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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 509

corporate Synod operations, and placed much power in the hands of 
too few; and 
WHEREAS, Enough time has elapsed between the 2010 
restructuring and the present that the Synod is in a better position to 
evaluate the costs and benefits, strengths and weaknesses of the 
current structure; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commission a 
reconsideration of corporate Synod structure, including but not 
limited to the powers, composition, and representation of the Board 
of Directors (BOD), the mission boards and offices, other councils, 
committees, and boards (including the Pastoral Formation 
Committee, the Seminary Boards of Regents, and the Concordia 
University System Boards of Regents), with the goals of increasing 
representation and accountability and reducing the potential for 
abuse and misuse of power; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod charge the Office of the President  
(OTP) with establishing a task force of no fewer than eight members 
to include the Secretary of Synod, the Chief Financial Officer, the 
Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Mission Officer, and 
additional representatives from the OTP, the BOD, the Commission 
on Constitutional Matters, and the Commission on Handbook; and 
be it finally 
Resolved, That the task force submit its proposals at least nine 
months in advance of the 2029 convention for consideration at that 
convention. 
Christ, La Mesa, CA; Circuit 9 (Decatur), Indiana District 
Ov. 9-14 
To Revisit 2010 Restructuring 
WHEREAS, The Synod has periodically reviewed and revised its 
structure to better serve its mission, with major restructuring efforts 
undertaken in 1959, 1979, 1995, and most recently in 2010; and 
W
HEREAS, The 2010 Synod c onvention enacted substantial 
structural reforms that significantly impacted the configuration and 
responsibilities of boards, commissions, and agencies within the 
Synod (2010 Res. 8-07, 8-08A, 8-10, 8-12A, 8-13, 8-14A, 8-15, 8-
16A, 8-17, 8-36, 8-39, 8-40, 8-41); and 
WHEREAS, These reforms have produced certain measurable 
benefits, including a reduction in corporate Synod’s debt, a 
streamlining of operations, and an increase in certain operational 
efficiencies; and 
WHEREAS, The same reforms also led to the elimination or 
consolidation of many long-established boards and commissions, 
decreased direct representation of member congregations within 
Synod governance, and concentrated significant authority within a 
small number of individuals or offices; and 
W
HEREAS, More  than a decade has passed since the 2010 
restructuring, providing sufficient time to assess both the gains and 
the drawbacks of the current structural model with respect to 
representation, theological accountability, fiscal stewardship, and 
mission effectiveness; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commission a 
comprehensive reconsideration of the corporate Synod structure, 
including but not limited to: 
• the powers and composition of the Board of Directors  
(BOD); 
• the authority and operation of the mission boards and offices; 
and 
• the structure and responsibilities of s ynodwide councils, 
committees, and boards, including the Pastoral Formation 
Committee, seminary boards of regents, and Concordia 
University System boards of regents; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That this review be carried out with the express goal 
of increasing the theological, congregational, and regional 
representation in Synod governance; enhancing transparency and 
accountability; and reducing the potential for institutional overreach 
or misuse of authority; and be it further 
Resolved, That the President of the Synod be directed to establish 
a task force of no fewer than eight members, including: 
• the Secretary of the Synod; 
• the Chief Financial Officer; 
• the Chief Administrative Officer; 
• the Chief Mission Officer; and 
• additional representatives from the O
ffice of the President, 
the BOD, the Commission on Constitutional Matters, and the 
Commission on Handbook;  
and be it finally 
Resolved, That this task force present its findings and proposals 
no later than nine months prior to the 2029 Synod c onvention, in 
order that such proposals may be thoroughly reviewed and 
considered for appropriate action. 
South Lake 
League City, TX 
Ov. 9-15 
To Amend Bylaw 3.6.4.3 to Increase the Number  
of Lutheran Church Extension Fund Directors 
Elected by the Synod in Convention  
from Three to Four 
Rationale 
During a review of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)’s 
Articles and Bylaws, the Commission on Constitutional Matters 
stated the following in Opinion 24-3024, dated March 15–16, 2024: 
“Synod Bylaw 3.6.1.3 (a) provides that a minimum of one-third 
of the voting members of the governing board of a synodwide 
corporate entity [including LCEF] shall be elected by the Synod 
in convention. Thus, with three voting members elected by the 
convention, LCEF’s board may contain no more than six 
appointed voting members; it presently has eight.” 
In order to comply with the o pinion, LCEF must either: (i) reduce 
the number of Directors elected by LCEF’s members from eight to 
six, (ii) increase the number of Directors elected by the Synod in 
convention from three to four, or (iii) implement some other 
combination that complies with the mathematical conclusion of the 
opinion. 
The Board of Directors of LCEF has resolved that it is in 
the best interest of the good governance of LCEF, balancing the 
need for sufficient voices with that to avoid having too many voices, 
to increase the number of Directors elected by the Synod in 
convention from three to four. To implement this change, it will be 
necessary to revise Synod Bylaw 3.6.4.3 [1]
, a bylaw that only 
applies to LCEF. 
2026 Convention Workbook
474 STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION