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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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64 matches
p. 71
Tia Marie Esser
Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents
Tia Marie Esser Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents layperson Elect 1 minister of religion—ordained, 1 minister of religion—commissioned, 2 laypersons (3-year term) Sioux Falls, SD; Our Redeemer, Sioux Falls SD (SD); LCMS 64 Tia Marie Esser, Sioux Falls, SD; Our Redeemer, Sioux Fal...
pp. 5-7
Preface
Preface
Preface Introductory notes on presidential, vice-presidential, regional vice-presidential, and floor-nomination processes. Preface | 5 ing of paper ballots. The contractor exclusively handled voting credentials and sent reminder emails to congregational leadership as needed. The nomination period was Oct. 18, 2025, to Feb. 18, 2026. Instr...
pp. 5-6
Report of Nominations by Ballot
Report of Nominations by Ballot
...ce-President, and regional vice-presidents. Preface | 5 ing of paper ballots. The contractor exclusively handled voting credentials and sent reminder emails to congregational leadership as needed. The nomination period was Oct. 18, 2025, to Feb. 18, 2026. Instructions and credentials were physically mailed to each voting congregation to a...
p. 62
Christian A. Preus
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Board of Regents
Christian A. Preus Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Board of Regents Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Board of Regents commissioned Elect 1 minister of religion—commissioned (6-year term) First Vice-President; Regional Vice-President (East-Southeast Reg.) MINISTERS OF RELIGION—COMMISSIONED Elect 1 minister of religion—...
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
...hawano, WI BIGGS, Rev Dr Luther C† Lincoln, NE BITTNER, Andrew†‡ Mankato, MN BLOCKER, Mrs Jessica Christine†‡ Luverne, MN BLODGETT, Rev Michael Stephen Fort Wayne, IN BOBBY, Rev Dr Jacob Christian†‡ Yankton, SD BODLEY, Rev Christopher Raynard Chesterfield, MI BOERGERT, Dr Stephen RL†‡ Clarkston, MI BOMBARO, Rev Dr John Joseph Lafayette, I...
pp. 85-89
Index
Index
...ejewski, Darryl L. ........................................... 31 Appel, Timothy Aaron .............................................. 25 Arp, Wally Marlis .................................. 13, 28, 29, 34 Asburry, Randy Kevin .............................................. 25 Ascher, Christopher Duane (Chris) ........................... 34...
pp. 7-8
Abbreviations and Key
Abbreviations and Key
Abbreviations and Key Key to abbreviations used in nominee service summaries. Preface | 7 3.12.3.6 [c]) and consent-to-serve documentation for such nominees will need to be provided at the time that approval of the nomination is granted by the convention. As in the above paragraph, if a floor nomination is for a Concordia University Syste...
p. 38
Alfonso O. Espinosa
West-Southwest Region Regional Vice-President
........................1965 Bir thplace ................................Delano, CA Wife’s Maiden Name .....................Mar tin Number of Children ................................8 College ...............................Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA (1987) Seminary .........Concordia Theological Seminar y, Fort Wayne, IN (1991)...
p. 49
Richard Xeem-Xais Her
Board for International Mission
...); LCMS 17 Richard Xeem-Xais Her, White Bear Lake, MN; Hmong, St. Paul MN (MNS); LCMS 17; Pastor. D: Miss. Fl. Com. O: Spkr. NW LWML, Spkr. Christian Living Conf., Multi Asian Inter-ethnic Network. I’m a second-generation Hmong immigrant and third-generation Christian. My parents came to the U.S. through Lutheran Social Services. I grew u...
p. 60
Jacob Christian Bobby
Concordia University System Board of Directors
Jacob Christian Bobby Concordia University System Board of Directors Concordia University System Board of Directors ordained Yankton, SD; St. John, Yankton SD (SD); LCMS 22 Jacob Christian Bobby, Yankton, SD; St. John, Yankton SD (SD); LCMS 22; Pastor. S: SMP Winter Guest Instructor 7, LCMS NYG Presenter. D: Chm. Pastor’s Conf., NE Dist....
p. 61
Jeffrey Eric Skopak
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Board of Regents
...board helps to ensure faithful, well-grounded proclamation of the Gospel. The seminary is equipped to deliver theological education by multiple platforms. These platforms include residential, SMP , XIV. Report on Candidates for Seminar y Boards of Regents Elect 2 ministers of religion—ordained, 1 minister of religion— commissioned, 1 layp...
p. 17
Alfonso O. Espinosa
First Vice-President of the Synod
...........................1965 Bir thplace ................................Delano, CA Wife’s Maiden Name .....................Mar tin Number of Children ................................8 College ...............................Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA (1987) Seminary .........Concordia Theological Seminar y, Fort Wayne, IN (19...
p. 37
Timothy Paul (Tim) Ahlman
West-Southwest Region Regional Vice-President
...ns, supporting pastors, and embracing collaborative ministry, we offer a bold, collective witness. I am convinced that partnerships are an essential vehicle for our Synod, ensuring the love of the triune God reaches every community through our shared work. e. Nominations and Candidates for WestSouthwest Region Regional Vice-President Elec...
p. 40
John Wollenburg Sias
Secretary of the Synod
...and aims adopted by the convention, and to prepare the convention wisely to adjust them, that we may ever more hold our confession not only in word but in truth and doing. This is a demanding and essential post, near the front for many challenges. It has been an honor to serve. IV. Report on Candidates for Secretary of the Synod Elect 1...
p. 42
Jerald L. Folkerts
LCMS Board of Directors
...and Sunday school teacher in multiple LCMS churches. I firmly adhere to the common confession and mission of the LCMS, and I am devoted 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...
p. 45
Peter C. Bender
Board for National Mission
...Regular Guest. My 39 years of parish experience—evangelizing the lost, teaching the catechism, comforting troubled consciences, and confessing the truth of the Christian faith—has given me a wealth of experience to draw upon in giving national mission leadership to the Synod at large and in assisting the Board for National Mission in dev...
p. 47
Sarah Rausch
Board for National Mission
...e Reporter. C: Church Coun. Secy. 3, Altar Guild 16, Const. and Bylaw Com., Running Substitute Organist Service, LWML Mem. 18. O: BOD Rural Gospel Initiative 3, Business Mgr. /Proofreader for LOGIA, Young Woman Rep. Nat’l LWML Conv., Exec. Editor/Creative Dir. for Around the Word, Writer/ Editor for Various Publication, Liaison Rural Gosp...
p. 49
Rachel Elaine Jaseph
Board for International Mission
...tr., Conc. Deac. Conf. Mem. and VP , LWML. During my years as a missionary, I was privileged to be involved in the Gospel proclamation, education, and mercy work initiatives of our LCMS in three distinct international mission fields. The experiences the Lord afforded me shaped my perspective on living the Christian life in an increasingly...
p. 51
Keith Gordon Chuvala
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
...in matters of theology and church relations; and serves as a clearing house for materials relating to membership in societies, lodges, cults, or any organizations of an unchristian or anti-Christian character. (2023 Handbook, pp. 151–55) Qualifications: The Commission on Theology and Church Relations “exists to assist congregations in ac...
p. 54
David Duesenberg
Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors
...David Duesenberg, Frontenac, MO; St. Paul’s, Des Peres MO (MO); LCMS 31; Physician. O: Supporter of CHI, Luth. Sr. Serv., and Luth. Ed. Our Christian family is filled with those who have demonstrated faith, love, service, and perseverance in maintaining our “oneness,” where each person—past, present, and future—is part of the living Body...
p. 63
Bruce Edward Keseman
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...vel. 1. O: CSL Host Pastor 1, Sem. Field Ed. Supervisor 30, Higher Things BOD & Conf. Exec., Deac. Internship Supervisor 2, Conf. Spkr. 30, Admissions & Residence Staff St. John’s College 2, Freeburg Christian Dialogue Coord., Freeburg Youth Project Success Bd. Three-and-a-half decades as a pastor convince me that Concordia Seminary’s Boa...
p. 65
Lawrence Robert Rast Jr.
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...ty of the Synod is responsible for the spiritual, academic, and financial health of the institution. It makes decisions regarding the resources and strategic vision that are needed to provide church workers and Christian leaders for the church and the world. It develops detailed policies and procedures for governance of the institution an...
p. 72
Paul Clarence Hinz
Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents
...Ret. S: BOR CSP incl. Advancement & Governance 7. O: Prog./Portfolio/ Proj. Mgr. for MN Judicial Branch 10, Org. Change Ldr. 14, Bd. Chm. Lion’s Gate Christian Academy 2. It has been my joy and pleasure to serve Concordia, St. Paul, for the last six years. Having spent the last two years leading the Board’s bylaws subcommittee, and now h...
p. 14
Victor J. Belton
First Vice-President of the Synod
...ears) .................................................. 40 Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................1986 P astorates Congregation Y ears Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA ...........................1990–2017 Pulpit Supply , Messiah Lutheran Church, Brunswick, GA ... 2024...
p. 15
Jeffrey Paul Cloeter
First Vice-President of the Synod
....................... 2016–present Assistant Instr uctor, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis ........... 2017–present Oik os Group ............................................................................. 2021–present Board of Directors, Green Park Lutheran School ................ 2014–present Speak er, Various LCMS District Conventions ......
p. 16
David A Davis
First Vice-President of the Synod
................................................. 65 Rostered Member of Synod (y ears) .................................................. 42 Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................1984 P astorates Congregation Y ears St. Luke, Haslett, MI; Immanuel, Grand Rapids, MI; St. Paul, Trent...
p. 17
Jacob S. Gillard
First Vice-President of the Synod
.... Louis, MO................................2008–2012 District Offices P osition Y ears District Mission Committee, MNN District ........................... 2021–present Circuit V isitor, Rum River Circuit, MNN District ................... 2022–present Other Significant Ser vice or Experience Type of Service Year s Township Supervisor, Spr...
p. 20
Eric T. Lange
First Vice-President of the Synod
....5 College .......................................Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI (1984) Seminary .........Concordia Theological Seminar y, Fort Wayne, IN (1988) Other Degrees .............STM, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1999) Member of Synod Congregations (years) ........................................ 65 Rostered Member of Syn...
p. 23
Deric Armon Taylor
First Vice-President of the Synod
................. 2021–present Thrivent Nor theast Region Board ......................................... 2025–present P ersonal Statement I am humbled and honored to be nominated to serve our Synod. It is with great joy that I continue to hold to the words from Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In an...
p. 24
Sean August Willman
First Vice-President of the Synod
........ Sean August Willman Locale ......................................Hillsdale, MI Congregation ......St. P aul’s, Hillsdale, MI (MI) Birth Year ...........................................1986 Bir thplace ...............................Madison, IN Wife’s Maiden Name Anna Marie Florent Number of Children ................................7...
p. 27
Jeffrey Paul Cloeter
Central Region Regional Vice-President
...................... 2016–present Assistant Instr uctor, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis ........... 2017–present Oik os Group ............................................................................. 2021–present Board of Directors, Green Park Lutheran School ................ 2014–present Speak er, Various LCMS District Conventions .......
p. 34
Sean August Willman
Great Plains Region Regional Vice-President
...Sean August Willman Locale ......................................Hillsdale, MI Congregation ......St. P aul’s, Hillsdale, MI (MI) Birth Year ...........................................1986 Bir thplace ...............................Madison, IN Wife’s Maiden Name Anna Marie Florent Number of Children ................................7 Colle...
p. 38
Bradley W ayne Jurischk
West-Southwest Region Regional Vice-President
........................ Concordia Seminar y, St. Louis, MO (2020) Member of Synod Congregations (years) ........................................ 47 Rostered Member of Synod (y ears) .................................................. 24 Y ear of Ordination ...............................................................................2014 P...
p. 40
Richard Charles Rudowske Jr.
Secretary of the Synod
...areful 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 and authentic engagement. Also candid...
p. 44
Michael Paul Schuermann
LCMS Board of Directors
...vely under individual and committee assignments, actively speak and listen to one another in board and staff interactions, faithfully review and evaluate board-related working materials offered by other board members and Synod staff, provide constructive comments, honor confidentiality, and maintain a spirit of mutual encouragement and re...
p. 46
Karen A. Dowbnia
Board for National Mission
...ppreciation for the Synod’s mission and for the importance of sound, Christ-centered governance. The Board’s responsibility to develop policy guiding the ONM is essential to supporting districts and congregations in their work. I would be honored to serve the church in this capacity for the advancement of the Gospel. 46
p. 48
Gregory D. Jans
Board for International Mission
...y under individual and committee assignments, actively speak and listen to one another in board and staff interactions, faithfully review and evaluate board-related working materials offered by other board members and Synod staff, provide constructive comments, honor confidentiality, and maintain a spirit of mutual encouragement. Restrict...
p. 55
Thomas R. Halvorson
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors
...ision is to be the premier publisher of products faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Its challenge is to remain sustainable in increasingly adverse conditions for Christian publishers. This vision and challenge draw me to continue as part of its board. CPH’s significant investments in service to congregations, schools, and...
p. 56
Sarah Rausch
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors
...The Reporter. C: Church Coun. Secy. 3, Altar Guild 16, Const. and Bylaw Com., Running Substitute Organist Service, LWML Mem. 18. O: BOD Rural Gospel Initiative 3, Business Mgr. /Proofreader for LOGIA, Young Woman Rep. Nat’l LWML Conv., Exec. Editor/Creative Dir. for Around the Word, Writer/ Editor for Various Publication, Liaison RGI and...
p. 57
Jason Behr
LCEF Board of Directors
...ave is a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. Scripture calls us to love and serve one another, and I believe wise, faithful stewardship is essential to supporting congregations and sustaining the church’s mission. I bring a systems-level perspective, disciplined risk awareness, and a commitment to thoughtful leadership, alway...
p. 59
Mark Landon Huff
LCMS Foundation Board of Trustees
...Landon Huff, Marysville, MI; Faith, Port Huron MI (MI); LCMS 22; Pastor. S: Conv. Deleg. D: MI Pastor’s Conf. Plng. Com. C: Pastor 11. O: Residential & Commercial Construction Lending 1, Retail Operations Mgt. 2, Sr. Exec. Risk Underwriter & Fin. Inst. Analyst 5. Our Lord said He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as...
p. 59
Mark O. Swenson
LCMS Foundation Board of Trustees
...legal affairs of the LCMS Foundation. Board members should be experienced in financial, investment, or marketing matters. The Foundation’s goal is to link more and more Christians with giving opportunities as an expression of biblical stewardship; therefore, members of the board must be committed to managing life and all of life’s resourc...
p. 60
Mark S. Nuckols
Concordia University System Board of Directors
...ctors defines and adopts the Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards, carries out visitation and affirmation of Synod colleges and universities on their basis, and provides for presidential and theological faculty prior approval and other functions related to the Synod’s colleges and universities. Board members should have demonst...
p. 62
Michael David Lange
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Board of Regents
..., Elder 9, Asst. Treas. 2, SS Supt. 5, Bible Study Ldr. O: Semiconductor R&D and Production 40. The preparation of pastors for LCMS congregations is an essential function of our Synod. I am grateful to God for providing CTSFW for that purpose and would be honored to support the seminary’s work through service on its Board of Regents. The...
p. 63
Joel A Brondos
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...wed Him (Mark 1:17–18). Later, the disciples said, “We have left everything to follow You” (Mark 10:28). Then, after three years, Jesus sent them throughout Judea, Samaria, and all the world. Residential seminary education heeds this pattern—and the seminary Board of Regents serves the Synod to this end, namely, that young men may be dili...
p. 63
Warren Wilson Graff
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...sen in convention, I would be honored to serve. 64 | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with fervor at our seminaries to train up men for service to our congregations. We must ensure that providing a residential setting for pastoral formation continues for generations to come. 63
p. 64
Michael Scott Staub
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...improved recruiting for future pastors, maintained financial strength, and cared for the seminary campus. If chosen, I will continue to advocate for the importance of residentially trained pastors who learn in community with fellow seminarians, guided by faithful faculty, and gathered around the Word of God. These well-trained men will be...
p. 64
Noreen L. Linke
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...ularly attend seminary-sponsored continuing education programs. I have observed the challenges and evolution of both seminaries and am proud of their strides to make residential pastoral formation financially accessible to our students and those of our global partner churches. I feel prepared to utilize my broad experience, ideas, and per...
p. 64
Sarah Elizabeth Gaffney
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Board of Regents
...IL (SI); LCMS 57; Deac./Tchr. D: Mem. NI BOD. C: Parish Deac. 11, SS Tchr., VBS Tchr., Youth Grp., Ladies’ Aid, LWML. O: Voice of Care 10, Safe Harbor Residential School 2, Secy. Spiritual & Professional Growth Conc. Deac. Conf. 5, Deac. Interviewer CUC 4, Classical Ed. My family’s university is Concordia University Nebraska. I transferr...
p. 66
Alicia K. Dietrich
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...re opportunities for CUC to thrive. I am excited to support its goals and mission to provide a strong Lutheran education for future church workers and Christian leaders for the church and the world. 66
p. 66
Alison C. Witte
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...rsity Chicago has the opportunity to provide education that puts Christ and His redeeming work at the center of all we do. An education centered on Christ and Christian teachings as the foundation of how we interact with the world prepares students for all their vocations and to bring the Gospel into the broader world. I am excited to use...
p. 66
David Walz
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...s a regent of Concordia University Chicago, I hope to support the formation of the next generations of Lutheran educators, as well as the formation of Lutherans and Christians in all vocations. Lutheran education faces many challenges at this time, and so does higher education. Concordia University Chicago is at the intersection of these...
p. 66
Nathanael Hahn
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents
...he 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 teaching has on someone’s life. If chosen as a regent, I will be fully committed to helping CUC continue in that faithful education of students according to Christ. My prayer is th...
p. 67
Robert Scott Fogo
Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents
...ents. For 30 years I have served Lutheran high schools—13 as a teacher and 17 in administrative leadership—strengthening academic excellence and Lutheran identity. Christian liberal arts colleges today face significant challenges: demographic shifts, financial pressures, cultural headwinds, and increasing regulatory demands. I am fully co...
p. 68
Julie Ann Mann
Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents
...in an institution where instruction and life experiences are centered on high-quality pedagogy and rooted in the Great Commission. I believe CUI is bold in its initiatives while remaining firmly committed to our biblical worldview, and I would like to see that continue and grow. LAYPERSONS Elect 2 laypersons (3-year term) 68
p. 68
Sarah Elizabeth Gaffney
Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents
...(SI); LCMS 57; Deac./Tchr. D: Mem. NI BOD. C: Parish Deac. 11, SS Tchr., VBS Tchr., Youth Grp., Ladies’ Aid, LWML. O: Voice of Care 10, Safe Harbor Residential School 2, Secy. Spiritual & Professional Growth Conc. Deac. Conf. 5, Deac. Interviewer CUC 4, Classical Ed. My family’s university is Concordia University Nebraska. I transferred...
p. 69
Craig A. Ernstmeyer
Concordia University Nebraska Board of Regents
...9, Governance Com. O: Assoc. of Luth. Secondary Schools Bd. Mem. 5, Luth. Elem. School Assoc. of St. Louis Adv. Coun. 3. As a graduate of CUNE, I am excited about the potential of continuing to serve as a member of the Board of Regents! In the ever-changing world in which we live, the timeless truth of the Gospel the Concordia system prov...
p. 69
Luther C. Biggs
Concordia University Nebraska Board of Regents
...our Concordia system. For numerous decades our schools have equipped the saints to serve offices within our body as well as vocations as Christian leaders. Over the course of my ministry, I have been blessed to serve congregations within which schools have been integral. Additionally, I have had the experience of teaching at our St. Loui...
p. 71
Donald J. Fondow
Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents
...Facil. 3, ND Pres. My serving as a regent this past triennium has led me to an even greater commitment to the university’s mission and to the desire to see key initiatives through to completion, particularly given the current challenges facing higher education. I wish to continue to contribute to the fulfillment of the ongoing strategic p...
p. 71
Jeffrey Paul Cloeter
Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents
...y CSL, Author/ Writer 10. Our universities form young men and women in Christ for faithful service and witness to church and world. Challenges abound. Wise and godly stewardship is essential. Something extraordinary is happening at CSP . I am personally invested, as I am an alum and I have two children enrolled in church work programs. I...
p. 73
Christopher Robert Marshall
Concordia University Texas Board of Regents
...rstanding 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 fostering collaboration, stability, and trust, so that CTX may fully participate in forming future LCMS young adults for service in Christ’s church and the world. 73
p. 73
Richard A. Zeile
Concordia University Texas Board of Regents
...3, Chapl. Resident., Author CPH SS Materials, Adjunct Faculty CUAA 2. As a Valparaiso alumnus, I have observed the mission drift that has characterized many (formerly) Christian institutions. I believe that Concordia University Texas can be a valued institution of faith formation in our Synod. I served Michigan on its State Board of Educa...
p. 76
David Lambert
Concordia University Wisconsin Board of Regents
...ted, and with the help of God, I will continue this service with a focus on financial stability and the vital mission of educating future Lutheran church workers and Christian citizens at both Mequon and Ann Arbor. I believe our Lord has prepared me with the gifts—as an LCMS congregation leader, college instructor, and local government vo...
p. 76
Stephen M. Saunders
Concordia University Wisconsin Board of Regents
...uate Studies Psychology Dept. 18, Chm. Psychology Dept. 6. It is a challenging time for higher education, as scholarship and even science itself are endangered by anti-Christian ideologies that usurp and even mock the pursuit of truth. Students need the truth to be taught in all its purity more than ever. The Concordias should be uncompro...
