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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 517

ecclesiastical encouragement, service, coordination, resources, and 
counsel—all for the sake of greater congregational participation in 
God’s mission” (Bylaw 5.1.1); and 
WHEREAS, Districts “establish visitation circuits according to 
geographical criteria” (Bylaw 5.1.2); and 
WHEREAS, “Each circuit visitor shall assist the district president 
within the circuit” (Bylaw 5.2.3); moreover, “[the circuit visitor] 
shall serve under the direction of and be accountable to the district 
president and shall serve as his spokesman when so authorized and 
directed and shall assist him in doctrinal and spiritual supervision” 
(Bylaw 5.2.3 [a]); and 
W
HEREAS, “The circuit visitor shall hold his position by virtue 
of his selection by the circuit forum and ratification by the district 
convention” (Bylaw 5.2.2); and 
W
HEREAS, “The [Synod] vice -presidents shall be elected 
advisors of the President and, upon the President’s request or as 
provided by the Synod, shall assist him in discharging his 
responsibilities or represent him” (Bylaw 3.3.2); and 
WHEREAS, The filling of a vacancy in a regional vice-presidency 
is only made “in consultation with the district presidents within that 
region” (Bylaw 3.3.2.4); and 
W
HEREAS, Five Synod vice -presidents are designated “regional 
vice-presidents” (Bylaw 3.3.2.3); and 
WHEREAS, Selection by regional groupings is deemed 
appropriate for circuit visitors and district presidents, each of whom 
serve under the direction of another, who is elected by a broader 
grouping; and 
WHEREAS, Circuit visitors are selected in their regional grouping 
and ratified by the district in convention; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Synod develop an overture 
to be submitted to the 2029 Synod convention that provides for the 
needed changes, so that the five regional vice -presidents would be 
selected by their respective regions and ratified by the 2032 Synod 
convention. 
Florida-Georgia District 
Ov. 9-27 
To Appoint Task Force to Improve District 
Representation on Synod Boards,  
Boards of Regents, and Commissions 
Preamble 
Given that synod  in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod 
(LCMS) means “walking together ,” there should be equitable 
representation to ensure that as many districts as possible are 
included in the “walking together” leadership of the LCMS. 
WHEREAS, T here were 69 elections at the 2023 Synod 
convention that included ordained ministers, commissioned 
ministers, and laypersons for  the following offices, boards, and 
commissions: vice-presidents, Secretary, LCMS Board of 
Directors, Board for National Mission, Board for International 
Mission, Commission on Theology and Church Relations, 
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors, Lutheran Church 
Extension Fund Board of Directors , Concordia University System 
Board of Directors, and boards of regents for the Seminaries and 
Concordia Universities; and 
WHEREAS, Data analytics for the 2023 Synod c onvention show 
unequal district representation among those elected, including the 
following inequities: 
• 57 percent of the districts have one or fewer representatives 
in the elected positions.  
• 
Twelve districts (34 percent of districts), representing 
1,292 congregations with 326,842 baptized members, 
have no one elected to any of the boards or commissions.  
• Eight districts (23 percent of districts), representing 
1,573 congregations with 416,004 baptized members, 
each have only one individual elected to either a board 
or commission.  
• 12 percent of the districts have five or more representatives 
in the elected positions.  
• 
One district (3 percent of districts), representing 158 
congregations with 36,159 baptized members, has seven 
individuals elected to boards or commissions.  
• 
Three districts (9 percent of districts), representing 777 
congregations with 278,925 baptized members, each 
have five individuals elected to boards or commissions. 
and 
WHEREAS, There is also data to support inequities when looking 
at regions, with the East -Southeast Region having significantly 
fewer individuals elected than the other regions, and the non-
geographic districts having significantly more representatives 
elected than the geographic districts; and 
WHEREAS, With 69 elections and 35 districts, there should be a 
strong consideration to have on average two representatives from 
each district serving on Synod boards and commissions. While this 
may not always be possible, it is something that the Synod should 
be striving for. By improving district representation on Synod 
boards and commissions, the benefits for the Synod include, but are 
not limited to, the following: 
• More district participation and perceived value  
• 
More opportunities to share differing perspectives based on 
specific regional/district concerns 
• Better decision-making 
therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention establish a task force to 
consider methods, procedures, parameters , and changes to any 
applicable Synod bylaws and policies to improve the representation 
of all districts on Synod boards, boards of regents, and commissions 
elected during conventions; and be it further 
Resolved, That the task force prepare an overture or overtures to 
implement any changes to improve the representation of all districts 
on Synod boards, boards of regents, and c
ommissions elected 
during conventions; and be it further 
Resolved, That the task force be composed of the Secretary of 
Synod, three representatives from the Council of Presidents, three 
district secretaries, lay representatives from or appointed by three 
district boards of directors, the Commission on Handbook, and the 
Commission on Constitutional Matters; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the task force issue its report, including any 
proposed overtures, twelve months before the next Synod 
convention. 
Eastern District; Board of Directors, Eastern District 
2026 Convention Workbook
482 STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION