Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 72

2026 Convention Workbook
37
OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
In addition to the board and committees listed above, the Synod 
President has also appointed the undersigned to serve as a regent 
for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, since September 2019. In that 
capacity, he also serves on the Academic Committee.
The paragraphs above, together with the detail provided in the 
three reports immediately following this one, provide a record of 
most of the First Vice-President’s activity during this triennium.
Duties Not Specified in Other Reports
The following are some aspects of the First Vice-President’s 
work that aren’t specified in the three reports that follow (Reports 
R2.1, R2.2, R3). For the most part, these are assigned by the Presi-
dent, rather than the bylaws. The First Vice-President:
•	 serves as a liaison between various Synod leaders and the 
Office of the President, including regular communication 
with:
o
 the chairman of the Council of Presidents; and
o district presidents regarding:
	 questions they have about their work in their districts;
	 matters of 
concern in their districts that are brought to 
the attention of the Synod President;
	 participation in district conventions by members of the 
Praesidium; and
	 colloquy matters;
•	 participates in district visitations, per 2013 Res. 7-01A 
(during this triennium, the First Vice-President participated 
in 17 official district visitations, totaling 43 days);
•	 participates in district conventions (during this triennium, 
the First Vice-President attended 12 district conventions, to-
taling 30 days, preaching three times and giving the Synod 
report at six conventions);
•	 meets regularly with the Synod President to assist and give 
counsel;
•	 responds to letters and emails of concern that are sent to 
the Synod President (during the triennium, the Office of the 
President and Office of First Vice-President implemented a 
new system to track, collaborate upon, and respond to these 
inquiries in a more timely manner);
•	 assists the President triennially with:
o
 orientation of 
new district presidents on the nature 
and conduct of their office (Bylaw 3.3.1.3 [b]);
o orientation of 
new district presidents on the conduct 
a district convention;
o the circui
t exception process for Synod conventions 
(Bylaw 3.1.2);
o floor committee 
assignments (Bylaw 3.1.7) and 
the orientation of floor committee chairs and vice-
chairs; and
o
 reviewing all 
overtures to the Synod convention (By-
law 3.1.6.2 [c]);
•	 reports quarterly to the Council of Presidents;
•	 writes four reports (Reports R2, R2.1, R2.2, R3) for the 
Convention Workbook once every three years;
•	 presents triennially (and as needed) to the district presidents’ 
reels with hymns (in collaboration with the Michigan District’s 
Hymnal Project) or other theological content continue to increase 
engagement. Daily hymn texts receive the most engagement on X/
Twitter. 
Supporting KFUO’s Ministry
KFUO maintains its own Development and Fundraising team to 
support the mission and goals of the station and ensure the Gospel 
continues to be proclaimed through Bible studies, worship services, 
sacred music, and theological talk programs. At the heart of this is 
love for the neighbor that engenders a generous spirit in our lis-
teners. 
KFUO’s development staff help to deepen this meaningful rela-
tionship and help donors of any amount or ability to leverage their 
love for the Gospel into the proclamation of God’s Word heard 
around the world on KFUO, not only on the radio but also through 
internet streaming broadcast, podcasts, and social media engage -
ment.
KFUO is funded by listener donations and partner organi-
zations. Throughout each fiscal year, our team works on several 
development and fundraising efforts, such as mailings, personal 
phone calls, donor luncheons and meet-and-greet events, and our 
annual Sharathon, our premier fundraising event held every spring.
You can often find KFUO Radio at many LCMS events and 
gatherings because many in our church body are yet unaware of 
this treasure of our Synod. Look for KFUO Radio when you attend 
the LWML National Convention, Synod convention, LCMS Youth 
Gathering, or select local and district events.
We are thankful to the Lord for the blessing of so many gener -
ous, faithful, and passionate supporters of KFUO’s ministry, and 
for the opportunity to share Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere.
Gary Duncan, Executive Director of Broadcast Services
R2
First Vice-President
The First Vice-President is the only full-time Synod vice-pres-
ident. He is also an officer of the Synod who, like the other 
vice-presidents, is elected by the Synod at each convention. He is 
responsible to the President for the performance of his duties, many 
of which are assigned by the bylaws and others that are established 
by the President (Bylaws 3.3.1.3 [i] and 3.3.2.2 [a]).
Among his duties that are established by the bylaws are to serve 
as:
•	 chairman of the Colloquy Committee for Pastoral Ministry 
(Report R2.1);
•	 chairman of the Colloquy Committee for Commissioned 
Ministry (Report R2.2);
•	 a voting member of the Council of Presidents, where he also 
serves on the Program Committee; 
•	 a nonvoting member of the LCMS Board of Directors;
•	 a nonvoting member of the Commission on Theology and 
Church Relations; and
•	 a member of the Administrative Team (Bylaw 3.5.1.1).
The First Vice-President serves along with five regional 
vice-presidents and the President on the Praesidium (Report R3).