Timothy Paul (Tim) Ahlman

Leadership at every level of our Synod really matters. I am honored to be nominated for First Vice-President and West-Southwest Region Vice-President. If elected, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I would be humbled to help Synod leadership solve, in time, some of our significant challenges: changing demographics, pastoral and commissioned minister leadership shortages, churches declining and closing, limited church plants, and an increasing gap of mistrust between various “camps” in Synod. These challenges can, and must, be solved without compromising our clear biblical and confessional Lutheran teaching. I pray our best days as a Synod are ahead.

First Vice-President

Centered on the 2026 Convention theme, “Christ Is Risen Indeed” (1 Cor. 15:20–22), I believe resurrection hope is the heartbeat of our mission. This truth is best lived out through koinonia— the deep, shared partnership in our Synod. Because no leader or church can “go it alone,” we must unite to carry out God’s will. By strengthening congregations, 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

Elect 1 minister of religion—ordained (West-Southwest Region)

(3-year term)

Nominations Received: A total of 338 nominating votes were cast by 287 congregations of the region. Here following are the names and tallies of all ordained ministers who received nominating votes:

Alfonso O. Espinosa 117

Yohannes A. Mengsteab 33

Anthony B. (Brian) Flamme 22

Scott R. Murray 22

Bradley W. Jurischk 16

Timothy P. (Tim) Ahlman 9

Alfonso J. (AJ) Espinosa 9

Eric T. Lange 9

Terrence C. (Terry) Chan 8

6 votes:

Michael E. (Mike) Gibson; Daniel A. Hinton

4 votes:

Timothy M. Klinkenberg; C. Bryan Wolfmueller

3 votes:

Jon M. Braunersreuther; Lonnie A. Gonzales; Anthony F. Kobak;

Paul A. Linnemann; James B. Maxwell; William H. Tucker

2 votes:

John F. Davis Jr.; Jonathan M. Dinger; Jose M. Franco-Arango;

Vincent R. (Vince) Harman; Robert M. Hiller; Michael R. (Mike)

Lange; Zachary (Zach) McIntosh; Michael W. (Mike) Newman;

Jeffery T. (Jeff) Schrank; Michael T. (Mike) Von Behren; Nathan M. Wendorf

1 vote:

Joel D. Biermann; Alan D. Borcher; Ronald D. Burcham; John W. Cain; Daniel D. Deuel; Michael P. Dorn; Clarence H. Eisberg; Terry R. Forke; Daniel L. Freeman; Jayson S. Galler; Mitchell W. Gowen;

Joel J. Held; Kenneth M. (Ken) Hennings; Quincy D. Koll; Kevin L. Kritzer; Michael A. Morehouse; Steven P. Mueller; Donald H. Neidigk; Robert C. Preece; Aaron M. Richert; Carl D. Roth; Jonathan B. Ruehs; Jason S. Rust; John W. Sias; Dale O. Snyder; Morris W. Stephens Jr.; Bradley R. (Brad) Stoltenow; Larry A. Stoterau;

Robert P. Sundquist; M. Alan Taylor; Laerte Tardelli H. Voss; Paul G. Wenz; Thomas J. Zelt As required by Bylaw 3.12.2.7 (c), the nominees who received the highest number of votes were notified to obtain their approval in writing for the inclusion of their names on the ballot. Because the Bylaws of the Synod provide no opportunity for adding names to this slate, other than due to the death, declination, or unavailability of a candidate, the ballot for the election of the West-Southwest Region VicePresident is expected to contain the names of the following top five consenting candidates in alphabetical order: