7-28

To Conduct a Project Postmortem Examination of Concordia University Ann Arbor

This is official source text extracted from the 2026 LCMS Convention Workbook. It is distinct from analysis or commentary. Check official LCMS convention materials for final authority.

This site is an independent delegate research and preparation tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, or officially connected to The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod or any other organization unless explicitly stated. All official convention information should be verified with official LCMS convention resources and the Convention Workbook.

Official Workbook overture source text

Overture: 7-28

Workbook page: 435-436

Source pages: 435, 436

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: Michigan District

Ov. 7-28

To Conduct a Project Postmortem Examination of Concordia University Ann Arbor

WHEREAS, It is desirable to enhance the level of trust and support in the Concordia University System (CUS), and the respective Concordia institutions contained therein, regarding processes and decisions that lead to any substantial and material downsizing or elimination of any university; and

WHEREAS, There has not been an independent analysis of the actions taken by the Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor Board of Regents regarding the contractual framework and

resulting decisions leading to the substantial and material reduction of operations of the Ann Arbor campus; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct that an independent committee be established, under the oversight of the Board of Directors, to conduct a project postmortem analysis of the contractual agreements involved in the acquisition of Concordia University An n Arbor (CUAA) by Concordia University Wisconsin, audited financial statements, and the processes involved in decisions pertaining to the acquisition and subsequent downsizing of the Ann Arbor campus and its programs; and be it further

Resolved, That the independent committee’s membership include, at a minimum, those district presidents representing all former and current Concordia universities, excluding those districts associated with a Concordia university involved in any current litigation with the Synod; and be it finally

Resolved, That the findings of this committee be made available to the Synod and to all district presidents.

Michigan District

Source record notice

Official Workbook source text remains separate from any clearly labeled draft discernment material. Review status is source checked.

Navigation

Workbook search Workbook page 435 Previous overture Next overture

Committee

University Education

Themes

Theme tags are a conservative research aid for finding patterns in proposed resolutions. They are not official LCMS classifications.

Governance Procedural Financial Relational

Citations

Workbook source for 7-28: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 435-436

Draft discernment material

AI Summary and Discernment Aid

This section is an AI-assisted summary and prayer guide based on a draft discernment document. It is not official LCMS material, not a substitute for the Workbook, and not a substitute for reading the full overture. Please read the complete overture text below before forming conclusions, speaking publicly, or voting.

The draft guide summarizes the apparent direction this way. Readers should compare this with the full overture text and any floor committee action.

Floor Committee 7: University Education

Summary and possible impact

The resolves appear to ask the church body to conduct a Project Postmortem Examination of Concordia University Ann Arbor. In plain language, this overture is trying to move the stated concern into convention action by directing specific offices, boards, congregations, or workers toward action. Main actors named or implied include districts, Synod in convention, Synod officers or boards, schools, universities, or CUS entities. The overture contains about 3 resolve clauses, so delegates should read each clause rather than reacting only to the title. Its impact depends on how a floor committee rewrites, combines, refers, or declines it, since overtures often become part of broader resolutions. Delegates should read the final committee resolution carefully rather than assuming the original overture language will come to the floor unchanged. Support it if it strengthens Gospel proclamation, the means of grace, faithful congregational life, and the sending of Christ's people. Seek amendment or oppose it if it weakens confession, obscures Law and Gospel, burdens local ministry, or turns a preference into a rule.

Prayer for discernment

Lord Jesus Christ, risen Shepherd of Your Church, guide our delegates and leaders as they weigh this overture. Keep them captive to Your Word, joyful in the Lutheran confession, sober under Your Law, and bold in Your Gospel. Bless students, faculty, campus pastors, and young adults who need the living voice of Christ. Give courage to support what serves Your truth and mission, humility to amend what is unclear or excessive, and faithfulness to reject what would burden consciences, obscure the forgiveness of sins, or distract from Your sending. Let all things serve the proclamation that Christ is risen, sinners are forgiven, and Your Church is sent in love. Amen.

Read the full overture source text

Keep moving

Next Faithful Step

Study Aid

Need help studying this?

Use the Guidance page to connect Workbook overtures to Today's Business resolutions, floor committee videos, NotebookLM podcast guides, study guides, and delegate preparation resources.

Open Delegate Guidance Watch Floor Committee Videos Listen to Podcasts

To Conduct a Project Postmortem Examination of Concordia University Ann Arbor

Next Faithful Step

Convention Hub

Overtures

Workbook Search

Resolutions

Guidance

Need help studying this?

Pause and Pray at 3:07 p.m.