographical Synopses and Statements of Nominees. It is provided as a source-navigation and reading aid. Verify all elections, candidate eligibility, convention procedures, and official ballots against official LCMS convention materials.
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55 matches
p. 70
Stan Ullerich
Concordia University Nebraska Board of Regents
Stan Ullerich Concordia University Nebraska Board of Regents Concordia University Nebraska Board of Regents layperson Elect 2 laypersons (3-year term) Council Bluffs, IA; Timothy, Council Bluffs IA (IW); LCMS 65 Stan Ullerich, Council Bluffs, IA; Timothy, Council Bluffs IA (IW); LCMS 65; Prof. Emer. of Economics. D: IW Endowment & Legacy...
pp. 5-7
Preface
Preface
...mber as for the 2023 convention) were nominated for at least one position, including 49 incumbents. This provided the pool from which the committee made its selections. Of the 459 nominated, 376 agreed to their nomination for at least one position. The committee placed 142 individuals on the ballots for the 62 positions up for election, i...
pp. 5-6
Report of Nominations by Ballot
Report of Nominations by Ballot
...ber as for the 2023 convention) were nominated for at least one position, including 49 incumbents. This provided the pool from which the committee made its selections. Of the 459 nominated, 376 agreed to their nomination for at least one position. The committee placed 142 individuals on the ballots for the 62 positions up for election, in...
p. 18
Byrene Keith (Keith) Haney
First Vice-President of the Synod
...ouis, MO.............1995–1999 Gospel Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI .................................1999–2007 District Offices P osition Y ears Circuit Visitor, SWD .....................................................................2005–2007 Chair , Evangelism and Stewardship, SWD ...............................2005–2007 Congregationa...
p. 25
Benjamin Thomas (Ben) Ball
Central Region Regional Vice-President
............................... 54 Rostered Member of Synod (y ears) .................................................. 27 Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................1999 P astorates Congregation Y ears St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Dedham, MA ...............................1994–2004 St....
p. 42
Jerald L. Folkerts
LCMS Board of Directors
...d to liturgical worship, Christian education, and the centrality of Holy Communion and other Sacraments in the life of the Christian. My passion is church growth—understanding how the Synod can support all congregations in their efforts to reach their neighbors. I believe my experience helping large organizations compete in an uncertain f...
p. 60
Mark S. Nuckols
Concordia University System Board of Directors
...llaborating with faculty and leadership, listening to and reflecting on Scripture’s clarion call for all learning to be rooted in His Word, and building a shared understanding of what it means for our universities to embrace a distinct Lutheran identity. The worldview around us often clashes with what we aim to promote in our higher educa...
p. 63
Bruce Edward Keseman
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...fessions, (2) instilling love for Christ’s redeemed people, (3) cultivating mission hearts, (4) stewarding faithfully donors’ generous contributions, (5) providing second-to-none theological education, including calling outstanding faithful faculty, (6) providing updated student housing, and (7) preserving the historic campus bequeathed b...
p. 72
Paul Clarence Hinz
Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents
...look forward to their implementation. I look forward to strengthening CSP’s church work programs and seeing the fruits of the Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards influence every program offered. Raising up Christian leaders across all CSP’s programs remains the objective, and it remains my goal to ensure that is perpetuated. C...
pp. 77-81
Nominees Submitted to the Committee for Convention Nominations, available for floor nominations from the pool
Nominees Submitted to the Committee for Convention Nominations, available for floor nominations from the pool
...bor, MI SMITH, Rev Dr Brent D‡ Omaha, NE SOLBERG, Mr Joseph† Jane Lew, WV SPECKHARD, Rev Peter Andres‡ Munster, IN SSEKYANZI, Dr Bob L PhD† Houston, TX STAUB, Dr Michael Scott†‡ Houston, TX STEARNS, Dr Bryan†‡ St. Peters, MO STECHHOLZ, Rev Dr David Paul Livonia, MI STEIN, Rev Donald Carl† Rockton, IL STEINHAUS, Mr Paul R† Shawano, WI STEI...
pp. 85-89
Index
Index
.......................... 13, 61 Gonzales, Lonnie A. ............................................... 37 Goodwin, Robert L. ................................................ 25 Gowen, Mitchell Wesley .......................................... 37 Graff, Warren Wilson ............................................... 63 Grams, Andrew N. ............
pp. 7-8
Abbreviations and Key
Abbreviations and Key
...s as a member of an LCMS congregation | numbers following listed positions refer to years of service Admin.— administration, administrative, administrator Adv.—advisor , advisory Assn.—association Assoc.—associate Asst.—assistant Atty.—attorney BBMS—Board for Black Ministry Services BCS—Board for Communication Services Bd./Bds.—board/boar...
p. 10
Joel David Biermann
President of the Synod
...and Church Relations ....2016–2026 P ersonal Statement In Colossians, Paul beautifully describes the work of the church: “We preach Christ, instructing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ” (1:28). Three things: We cultivate faithful practices in worship and living that form p...
p. 11
Matthew Carl Harrison
President of the Synod
....... 64 Rostered Member of Synod (y ears) .................................................. 35 Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................1991 P astorates Congregation Y ears St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Westgate, IA ...............................1991–1995 Zion Lutheran Church, For...
p. 12
Peter Kristoff Lange
President of the Synod
...for the election of the First VicePresident (see Bylaw 3.12.2.6; two of the five candidates must rank among the top five nominees). The Bylaws of the Synod provide no opportunity for adding names to this list or slate, other than due to the death, declination, or unavailability of a candidate. These are the names of the 20 nominees who r...
p. 15
Jeffrey Paul Cloeter
First Vice-President of the Synod
.....................2005 P astorates Congregation Y ears Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO....................2005–2013 Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO................ 2014–present Synod Offices P osition Y ears LCMS Youth Gathering Bible Study Planning Committee ......2009–2010 District Offices P osition Y ears...
p. 19
Jeffrey J. Kloha
First Vice-President of the Synod
........... Concordia Seminar y, St. Louis, MO (1992) Other Degrees ............STM, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1999); PhD, University of Leeds (2007) Member of Synod Congregations (years) ........................................ 59 Rostered Member of Synod (y ears) .................................................. 32 Y ear of Ordin...
p. 21
Lawrence Robert Rast Jr.
First Vice-President of the Synod
..........2023–2025 Regent, Concordia University, Chicago, IL ............................ 2025–present Executive Director , The Marvin M. Schwan Charitable Foundation ................................................... 2026–present P ersonal Statement I am honored to be nominated for this position and would serve in such a manner as to do a...
p. 23
Deric Armon Taylor
First Vice-President of the Synod
...34 Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................1992 P astorates Congregation Y ears St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, NY ...........1992–1997 The V illage Lutheran Church, Bronxville, NY ............................2004–2010 Our Sa vior Lutheran Church, Fair Lawn, NJ ....
p. 23
Dien Ashley Taylor
First Vice-President of the Synod
...ist; floor committee member) ....... 2004–present Member of the Board of Regents, Concordia College, Selma, Alabama (Vice-Chairman and Chairman) ........................................2007–2015 Adjunct Instr uctor, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Concordia College, Bronxville ......................
p. 27
Jeffrey Paul Cloeter
Central Region Regional Vice-President
....................2005 P astorates Congregation Y ears Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO....................2005–2013 Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO................ 2014–present Synod Offices P osition Y ears LCMS Youth Gathering Bible Study Planning Committee ......2009–2010 District Offices P osition Y ears M...
p. 29
Wally Mar lis Arp
East-Southeast Region Regional Vice-President
...my ministry, a quote from Luther has guided my approach to service in the kingdom: “Human nature is like a drunken peasant; as soon as you lift him into the saddle on one side, over he topples on the other.” I have sought to recognize when I have fallen off the horse, to confess and be lifted into the saddle again. I would seek to offer t...
p. 30
Deric Armon Taylor
East-Southeast Region Regional Vice-President
...Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................1992 P astorates Congregation Y ears St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, NY ...........1992–1997 The V illage Lutheran Church, Bronxville, NY ............................2004–2010 Our Sa vior Lutheran Church, Fair Lawn, NJ .......
p. 33
Eric C. Sko vgaard
Great Lakes Region Regional Vice-President
...rove Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, WI ........................ 2011–present Synod Offices P osition Y ears Sixth Vice-President ................................................................ 2025–present District Offices P osition Y ears Missionary, CNH District .............................................................2000–2003 Circui...
p. 36
Scott C. Sailer
Great Plains Region Regional Vice-President
...hurch, Sioux Falls, SD .....................................1999–2015 District Offices P osition Y ears President, South Dakota District ...............................................2015–2025 Other Significant Ser vice or Experience Type of Service Year s Admissions Counselor/Director, Concordia Seminary ...........1994–1998 P art-time...
p. 40
John Wollenburg Sias
Secretary of the Synod
...ts (including, this time, the circuit requirements task force, evaluation and revision of higher education governing documents, and study of parish service). More importantly, we’ve tried to hold constantly before everyone the common commitments and aims adopted by the convention, and to prepare the convention wisely to adjust them, that...
p. 40
Richard Charles Rudowske Jr.
Secretary of the Synod
...witness how clear communication, careful documentation, and faithful administration enable congregations and ministries to flourish in their calling. I understand the Secretary’s role as essential to supporting our common work “on behalf of congregations to assist them in carrying out their ministries” through excellence in governance an...
p. 43
Jan Walter Lohmeyer
LCMS Board of Directors
...s. I believe in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s doctrines are in accordance with Holy Scripture. I understand that the LCMS Board of Directors faces many challenges, and I pray daily that the Lord would grant this board discernment and wisdom to follow His will. 43
p. 48
Gregory D. Jans
Board for International Mission
...rved the Office of International Mission as an active-duty U.S. Air Force chaplain/missionary for over 27 years, proclaiming the risen Christ in Bahrain, Egypt, Italy, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkey. While teaching at both the USAF Chaplain School and Expeditionary Center (10,000 students/ year), I learned the strategic importance...
p. 49
Brent D. Smith
Board for International Mission
...e, but it also served 38,000 event participants from the local community. I am open to serving at the request of LCMS members where they see fit. After living and serving in Kazakhstan, Central Asia (1995–1997), and Eurasia (1999–2014), I continue to use a doctorate in missiology to mobilize international short-term teams and support indi...
p. 49
Seth Richard Hinz
Board for International Mission
...ide, Guest KFUO, Author CPH. My daily work at Lutheran Bible Translators lives at the intersection of global mission and local congregational engagement. We understand that God speaks every language. Yet only one in 10 language communities has a 49
p. 50
Richard Philip Fielitz Jr.
Board for International Mission
...iven vocations—as husband, father, grandfather, congregant, and neighbor—acknowledging these roles as divine callings rather than just human responsibilities. I understand that I have limits of knowledge, and I strive to continually read Scripture and engage in opportunities to be catechized. I recognize the importance of supporting my pa...
p. 51
Keith Gordon Chuvala
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
...Church Relations should therefore be well grounded in their knowledge of and commitment to the Holy Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions and the doctrinal position of the Synod. They should have a good understanding of the internal workings of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Above all, they should have a Christ-centered concern for the...
p. 53
David Paul Ramirez
Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors
...and studying it was a strong influence on my decision to leave the ELCA and join the LCMS when I was in seminary. After completing my M.Div. in 2008, I served as the historical theology graduate assistant at CTSFW . I later earned an S.T.M. in historical theology in 2020. I have sought to advance the knowledge and preservation of Luthera...
p. 53
Mark A. Loest
Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors
...cordia Historical Institute will mark its 100th anniversary. I look forward to serving on the Board of Governors at the beginning of its second century. As a former assistant director, as a contributor to the Quarterly, and through my ongoing interest and contributions to American Lutheran and Missouri Synod history, I am ready and willin...
p. 54
Alessandro Meregaglia
Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors
...e to put my education and training to use for the benefit of the LCMS. During my catechesis, I learned that faithfully proclaiming the Gospel today requires understanding the church’s past. That principle shapes my commitment to preserving Lutheran history. If elected, I look forward to serving with the rest of the board to advance the go...
p. 55
Jeff Bull
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors
...p of our congregations can be tempted to use program materials and publications that, often unknowingly, do not align with the confession of the LCMS. CPH stands as a critical resource to provide our congregations and members with materials that proclaim the full 56 | Concordia Publishing House 55
p. 55
Seth Richard Hinz
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors
...the Lutheran Confessions; committed to bringing the distinct witness of the Lutheran Church to all whom the publishing house serves; and committed to what the LCMS believes, teaches, confesses, and practices. Board members should understand business management, as CPH is a self-sustaining corporation. Senior management experience in a cor...
p. 56
Noreen L. Linke
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors
...positive trajectory of producing high quality Lutheran materials that meet the needs of those within the LCMS and broader Christendom, and to help CPH continue to be a gold standard of Lutheran publishing. Also candidate for: Board of Regents, St. Louis 56
p. 57
Jason Behr
LCEF Board of Directors
...year. The board oversees the use of LCEF’s assets to provide financial resources and services for ministry, witness, and outreach to the LCMS. All directors must have an understanding of the church extension program and/or demonstrate an expertise in fields or areas closely related to church extension activities, such as knowledge of rea...
p. 59
Mark O. Swenson
LCMS Foundation Board of Trustees
...the LCMS Foundation help LCMS members and congregations be good stewards of their God-given gifts. The Foundation serves both through planning assistance and investment management of assets. I strongly support the work of the Foundation and wish for their continued growth, as their services can provide a long-term benefit to LCMS members...
p. 60
Jacob Christian Bobby
Concordia University System Board of Directors
...orld. I would approach this position with a willingness to provide any guidance I can and a desire to learn how best to facilitate strong relationships and understanding between our congregations and universities. Our Concordia universities are a great blessing and deserve solid biblical, confessional, and adept leadership to help them ca...
p. 63
Richard Charles Rudowske Jr.
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...ld allow me to contribute my passion for theological education that equips pastors for faithful ministry. As an alumnus (M.Div. ‘05) now leading global mission work, I understand how seminary formation shapes lifelong pastoral effectiveness. My doctoral studies, cross-cultural Bible translation experience, and organizational leadership pr...
p. 64
Sarah Elizabeth Gaffney
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...town and city campuses. Growing up in a churchwork family resulted in family conversations regarding changes in our university system. My desire is that our Concordias would stand solidly on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions—so that we may continue to spread the Gospel, as Matthew 28:19–20 explains. May our universities take this to...
p. 66
Alicia K. Dietrich
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...Tchr. 2. O: Scientist/Lab. Mgr., Patient & Research Advocate, Undergrad. Tchr. I am interested in serving on the Board of Regents for CUC because I understand the pressure LCMS universities face to shed their distinctive Lutheran identity and the challenges they face due to declining enrollment and financial pressures. While these challen...
p. 66
Jeremy Thomas Geidel
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...nomination to the Board of Regents for Concordia University Chicago. With 24 years of experience in higher education at Concordia University Nebraska, I understand both the challenges and opportunities facing Concordia institutions, including enrollment pressures, financial stewardship, and strengthening Lutheran identity. I seek to serve...
p. 66
Nathanael Hahn
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...WY (WY); LCMS 27; Tchr. S: Adv. Deleg. D: Res. Com. WY Dist. Conv. O: Tchr. 6, CCLE Conf. Presenter 3, Tech. & Computer Software Exp. The church is constantly under attack from the devil and the world, and our Concordia universities are some of the most important bastions of our Synod. As a teacher, I see firsthand the impact Christian t...
p. 66
Paul R. Steinhaus
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...cher, a coach, an administrator, a member of the Board of Regents for CSP , and on accreditation teams. LCMS schools need to be supported, encouraged, and improved! I stand ready to help. Also candidate for: Board of Regents, Mequon Concordia University, Irvine | 67 66
p. 67
Brian Lee Kachelmeier
Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents
...O: Tchr. Biblical Orthodox Luth. Miss. & Wittenberg Academy, KFUO Radio Guest. Our Concordia universities distribute the treasure of a unique understanding of higher education. The Reformation reshaped the purpose of instructing the mind. The mind is a gift from God. Sin has marred the mind. Satan blinds the minds of humanity from seeing...
p. 68
Brian Takashi Yamabe
Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents
...12. O: Podcast Editor, Software Devel. 30. Having served as regent at Concordia University Portland and as a 2010 LCMS convention delegate, I understand this role’s responsibility. My 10 years on my congregation’s board of elders, study of Synod documents, and theological work alongside LCMS clergy have grounded me in the Synod’s mission...
p. 68
Sarah Elizabeth Gaffney
Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents
...n and city campuses. Growing up in a churchwork family resulted in family conversations regarding changes in our university system. My desire is that our Concordias would stand solidly on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions—so that we may continue to spread the Gospel, as Matthew 28:19–20 explains. May our universities take this to hea...
p. 71
Tia Marie Esser
Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents
...s 1, Org. Ldrshp. 17. My interest in serving on the Concordia University, St. Paul, Board of Regents grows from my vocation as a commissioned minister and long-standing leadership in Lutheran education. I bring a commitment to mission-centered governance, fiduciary responsibility, and long-term sustainability grounded in our shared confes...
p. 73
Christopher Robert Marshall
Concordia University Texas Board of Regents
...y in confession and a shared commitment to mission across all Concordia institutions. As a Synod, we should continue pursuing thoughtful dialogue and mutual understanding with CTX, seeking a faithful path toward alignment with the LCMS Constitution and Bylaws. Faithful, steady leadership on the Board of Regents is also essential to foster...
pp. 73-74
Concordia University Texas Board of Regents
Concordia University Texas Board of Regents
...h school) pastor for 35 years, and I have taught adjunct at Concordia, Ann Arbor. I have written on school administration and understand the goals and needs our Concordias should address. MINISTERS OF RELIGION—COMMISSIONED Elect 1 minister of religion—commissioned (3-year term)
p. 75
Paul R. Steinhaus
Concordia University Wisconsin Board of Regents
...high school teacher, a coach, an administrator, a member of the Board of Regents for CSP , and on accreditation teams. LCMS schools need to be supported, encouraged, and improved! I stand ready to help. Also candidate for: Board of Regents, River Forest f. Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon, Wis.) Board of Regents Elect 1 minister of...
