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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 36
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2026 Convention Workbook 1 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS R1 President Christ Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia. The resurrection is the heart of the Christian faith. Christ “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justifica - tion” (Rom. 4:25). The deed is done. Our sins, the sins of the whole world, have been paid for; atonement is made. And even more, there is a general verdict of justification, reconciliation, and for - giveness already rendered 2,000 years ago in Christ. The benefits are delivered in the Word of the Gospel, the Gospel of Baptism, and the Gospel of Christ’s body and blood. There is nothing to do to obtain God’s favor but believe it. You are baptized. The resurrection is yours now. The new life— resurrection—has hold of you now. News flash! Here is some GOOD news before you dig into this report. Analysis of congregation reports shows adult confirmations have since 2022 been significantly above the long-term (negative) trend—which, at very least, makes up for the significant 2020–21 COVID-19 drop. We are confirming adults at a rate similar to that reported in 2018. While that rate is about a third of that reported in 1998, we are holding and may be gaining ground again. All over the Synod, you’ve been telling me you are seeing people, families, and especially young men “showing up out of the blue.” Thanks be to God! Phoenix in July? Yes. The President of the Synod chooses the date of the convention, while the Board of Directors (BOD) selects the location. Although St. Louis is the preferred site according to our Bylaws, the BOD often opts for other venues to save a mil - lion or two. We’ll be informing delegates about heat precautions, as Phoenix can experience extreme temperatures in July. Despite this, plan on a great experience. Our conventions are extremely edi- fying and informative. The refrain I hear over and over again from delegates is “I can’t believe everything our Church is doing for the sake of Christ and His Gospel.” The vast majority of convention decisions are made by overwhelming majorities—often 90 percent or higher. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you! Strong Seminaries: Our two seminaries, Concordia Theologi - cal Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), are strong and getting stronger. We have a clear public confession of the authority of the inerrant Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions. Without that, we would be lost. I meet regu- larly with both seminary presidents. In fact, we recently spent a day together with our international mission leaders discussing global work and priorities, and I am pleased to say we’re all on the same page! We have many outstanding new seminary professors. Morale is good, and both schools are blessed financially. Thankfully, the Synod has been able to provide millions of dollars in support to the seminaries each triennium. I’m particularly encouraged by the growing partnership between both seminaries and the Office of In- ternational Mission for church planting work and global theological education. The Synod has repeatedly committed itself to residential seminary education. Carefully read the Pastoral Formation Com- mittee reports (R13–13.6) found in the Convention Workbook. They explain some modest adjustments to the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program. SMP pastors have been a blessing and will contin- ue to be so, especially where a congregation cannot obtain a regular seminary graduate. However, SMP pastors receive 36.7 percent of the coursework of the residential program. We cannot sustain the long-term theological and practical health of our ministerium if a larger and larger percentage of our pastors are not residentially trained. Strong (and Getting Stronger) Concordia Universities: The past decade was a challenging one for our Concordia universities, but the light is dawning. The downsizing of Concordia University Ann Arbor was particularly painful. Ambiguity, tolerance, and even advocacy of views of sex contrary to the Bible had gained a foot- hold at Concordia University, Portland; Concordia College New York; and Concordia University Texas; and these ideas were creep- ing in elsewhere. The 2023 convention, in close cooperation with the presidents of the remaining Concordia institutions, established a new governance structure of the schools. And it’s working. I’m proud of all our schools and their leadership. And more important, our universities are proud to adhere to the public confession of the LCMS. Set Apart to Serve: Our efforts through the Rev. Dr. James A. Baneck and the Office of Pastoral Education with Set Apart to Serve, which has been adopted by all districts, are beginning to pay off. We are seeing increased enrollment numbers in church work programs at all our universities and seminaries. Lord, have mercy! See details in the reports below. Review and Revision of “Reconciliation” Bylaws: After liv- ing with the bylaws on “reconciliation” for several decades, it’s time to revisit them. While the current process has reduced the number of “official” conflicts, it is onerous and often yields dis- satisfying outcomes for all parties. I’m suggesting we assemble a task force to investigate and suggest bylaw revisions to the 2029 convention. Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR): You have access to all CTCR reports and opinions from the past triennium in this workbook. The report on the proper administra - tion of the Lord’s Supper is particularly helpful. I’ve noticed the use of grape juice far too often. (The Synod has spoken clearly and biblically on this several times.) The report also strongly dis- courages pre-packaged elements and odd methods of consecration. I requested an opinion and guidelines for the age-old practice of “lay readers,” or men who lead a non-Communion liturgy and read a pre-prepared sermon. Council of Presidents (COP): The COP functions like a healthy circuit. At each meeting, members provide regular exegetical, con- fessional, and casuistry studies. The group is remarkably stronger theologically than it was 16 years ago, and it is getting stronger ev- ery triennium. We deal with exceedingly challenging issues, but we always do so with honesty and respect. At my urging, this past tri- ennium, we worked through the Rev. Dr. Hellmut Lieberg’s Office and Ordination in Luther and Melanchthon (Concordia Publishing House, 2020), which I had commissioned Matthew Carver to trans- late. It’s a tour de force on Luther’s doctrine of the Office of the Ministry, the spiritual priesthood, and all related issues. It happens to demonstrate that the first Synod President, C.F.W. Walther, got Luther’s doctrine, and that of our Confessions, correct, with both a high view of the spiritual priesthood of all the baptized and a high view of the office of pastor. I enjoy presenting a theological paper or translation at almost every meeting. More Authority for the Mission Boards: The BOD is submit- ting an overture to grant the Boards for National and International Mission greater supervisory authority. This is also a reduction in the authority of the Synod President. It is a good move.